Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing chronic pain and fatigue.
We understand the challenges and impacts these conditions have on daily life, and the dedicated team of medical professionals is here to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. With a patient-centred approach and a range of treatment options, we aim to help effectively manage chronic conditions, including chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and more.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread pain affecting the body, heightened tenderness, and mental and emotional challenges. It is considered a complex condition that affects the way the brain processes pain signals.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread pain that affects multiple areas of the body and is felt as a ‘dull ache’ with tender points.
- Fatigue regardless of sleep quantity.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Cognitive difficulties, specifically regarding memory, concentration, attention and mental clarity.
- Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Sensitivity to pain, experiencing heightened responses to pressure, temperature changes, or minor physical stimuli.
Treatment options
The treatment of fibromyalgia aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance overall well-being. Some of the following options may be recommended by the general practitioners at Narangba Station Medical Centre, depending on your unique needs:
- Plant-based treatment (Medicinal Cannabis)
- Medications including pain relievers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants
- Cognitive behavioural therapy to develop coping strategies, manage stress, improve sleep, and reduce pain perception
- Physical therapy and exercise tailored to your needs
- Sleep management techniques, such as stretching, aerobic exercises and strength training
- Stress reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises, meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness practices
- Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and pacing activities to avoid overexertion
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain refers to persistent or recurrent pain that lasts for an extended period, typically six months or more – or is terminal. Chronic pain can result from various underlying causes, such as an injury, medical condition, inflammation, or nerve damage. It can affect any part of the body and can range in intensity from mild to severe. Common types of chronic pain include back pain, arthritic pain, neuropathic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia pain, and pelvic pain, among others.
Symptoms of chronic pain
You may have a chronic pain condition if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Persistent pain, lasting three months or longer
- Fluctuating intensity and variability of pain over time
- Emotional impacts, such as feelings of frustration, irritation, anxiety, depression or mood changes
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Decreased mobility and functional limitations, making it challenging to perform everyday activities
- Cognitive difficulties, specifically concerning concentration, memory, attention and problem-solving
- Mood and social interaction impacts
- Reduced quality of life
Treatment options
There are many treatments available to manage chronic pain, and treatment options recommended by general practitioners at Narangba Station Medical Centre will differ depending on your specific condition. Treatment options may include:
- Plant-based treatment (Medicinal Cannabis)
- Pain medication, anticonvulsants, antidepressants or topical analgesics.
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility and mobility.
- Psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
- Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing good sleep hygiene, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage – the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis, typically developing gradually, and can affect any joint in the body (but most commonly the knees, hips and hands). Various factors such as age, genetics, joint injury, obesity, and repetitive stress on the joints can cause this breaking down and wearing of cartilage.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from person to person but commonly include:
- Joint pain, swelling and/or stiffness.
- Reduced range of motion in joint.
- Cracking sensation when moving the affected joint.
- Muscle weakness around the joint.
- Joint instability.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Depending on your specific chronic condition, the general practitioners at Narangba Station Medical Centre may suggest one or more of the following treatment options for osteoarthritis management:
- Plant-based treatment (Medicinal Cannabis)
- Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, or avoiding activities that aggravate the joint
- Physical therapy tailored to your specific needs
- Pain management via over-the-counter pain relievers
- Assistive devices such as braces and splints to provide joint support and improve mobility
- Corticosteroid injections into the affected joint for pain relief and reduced inflammation
- Surgery for severe cases, including joint arthroscopy, joint realignment, joint fusion, or joint replacement
Call us or book your appointment online
Bookings can be made online using our easy to use booking platform. If you prefer to speak with our team, you can call us on 07 3521 4333.
Medical Disclaimer
(1) No advice: This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such.
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(3) Professional assistance: You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.
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