Can heat and cold therapy alleviate fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that makes everyday activities a daunting challenge and leaves many people feeling constantly exhausted and in pain. It affects around 10 million people in the United States alone and is estimated to affect 3-6% of people worldwide 1 .

The condition is particularly common in women, who are affected twice as often as men. Despite its prevalence, the causes of fibromyalgia remain elusive and are often misunderstood, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment that can add to the frustration and distress of sufferers.

We recognize the importance of understanding the causes of fibromyalgia and finding compassionate and effective ways to manage it. Our goal is to help those affected by fibromyalgia find relief and a path back to normalcy by researching the best methods to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is fibromyalgia?

What you should know about fibromyalgia: It is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and constant fatigue. Fibromyalgia patients often suffer from increased sensitivity to pain, and the symptoms can be debilitating. Typically, this pain occurs in the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Although fibromyalgia is similar to arthritis in its symptoms of pain and fatigue, it is not associated with inflammation or damage to joints, muscles or tissues. This distinction is important because it differentiates the treatment of fibromyalgia from that of other chronic pain conditions.