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Fibromyalgia Center - Kennewick, WA

Kennewick Rheumatologist Doctors for Fibromyalgia

Type of Physician: Rheumatologist

What is a Rheumatologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons. The rheumatologist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries, etc. The rheumatologist may work closely with other specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists.

Specialty: Rheumatology

Common Name:

Rheumatologist Doctors in Kennewick *

Arthritis Center Of The Tri-Cities
Sophia Chang
516 W Margaret
STE 6
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 547-6086

Kennewick, Washington

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-09
Pioneer 5K/1K Fun Run/Walk 2012
Milton Freewater, Oregon
2012-06-16
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Pasco
Throughout Pasco, Washington
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Richland
Throughout Richland, Washington
2012-07-14
Caledonian Games 5K
Athena, Oregon
2012-07-21
Riding the Roza Century
Prosser, Washington
2012-07-21
CCC Trail Runs
Umatilla, Oregon
2012-09-08
XC Fest
Hermiston, Oregon
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - Kennewick
Throughout Kennewick, Washington
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - Richland
Throughout Richland, Washington

Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Fibromyalgia is also characterized by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disturbances in bowel function. Fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome and abbreviated FMS. Fibromyalgia was formerly known as fibrositis.

While fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, its cause is currently unknown. The painful tissues involved are not accompanied by tissue inflammation. Therefore, despite potentially disabling body pain, patients with fibromyalgia do not develop body damage or deformity. Fibromyalgia also does not cause damage to internal body organs. In this sense, fibromyalgia is different from many other rheumatic conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and polymyositis). In those diseases, tissue inflammation is the major cause of pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the joints, tendons and muscles, and it can lead to joint deformity and damage to the internal organs or muscles.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. Those affected experience pain in response to stimuli that are normally not perceived as painful. Researchers have found elevated levels of a nerve chemical signal, called substance P, and nerve growth factor in the spinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients. Levels of the brain chemical serotonin are also relatively low in patients with fibromyalgia. Studies of pain in fibromyalgia have suggested that the central nervous system (brain) may be somehow supersensitive. Scientists note that there seems to be a diffuse disturbance of pain perception in patients with fibromyalgia.

Also, patients with fibromyalgia have an impaired non-rapid eye movement, or non-...

Recommended Reading Related to Fibromyalgia

Complete Blood Count (CBC) »

What is the complete blood count test (CBC)?

The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. The complete blood count is the calculation of the cellular (formed elements) of blood. These calculations are generally determined by special machines that analyze the different components of blood in less than a minute.

A major portion of the complete blood count is the measure of the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood.

How is the complete blood count test (CBC) done?

The complete blood count (CBC) test is performed by obtaining a few milliliters (one to two teaspoons) of blood sample directly form the patient. It can be done in many settings including the doctor's office,  laboratories, and hospitals. The skin is wiped clean with an alcohol pad, and then a needle is inserted through the area of cleansed skin into to patient's vein (one...

Emergency Contact for Kennewick

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Kennewick Hospitals *

Kennewick General Hospital
900 S Auburn St
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509)586-6111

Lourdes Medical Center
520 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
(509)547-7704

Kadlec Medical Center
888 Swift Blvd
Richland, WA 99352
(509)946-4611

Good Shepherd Medical Center
610 NW 11th St
Hermiston, OR 97838
(541)667-3400

Prosser Memorial Hospital
723 Memorial St
Prosser, WA 99350
(509)786-2222

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