If you’re wondering how to find fibromyalgia doctors near me, you’re not alone—many people with fibromyalgia struggle to find specialists who can provide the care they need, and who deeply understand the intricacies of the disease.
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide—but despite its prevalence, fibro can be powerfully isolating. Having a doctor who understands fibromyalgia can help make sure you have a source of support that’s accessible, empathetic and informed.
In this article, we’ll explore what fibromyalgia is, the types of doctors who treat it, and the best ways to search for knowledgeable fibromyalgia doctors near you. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, this guide will help you take the first step in finding the right medical care.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”), and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. While the root causes of fibromyalgia are still being researched, the mechanism behind the chronic pain response is a process known as central sensitization, which involves the entire central nervous system (CNS) becoming hypersensitive to pain.
Some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Chronic pain: Persistent pain throughout the body, often described as a dull ache or burning sensation.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired even after a full night’s sleep.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often due to pain or discomfort.
- Cognitive issues: Trouble with memory, concentration, and mental clarity, often referred to as “fibro fog.”
- Other symptoms: Headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and sensitivity to temperature, light, and sound.
See our fibromyalgia symptom checklist. to learn more about common (and less common) symptoms.
What Kind of of Doctor Treats Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can affect many different systems in the body, which means it often requires a multidisciplinary or multi-modal approach to treatment. The following types of healthcare providers are most commonly involved in the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia:
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
Your first point of contact when experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms may be your primary care doctor. They can help assess your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and make an initial diagnosis. If your PCP suspects fibromyalgia, they may also refer you to a specialist, like a rheumatologist, for diagnosis and treatment.
Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists specialize in autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases, but they are also one of the most common specialists to treat fibromyalgia. These doctors can provide expertise in ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, so they are often the specialist that patients are referred to for their original diagnosis.
A rheumatologist may also prescribe medications, recommend physical therapy, and provide long-term management strategies for fibromyalgia in addition to diagnosis, or they may refer a patient back to their PCP or to another specialist.
Pain Management Specialists
Pain management doctors focus on alleviating chronic pain, so they can be a common practice for people with fibromyalgia. These doctors can offer a variety of treatments, from medications to injections, nerve blocks, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or physical therapy, that can focus on short-term pain relief, long-term pain relief, or both.
If you have severe fibromyalgia pain, a pain management specialist may be a valuable part of your care team. However, be aware that some pain management specialists with less familiarity with fibro may focus on interventions that aren’t as evidence-based for fibromyalgia pain specifically.
Neurologists
Since central sensitization is a key mechanism behind fibromyalgia within the central nervous system, neurologists may be involved in treatment, especially if you are experiencing other neurological symptoms like tingling, numbness, or “fibro fog.” They can help evaluate nerve function and determine whether other neurological conditions are also contributing to your symptoms.
Psychiatrists or Psychologists
Mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or psychologists are often important members of the treatment team for fibromyalgia. Living with chronic pain and fatigue can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and mental health providers can help with therapy, counseling, and medication management to address these aspects of the condition.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists can be crucial in helping manage common fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly pain and stiffness. Through targeted and personalized movement, stretches, and other physical interventions, they can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and increase strength and flexibility.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists can assist people with fibromyalgia in adapting to specific daily activities to reduce pain and improve function. This may involve suggesting assistive devices, modifications to home or work environments, and strategies for managing fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioners
integrative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, have been shown in several studies and systematic reviews to improve fibro symptoms. While they are often not covered by insurance, finding an experienced practitioner in these therapies who is familiar with fibromyalgia can be a beneficial part of your care plan.
How to Find a Fibromyalgia Specialist Near Me
Now that you know the different types of doctors who treat fibromyalgia, it’s time to find one near you. Unfortunately, many doctors and other healthcare providers are unfamiliar with recent research on fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment; on top of that, many people with fibromyalgia report that they don’t feel heard or understood by their provider.
Because of this, a doctor who not only understands fibromyalgia but also appreciates a patient’s perspective is an important part of your care team. Here are several ways to locate experienced fibromyalgia providers in your area:
Online Doctor and Insurance Provider Directories
Many websites offer directories of doctors based on specialty and location. These include:
- Healthgrades
- Zocdoc
- Vitals
- WebMD
- American College of Rheumatology (for rheumatologists)
- Psychology Today (for psychiatrists and psychologists)
If you have health insurance, your insurance provider likely also has an online directory of in-network doctors. You can search for rheumatologists, pain management specialists, or primary care physicians who are experienced in treating fibromyalgia.
Unfortunately, these sources don’t often include a specialty for fibromyalgia, and it can be challenging to filter these doctors by their experience in fibro. So while this can be a good place to start, it is also important to cross-reference these sources with information from others with fibromyalgia, like those below.
Fibromyalgia Support Groups
Joining a local or online fibromyalgia support group can provide invaluable recommendations from others who have firsthand experience with local doctors. Many members of these groups will share their positive (and negative) experiences with healthcare providers, giving you insight into which doctors are particularly skilled in managing fibromyalgia.
Some questions you might ask other people with fibromyalgia include:
- What types of treatment did this provider discuss with you?
- Did this provider and office staff make you feel comfortable?
- How did the provider handle your questions?
- How long did it take to get an appointment with the office?
- Would you recommend this provider to a loved one with fibromyalgia?
Referrals from Your Primary Care Doctor
If you’ve already seen your primary care physician and are not getting effective treatment for your fibromyalgia symptoms, ask them for referrals to a fibromyalgia specialist. Your PCP may have a network of trusted specialists or work with fibromyalgia experts in your area.
For example, Swing Care works with practices around the country to connect their patients with fibromyalgia specialists, and to help coordinate fibromyalgia care with their existing healthcare team. Learn more about Swing Care.
Academic Medical Centers and Research Hospitals
Research hospitals and academic medical centers like Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic often have specialists who are on the cutting edge of fibromyalgia research and treatment. Although there are few options available within fibromyalgia, these centers may offer more advanced or experimental treatment options and may be an excellent resource for finding other knowledgeable fibromyalgia doctors near you.
Online Reviews and Ratings
While online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, they can offer useful information about a doctor’s communication style, office environment, and general approach to patient care. Websites like Google Reviews or Healthgrades often provide ratings from other patients who have visited a particular doctor or practice.
Telemedicine
If finding a local doctor proves difficult, consider telemedicine as an option. Many specialists now offer virtual appointments, which can allow you to connect with highly qualified fibromyalgia doctors who may not be in your immediate geographic area.
Besides giving access to fibromyalgia specialists in your area, telemedicine providers like Swing Care are also helpful because they can see you on days when your symptom activity may be high, like fibro flare days. Plus, they can help save and money commuting.
Summary
Finding the right fibromyalgia doctor is crucial to managing the condition, improving your quality of life, and having a partner to help navigate your treatment. Whether you’re looking for a primary care physician, a rheumatologist, or a pain management specialist, there are many ways to find fibromyalgia doctors near you. By using the tools outlined in this guide and seeking out referrals and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to finding the expert care you need to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms effectively.
Fibromyalgia is a complex, individualized condition, so don’t be afraid to seek second opinions or try different treatment approaches until you find a doctor who works best for you. Your health and well-being are worth the effort.
