Fibromyalgia (pronounced fie-bro-my-AL-ja) is a complex chronic pain illness that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Fibromyalgia is a state or condition that develops in an individual, rather than a disease or illness that someone contracts from another individual or a congenital defect that is present from birth. FM experts estimate that 10 million Americans suffer with FM. While it is most common with women, FM also strikes men and children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds worldwide.
Widespread, chronic pain affecting any or all parts of the body with varying intensity fatigue and sleep disturbances, “brain fog” and difficulty with cognitive functioning and memory, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems, as well as anxiety and depression.
It may by triggered by a physical trauma (acute illness or injury) or emotional trauma. Increasing attention has been devoted to the Central Nervous System (CNS) as an underlying mechanism of FM. Recent research has suggested a genetic component.
Fibromyalgia is often referred to as a “diagnosis of exclusion.” This term refers to the fact that no specific laboratory test is available to diagnose FM, therefore other conditions must be ruled-out prior to giving that definitive diagnosis. There are conditions that can mimic or co-exist with FM. They include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroidism, anemia, immuno-compromised conditions, infectious agents such as CMV, EBV, HIV, and some types of cancers.
Obviously, these conditions must be identified and treated appropriately, but they do not negate the possible concomitant condition and subsequent treatment of FM. The Rheumatologic Congress has provided guidelines for the diagnosis of FM which include:
Widespread pain for more than a three month duration
At least 11 of the 18 tender spots noted in the BUE/BLEs
Exclusion of possible co-existing conditions as noted above
It is simply as easy as making a phone call to us at 270.415.9575 and we will make an appointment for you with our Nurse Practitioner. Since each of our patients is at a different stage of pain and distress caused by FM, our Nurse Practitioner will make recommendations that will fit your needs here at Birk Grove.
Yes, Birk Grove does accept most local insurance plans. Please call 270.415.9575 us for more specific information on your insurance plan benefits.
Birk Grove gladly accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Care Credit. For additional information on establishing individual payment plans, please contact us at 270.415.9575.
To provide an environment for healing and growth, patients at Birk Grove Life Centre are exclusively women.
With the birch tree as our inspiration, Birk Grove Life Centre was conceived in an effort to serve the unmet needs of women with fibromyalgia. “Birk” comes from the Celtic word for “birch.” This has special significance since the owner’s family heritage is Scottish.
Birch trees tend to grow in groves, never alone. We believe that women with fibromyalgia should not stand alone; but should have a strong support network of medical and wellness professionals, as well as from other courageous women who have dealt with or are dealing with fibromyalgia.
The birch tree is highly adaptive and able to sustain harsh conditions. Proof of its adaptability is seen in its ability to repopulate areas damaged by forest fires or clearings. Bright and beautiful, the birch tree is a pioneer, courageously taking root and starting to renew landscape where no other would survive.
A brilliant symbol of stability and resiliency, the birch tree is the perfect igniter, as it will start to burn even when damp. Again, the birch is the perfect analogy which represents moments when our spirits are dampened by challenges in our lives that we can always be inspired to “catch fire” from the spark of passion and hardiness in our hearts.
Listen closely and you will detect whispers of transformation, growth and joy throughout the birch grove inside yourself.
Please feel free to call (270) 415-9575 or email any additional questions to mpoole@birkgrove.com