A Rheumatologist Can Help a Secretary Who Has Fibromyalgia Stay Strong

Posted on: 23 April 2020

Secretaries are put under more physical strain than many people may realize. For example, they need to sit up straight for hours a day and have to type heavily. And if they suffer from a disease like fibromyalgia, they may end up having to get a rheumatologist to help them recover from this condition.

Fibromyalgia Can Be Very Painful

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatoid disease that can occur without warning in a wide variety of people. Though those with a family history or who work specific muscles more often may be at a higher risk, there's no agreed-upon singular cause for this condition. When it does develop, though, it can cause fatigue, pain that spreads slowly throughout the body, and a related inability to focus.

As a result, secretaries with this disease may find it very hard to focus on their job. For example, the pain may make it very hard for them to type or sit up for extended periods. And the lack of focus and a decrease in cognitive skills may make it hard for them to keep track of essential details. These issues could cost them a job if they make too many mistakes, so therapy is critical.

How a Rheumatologist Can Help

Fibromyalgia treatment often comes from a rheumatologist, as these experts can provide many different types of care. For example, they can perform a blood test to gauge a person's rheumatoid factor and to see how their thyroid is functioning. Then, they can come up with a treatment option that can manage this issue. For example, various types of medications, such as over-the-counter pain treatments, can decrease some of these symptoms and help a secretary get back to work.

However, more specialized treatments are also available, such as some types of antidepressants (Cymbalta specifically) and even some anti-seizure drugs, like Neurontin. By taking these medications, a secretary can get back to a reasonable level of health and keep their typing healthy and capable. However, they may also need physical and occupational therapy, such as working on strengthening their fingers, to help.

And rheumatologists direct these assessments because of the nature of this disease. By working with these professionals and more general doctors, it is possible for those with fibromyalgia to get this disease as under control as possible and to regain a happy and stable life that keeps their hands healthy and their bodies free from the sometimes challenging rigors of this disease.

To get the help of a rheumatologist, visit a medical center like Sarasota Arthritis Center.

Share