Finding a Fibromyalgia Doctor

When looking for a fibromyalgia doctor you need to realize that you may need to invest some time to find the right one.  Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a complicated syndrome that has different symptoms and affects in different patients.  It's these complexities that make diagnosis fibromyalgia difficult.  There is no conventional medical test for fibromyalgia, nor is their a complex blood test.  Worst yet, as fibromyalgia syndrome sufferers well know, the pain comes and goes and travels throughout the body, so where it was one day, it may not be the next.  This change in symptoms can baffle doctors that are not well versed in fibromyalgia.

Additionally, many healthcare practitioners and doctors are not well educated or knowledgeable on the latest developments in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.  It's important to find a doctor that specializes in related conditions to ensure they're aware and understanding of all the possibilities of fibromyalgia.  Information about what is fibromyalgia can be found on our site.

Consider a Rheumatologist First

The following tips for finding a fibromyalgia doctor that's right for you are:

  • Consider a Rheumatologist
    • Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis most closely mimic Fibromyalgia
    • Rheumatologist's specialize in the above conditions
    • Therefore these doctors were the first to become most aware of Fibromyalgia
    • Also, a rheumatologist can test you for the above similar conditions
  • Avoid doctors that believe fibromyalgia is "all in your head"
  • A rheumatologist increases your probably of being approved for Social Security disability

Questions to Ask

  • Is the doctor accepting new patients?
  • How much experience do that have with Fibromyalgia?
  • How long will it take to get your first appointment?
  • How long will it take to book appointments moving forward?
  • Are you able to talk to the doctor by phone moving forward should you have a quick question

Further notes to finding a doctor to treat or diagnose your fibromyalgia

New research is showing that Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder. As such, some neurologists are known to diagnose and treat fibromyalgia.  If you're unable to find a rheumatologist then you can also consider a neurologist but will need to confirm they're knowledgeable about FMS.

Get Started Finding a Doctor

Now that you've familiarized yourself with what to ask and what to identify when looking for a Fibromyalgia doctor you can begin your search in our directoy.

Find a Fibromyalgia Doctor

 

Comments

Lissa Brooks

Fri, 05/06/2016 - 03:38

I live in Tacoma and I've contacting several rheumatologists in my area. All of them have told me they do not see fibro patients and would end up referring me back to my PCP. I know many other people who see a rheumatologist without issue, so what is going on here?

CountryGirl

Fri, 06/17/2016 - 03:39

I found the same issue in Colorado. So I found a pain specialist and have been with him for several years. Keep looking till you find the right one. 

adanielle

Wed, 11/16/2016 - 22:14

I've had the same issue she ruled out RA and AS, told me it wasn't arthritis so I didn't have to see her again. When I pushed she said it could be muscular and told me to go to the pain clinic. My GP tried me on Eluvil and diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia, I went back to see the rheumatologist and she said she didn't want to say i Had FS because i was too young. My GP won't give me a referral to a neurologist and it seems i can't find a Rheumatologist who will see me because i only have "functional inflammation"

Lorraine

Fri, 10/21/2022 - 23:09

Now that it is beginning to be believed that fibromyalgia is a nervous system disorder... I could have told everyone that when I was first diagnosed by the Air force. Never even heard of it, but they told me I had it. They have me valium. I was also given clonopin at times. Those types of drugs were the best that ever helped me. But no... now all they want to give is nonsense like gabapentin and Neurontin and Lyrica. All those things cause me to have issues breathing. Why oh why can't I get what works? I am so tired of having all this pain and burning and such. And the spasms. I want some relief. Can anyone point me in a direction where I can get the right medications. It's not that I even need to take them daily, just as needed. But it's as if I'm asking for heroin or something.

Anonymous

Wed, 01/17/2024 - 19:13

I have called many rheumatologists and cannot find one that will treat fibromyalgia. They say primary care should deal with it. My primary care doctor wants me to see a rheumatologist. I have been getting this run around for over twenty years with various doctors. I'm not sure who to blame for this, but it makes me so angry I could scream. Why do so few doctors understand and care about the hell that we are in?