Fibromyalgia Specialist in Knoxville
Live Your Life Without Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed medical conditions today. While it is often triggered by psychological stress, the excruciating pain you feel each day isn’t “all in your head” – it’s real, it’s debilitating, and it’s life-altering.

As a rheumatologist and fibromyalgia specialist in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Tonya Baker of Rheumatologix empathizes with individuals living with chronic pain – especially women and patients of color whose concerns are often dismissed. She recognizes that every movement you make can be agonizing and that the fatigue, brain fog, and sleep issues you struggle with are constant frustrations. If other providers regularly diagnose your symptoms as psychosomatic and medical tests continue to come back inconclusive, scheduling a rheumatology consultation is the best way to get to the heart of the problem.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia often emerge after a physical or emotional trauma. Fibromyalgia alters the way your nervous system processes painful and nonpainful signals. It eventually downregulates the receptor activity in your brain, which in turn, exaggerates pain sensitivity so your body can no longer handle the stimulation of pressure, temperature, and touch.

If you are living with fibromyalgia, you may exhibit one more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain and stiffness
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Problems with memory and concentration
  • Regular headaches
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
  • Joint pain
  • Digestive problems

Over time, fibromyalgia can elevate your risk for mental health conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

How Does a Rheumatologist Treat Fibromyalgia? 

The first step in treating fibromyalgia is getting the correct diagnosis. During your initial consultation, Dr. Baker will meet with you to discuss your personal and family medical history as well as perform a physical examination and order diagnostic bloodwork. By having a complete picture of your overall health and eliminating other potential conditions, she can pinpoint the cause of your disease and possible triggers.

Treatment for fibromyalgia may include pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs to address your pain and fatigue. However, because of the complexity of the disease, physical therapy and counseling are often integrated into a care plan to help you develop coping mechanisms and better manage your stress and anxiety. Finding ways to improve your sleep patterns is also an essential component of care.

A Fibromyalgia Specialist Near Me in Knoxville

Because there’s no single objective lab test that can determine fibromyalgia, the National Fibromyalgia Association reports a patient living with the disease will suffer for three to five years before their condition is identified. At Rheumatologix, we believe even a few weeks is too long to wait for a diagnosis.

If you’re experiencing unexplained pain and fatigue, contact our rheumatology clinic in Knoxville at 865.995.7006 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Baker. As a direct-pay, direct-care provider serving Eastern Tennessee, Dr. Baker will take the time to listen to you, provide the care and compassion you deserve, and determine the best course of action to help you get back to feeling your best.