Author: dearfibromyalgia

If you’ve ever sat with a leg tucked underneath your body or fallen asleep with one arm at an odd angle, there’s a good chance that you’ve experienced paresthesia. This is the medical term for the pins-and-needles feeling that occurs when pressure is applied to a nerve for a long period of time. It can also feel like numbness, itching, burning or crawling across the skin.

For most people, paresthesia is an occasional discomfort that is quickly relieved by removing the pressure from the nerve. This is what you do naturally when you shake an arm or leg out of its sleep. When paresthesia occurs repeatedly or without an obvious application of pressure to a nerve, there is typically an underlying condition causing the issue. One potential underlying cause is fibromyalgia.

Nerve Damage & Fibromyalgia 

When researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital tested 27 fibromyalgia patients for nerve damage and compared them against 30 healthy adults, they found that damage to nerve endings was more prevalent in the fibromyalgia group. This small study was published in the journal PAIN in 2013 and recommended ongoing research into the neurological impairments of fibromyalgia patients.

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This research is significant because fibromyalgia is connected to and as I often say, it tends to “interplay” with our central nervous system. The fact that many of us with fibromyalgia also have neurological dysfunction could hint to other potential causes and treatments for the disorder.

There have been other studies that have found symptoms mimicking neurological disorders in fibromyalgia patients. One study was published in 1988 in the Journal Rheumatology. Of 161 fibromyalgia patients studied, more than 80 percent had experienced tingling or numbness. What’s even more noteworthy is the fact that most of the participants with symptoms of paresthesia had no diagnosis for a known neurological disorder that would cause those symptoms. Some even had normal electromyograms, which is a test typically used to diagnose neurological conditions.

Further research is needed to understand the connection between nerve damage and fibromyalgia on a deeper level, but it’s clear that tingling and numbness are common in fibromyalgia patients. The question is whether treatments commonly reserved for patients with neurological disorders will help some fibromyalgia patients, since the cause of fibro paresthesia is potentially different.

How to Treat Chronic Paresthesia

Paresthesia is typically relieved by treating the condition causing the discomfort. This is often a herniated disc, spinal column mass, vitamin deficiency, stroke, liver or kidney disease, and many other conditions known to cause neuropathy or nerve damage. The problem is that not all fibromyalgia patients with chronic paresthesia will have or be aware of another underlying condition causing the problem. Like most symptoms of fibromyalgia, we can treat surface symptoms the best we can, but as always, we need to keep working on underlying issues and root causes.

Natural or prescription anti-inflammatories are sometimes used to help relieve mild symptoms, but low-dose antidepressants may help with more severe symptoms for some patients. It may also help to ensure that your diet includes enough B vitamins and that you aren’t suffering from other nutritional deficiencies. Acupuncture and massage are also considered effective alternatives, and you can read more here at Natural Rxs for Fibromyalgia.

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Paresthesia, Fibromyalgia & character traits

In the mind/body category of the website, we focus on the fact that fibromyalgia IS NOT all in your head, but it can and does affect the mind, the brain, the inability to think clearly, or to stay positive and motivated. The point I most often work to get across is that it’s not just about “thinking positive” or even just repeating affirmations. No, it is so much more. The mind body exercises we refer to will help to bring a more “automatic conditioning” to how we think, act, and react to the world around us. 

Believe me when I say that working on the mind body part, despite the reality of physical symptoms, is an ongoing process. It can be done, and we are delving even more into some specific teachings over the next year that I have been developing and adding to what I already implement in terms of mind body conditioning. 

Paresthesia impacts nerves in specific areas of the body, and fibromyalgia often centralizes within the different parts of the nervous system. It may seem unlikely that either condition would affect personality traits, but one small study published in the July 2018 issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases found some evidence that a connection does exist between personality, fibromyalgia and paresthesia.

The study included 101 females diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a comparison group of 53 healthy people not diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The fibromyalgia group was split in two, separating those who also suffered from paresthesia. All groups were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory for four personality characteristics:

• Harm Avoidance – A worrisome personality that includes a lot of fear and doubt with a pessimistic state of mind. (what are we influenced by?)
• Novelty Seeking – An exploratory personality trait that includes a drive for new and exciting experiences, which may involve impulse decision making.
• Persistence – A consistent personality trait that involves following through on plans and committing fully to the resolution of problems. (this is not about perfection)
• Reward Dependence – A personality trait that responds strongly to reward, which may include social approval.

The results showed that both fibromyalgia patients scored significantly higher in harm avoidance than the control group, and those with paresthesia scored among the highest of all. Fibromyalgia patients also scored significantly lower in self-directing, with the paresthesia group coming in the highest again.

This is one small study that hints to qualities and traits that may come with paresthesia and fibromyalgia. And, we all can have a little of all of those traits in us, don’t you think? If you have fibromyalgia and you’re routinely bothered by signs of paresthesia, talk to a medical professional about screening for other underlying causes. In the absence of neurological disorder or trauma, you can try alternative and over-the-counter medications that may also help improve other symptoms of fibromyalgia. 

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

It is important to note here that not all eye conditions are attributed to fibromyalgia, but some symptoms in the eyes and face can be exacerbated by fibromyalgia. 

I often say that fibromyalgia tends to be equal opportunity in regards to the areas and systems of the body affected. Yes, fibromyalgia has the ability to contribute to eye pain, and I will detail some of these ways here.

However, we always like to extend a caution that we should all get our eyes checked regularly. We don’t want to miss another condition.  

Let’s examine a few possible factors in Fibromyalgia and Eye Pain

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Ocular Migraine

Living with chronic migraine since the age of 9, I certainly understand the pain of headaches. You might often hear me say in our video interactives that “this is the area where we think, express ourselves, and interact with the world around us” 

When a migraine started, I would often lose my vision or see black spots in front of my eyes, greatly impeding my vision.

I remember the first time this happened in the fourth grade. We were walking in single file back to the classroom. By the time we got back to class, I was seeing those big black spots, and this time, vomiting as well from the intense pain. 

Yes, migraine is common in those of us with fibromyalgia, and although ocular migraine may be less common, it can be part of our fibromyalgia symptoms. 

Fibromyalgia, Trigger Points, and Eye Pain

Trigger points can occur anywhere around the body. They tend to occur around muscle and connective tissue. When we have trigger points around the head, this can cause pain in the face, sinus area, jaw, and the eyes. 

Stress can contribute to triggering points. The head and neck just happen to be a place where we hold stress.

Thyroid and Eye Pain 

If you start noticing more pain behind your eyes, this could be a number of things, but it could also be related to a thyroid dysfunction.

Although we treat thyroid issues more holistically here, it is a good to know that continued pain behind the eyes may indicate a need for greater attention to our thyroid. 

Lights and Eye pain 

Does glare seem to bother you more? Do lights seem very bright to you when they are not too bright for people around you?

Light sensitivity is a common symptom in fibromyalgia. Although it can be related to many other things like heavy metal toxicity in the body, it is best to avoid eye strain from florescent lights, driving at night, or being on screen devices too long every day. 

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Insomnia and Eye Pain 

If a lack of restorative sleep is an issue for you, then you likely notice an effect on your eyes. When our body restores at night, that means every part of our body.

Our eyes have a great need for restoration. Without proper sleep, my own light sensitivity is greater, and I will need sunglasses more on an overcast day. 

Whether it’s insomnia, or simply staying up too late, our eyes can pay the price. Avoid screen time at night as much as possible. 

Screen Time and Eye Pain in Fibromyalgia 

Be sure you set your blue light filter on all of your devices.

This will help lessen your exposure to the blue light from screens every day. If you are not sure how to do this, search for your particular device and follow the instructions. It is very easy to do on a cellphone. Go to your settings. 

Avoid too much screen time every day by setting your hours ahead of time.

Facebook even has a way that you can monitor your time. I set mine for three hours. If I am on  more than three hours in any one day, it will tell me about it. Time is up. 

What about CBD oil and Eye Pain? 

Because we have the endocannabinoid system of the body, we have many receptors all over our body. CBD oil can help to reduce inflammation, therefore supporting eye health. 

If you scroll back up slightly to the Sunsoil Organic CBD ad, you can take advantage of trying the Sunsoil products at 20% off.  Sunsoil is an amazing company and they are giving our followers 20% off all first orders. 

Histamine Issues and Eye Pain 

Some of us who have fibromyalgia, also have issues with histamine.  This can create an intolerance to certain foods “high on histamine” as I like to say, or even some foods that can exacerbate histamine, like some citrus fruits. 

Also, nasal congestion can contribute to eye pain, and although we don’t want to use anti-histamines every day, we need to avoid congestion in the body by avoiding mucous forming foods, and by avoiding toxic indoor environments. 

Epstein Barr Virus / CFS ME

If you also live with the Epstein Barr virus like I have for many years, you likely know this can contribute to eye pain. CFS/ME is one of those handful of inflammatory factors I often talk about in regards to fibromyalgia.

There can be inflammation around the brain stem, and you might have more symptoms in your head and face with Epstein Barr, and CFS/ME. 

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Do you ever think about how fibromyalgia and blood vessels affect each other?  Is there a connection?

I often say that fibromyalgia is complex and affects multiple systems in the body. When you think about fibromyalgia, you think about the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, GI tract, brain, etc. But do you ever think about your blood vessels and what they are really doing there in your body?

And, what does fibromyalgia have to do with your blood vessels and is there a connection? At this point, the most accurate answer to this question is “possibly.” In 2013, a firestorm of controversy was kicked off in the fibromyalgia community due to the release of promising results from a study on the hands of fibromyalgia sufferers. 

The research was completed by a group of doctors who biopsied tissue from the hands of 24 women with fibromyalgia and nine control subjects. They found that the fibromyalgia sufferers had more sensory nerve fibers at select points of the blood vessels in their palms. 

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Because fibromyalgia affects multiple systems and areas of the body, it is not surprising that fibromyalgia can also affect the blood vessels of the body. What has been missing in the information thus far is the connection to fibromyalgia and trigger points.  Also, be sure to read the paragraphs in the middle to last part of this article to learn what you can do to better support your own blood vessels. 

As you continue to read and follow here in the site, you will see many of the pieces of the fibro puzzle come together. This isn’t chasing a false cure, this is addressing the roots and systems of the body that are more vulnerable when living with fibromyalgia.

One thing we will never do here is give you false hope or breaking news about some exaggerated headlines regarding fibromyalgia. That is exactly what happened a few years ago as research was simply being conducted on fibromyalgia and blood vessels. We always look at the body as a whole. 

Trigger Points, Fibromyalgia and Blood Vessels

Trigger points are different than the standard 11-18 tender points found on the fibro body of a person living with fibromyalgia. Tender areas involve soft tissue areas of the body and do not radiate the same way that trigger points do. They can however “interplay with the trigger points”, as I often like to say. 

You see, trigger points in the scalene muscles of the neck, can radiate pain into the shoulder, arm, and hands. The blood pooling that can occur in the hands may likely be due to these trigger points in the upper back area, which are most common in people with fibromyalgia. (The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, Clair Davies, Amber Davies) 

Remember that treating trigger points in fibromyalgia, as well as understanding the role of tender points, is most helpful when getting any kind of body work.

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Why All the Buzz about Fibromyalgia and Blood Vessels?

Articles circulated around the internet for years, and many people got their hopes up that a real cure for this devastating disorder was on the way. The idea was that excess nerve fibers in the blood vessels could explain why so many fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain in their hands and/or feet. Some of the articles released claimed that the cause of fibromyalgia was discovered, but that’s not exactly the case.

While it’s possible that this research could prove some connection between excess nerve fibers within blood vessels of the hands and fibromyalgia, the research stopped short of proving that connection. When one blogger followed up with two of the doctors responsible for that initial study, she discovered that additional research has been held up due to the lack of funding. 

While the doctors find it interesting that fibromyalgia patients have those added sensory nerve fibers in their blood vessels, they cannot say with certainty how to go about treating this one issue within fibromyalgia. 

Looking at the Bright Side of the Relationship Between Fibromyalgia and Blood Vessels

Since the research has proven that fibromyalgia sufferers have these extra nerve fibers in their blood vessels, it is possible that those nerves are triggering the pain, stiffness, and fatigue that go along with fibromyalgia. It’s also possible that those blood vessels aren’t allowing blood to pass through the hands efficiently, leading to another possible cause of the pain and discomfort. 

Are There Other Ways We Can Improve the Health of our Blood Vessels? 

If we know that fibromyalgia can affect our blood vessels, is there anything we can do to have a positive effect on them and therefore our symptoms? 

Vitamin C is great, and I recommend taking the purest additive free vitamin C, we use HealthForce C powder from raw nutrients.  I also like using pure antioxidant extracts like Goji extract and Acai extract. The brand we have used for many years is from Genesis Today. 

Please note: it is better to be consistent, than to take a manufacture recommended amount of many supplements. If you can only afford half, or maybe you take it every other day, but you take it consistently that way, you are still one step ahead. Making your supplement regimine effective AND cost effective. 
Many of our dietary principles are also beneficial for the cardiovascular system. 

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Exercise and Healthy Blood Vessels

As practitioner and trainer, I also suggest fibro safe exercise.  You see, when we get that blood flowing, we are protecting our blood vessels.  With fibromyalgia, we have to get more creative at times in order to work with and around those more vulnerable areas of the body. Remember what I so often say. “safe and effective exercise is much different than daily activities of living that might involve cleaning, bending, stopping, starting, etc.” 

The body was meant to move, and the body was meant to strengthen. Whatever level is right for you. 

What I do is more specific to fibromyalgia, arthritis and auto immune issues. Why do I specialize in fitness for fibromyalgia people? Because first of all, I get it. I have lived with it myself since a young age, now 49, I am passionate about helping anyone with fibromyalgia and its primary co-conditions to live a more active and joyful life.  

And, secondly, safe and effective exercise is well verified for those with fibromyalgia. The key is doing it in a way that work with you and not against you, that is exactly why I do this. 

Blood Vessels and the Endothelium 

When we exercise, the inner lining called the endothelium produces nitric oxide. This Nitric Oxide protects the vessel walls from developing atherosclerosis (fatty substances that thicken arteries and inhibit proper blood flow).

This is also important for heart health. Blood vessel health directly affects the heart and healthy blood flow.

Just like we strengthen our muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, we must also think about the strength and integrity of our blood vessels.  Also remember that I work with various levels, so please don’t think about exercise in the conventional sense if that tends to turn you off to it.

Protecting our blood vessels while getting more oxygen to our blood is always a good thing.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that involves excessive sweating that isn’t the result of physical exertion or exposure to intense heat. The sweating may impact the hands or feet, underarms and even the face.

In order to receive the diagnosis, patients must routinely exhibit at least one instance of intense sweating each week during wakeful hours.

Close to 3 percent of the U.S. population has received this diagnosis, which translates to approximately 8 million people. This number is potentially much higher when you consider the many people who suffer from symptoms of hyperhidrosis regularly without seeking medical attention.

This can be an embarrassing condition that many people feel they simply have to endure because it’s how their bodies work and effective treatment is difficult. 

Hyperhidrosis in Fibromyalgia 

When researchers analyzed the prevalence of skin disorders in fibromyalgia patients, they discovered that more than 30 percent routinely experienced hyperhidrosis. Even further, this was the only skin condition found to impact a large percentage of the participants.

The frequency of excessive sweating is higher among fibromyalgia patients than it is the general population.

 It’s common for a person with fibromyalgia to step out of the shower or get out of bed already soaked with sweat. It’s also common for patients to describe feeling cold all over while their faces are on fire and covered in sweat. 

When I am working with people who have fibromyalgia, they will sometimes say that they sweat excessively. People also tend to be self-conscious about this, but please know that this is common and many of us with fibromyalgia tend to have issues at one time or another with hyperhidrosis.

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There might be times where you feel that the amount of exertion compared to the heart rate and sweating doesn’t compute or make sense, and again that can be the “nature” of fibromyalgia itself. There can be many factors here.

Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

Fibromyalgia symptoms are typically treated individually. This is the same with hyperhidrosis. When a fibro patient asks their doctor about relieving excessive sweating, they are given the same treatment suggestions as people who suffer hyperhidrosis without fibromyalgia.

Common treatments might include nerve-blocking medication and Botox injections. The injections are often a surprising suggestion, but Botox can block nerves believed to contribute to the excessive sweating. One round of injections can last up to a year, and this is one of the longest lasting treatments available for hyperhidrosis today. 

• Choose moisture-wicking materials for clothing, socks and shoes. These materials are most often used for athletic and leisure clothing, but you can wear some items under professional attire to help wick away sweat. Just make sure that you don’t wear heavy layers that will lead to overheating and even more sweating.

Most people with hyperhidrosis focus on avoiding the sweating all together, but that can make matters worse. Most find that it’s difficult to stop the flow once it is turned on, but most people can find ways to at least reduce or manage sweating when root causes or stressors are addressed. Sometimes it is can be increased pain or symptoms that can bring on sweating. 

You often hear me talk about the importance of keeping a safe home, work and car environment, free of toxins and fragrances. These endocrine disruptors can also bring on symptoms of anxiety and sweating when we are exposed to toxins. Laundry toxins, body care toxins and toxic cleaning agents just have no place in a healthy home. 

Dehydration & Hyperhidrosis

Drinking your water daily becomes more important when your body is determined to sweat even when your body is at rest. You may also find that you need to consume electrolytes, including calcium, potassium and magnesium. 

A Raw form of calcium is also essential for strong bones, and magnesium supplements can help with sleep at night. Since most fibromyalgia patients also struggle with sleep disturbances, a nightly dose of magnesium is often a good addition to the treatment plan.

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Neuroinflammation & Hyperhidrosis

Scientific research is uncovering inflammation in the brains of many fibromyalgia patients and this could possibly have something to do with the constant sweating that many fibro sufferers experience. Researchers have found that fibromyalgia patients have high levels of lactate in their bodies even when they aren’t physically active. Lactate is typically released in the muscles during exercise, so it’s unusual to see high levels of lactate in individuals when at rest.

What else do you do during exercise? Yes, you sweat.

While there is no scientific connection between neuroinflammation and hyperhidrosis, it’s possible that the sweating is caused by the same inflammation that leads to the production of excess lactate. It’s as if hydro sufferers are always working hard even when they’re watching television or sleeping. If you or someone you love has fibromyalgia and is always sweating, talk to a medical professional who is familiar with both conditions. There are other potential causes for excessive sweating, including hot flashes during menopause. You can try some home remedies to stop the sweating on your own, but further medical attention may be needed to prevent the sweating so that it doesn’t interfere with your daily life. 

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

The Nervous System in Fibromyalgia

You likely already know about the connection between the nervous system and fibromyalgia. 
You likely know that fibromyalgia is complex too, but we know that many times, the nervous system is at the heart of many symptoms.

Research in recent years continues to prove that this is truly a physical condition that is connected to a dysfunction in the nervous system but affects various other systems of the body.

You are not crazy, you live with a multi-system condition, and if you are like me, I also have its primary co-conditions as well, CFS/ME and MCS.

As I often say, this is a multi-system condition affecting many systems in the body. You might often hear me say when we talk in our live videos that it often starts in the nervous system and branches off into other areas of the body.

The fact that most patients suffer from pain that spreads throughout their bodies for most if not all of their lives hints at an issue with the nerves. The nervous system is the body’s way of interacting with the world.
The nerves take in information from the surrounding world and trigger physical responses, including pain. There are billions of nerve cells in the system, which means billions of possible pain trigger points for fibromyalgia patients.

We know a lot more today about fibromyalgia than we did in the past, and our goals here correlate well to create the safest and least invasive approach. Let’s take a look at what research has discovered and what it may mean for the treatment of this condition moving forward.

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The Central Nervous System and Fibromyalgia

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain accepts information from the surrounding world and sends signals to the body through the spinal cord. This communication is what triggers motion, speech, thought and other responses to anything happening in our surrounding worlds.

For instance, you will pause the tv, and get up from the couch after hearing a knock at the door because your brain sends signals to your spinal cord ordering those motions.

That last sentence reminds me of a story I was telling in one of our recent interactives on the Facebook page. I was winding down at home at about 9:30 at night when a neighbor came and knocked repeatedly very loudly on my front door. My first reaction was to be startled, something must be wrong. Long story short, nothing was wrong, the neighbor just had a question for me. 

But, my nervous system didn’t care at that point, as it was already riled up and ready for a fight. Do you know what I mean? So, for those of us with fibromyalgia, it can take longer for the body to regulate down that stress (fight or flight) 

In a 2018 issue of Seminars in Immunopathology, Littlejohn, MD, from the Monash University in Australia presented a review of the fibromyalgia symptoms that are now connected to the nervous system. In an interview regarding that research, he stated that fibromyalgia research originally focused on the muscles and soft tissue.

The focus shifted to the central nervous system when researchers realized that the pain threshold for fibromyalgia patients is lower not only in the muscles but also in the peripheral tissues.

This hinted at an issue with the brain and spinal cord, particularly something that makes the body more sensitive to pain as well as light and other environmental stimuli. And, guess what? it’s not a psychiatric condition. The brain just happens to play a primary role in stimulating pain, anxiety, and other common symptoms that come with fibromyalgia.

The CNS becomes far too sensitive to stimuli from the outside world, so what someone without fibromyalgia would register as a touch or another non-threatening event is registered as pain for someone with fibromyalgia. This is why the pain threshold is so much lower throughout the body for fibro patients. The pain triggers are going through the spinal cord and out to other areas of the body when it’s not necessary.

We know that treating fibromyalgia with opioids and narcotics is ineffective because it doesn’t address neurotransmitters in the brain that trigger the pain. Medical professionals are now leaning towards exercise, cognitive therapy, and stress reduction strategies in addition to different types of prescription medication that are better able to control CNS responses. 

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The Peripheral Nervous System and Fibromyalgia

The peripheral nervous system includes nerves that extend from the spinal cord into your extremities. This includes your arms, legs, hands, and feet. You also have cranial nerves that go from your brain to your eyes and other regions of the head.

Your organs are connected to the spinal cord by autonomic nerves. All of these nerves are designed to put your body in motion in response to signals sent through the spinal cord from the brain.

There is some research that suggests fibromyalgia may actually start in the peripheral nerves. One study of the nervous system and fibromyalgia found that people with fibromyalgia have more slender stromal nerves compared to people without fibromyalgia.

It’s now believed that differences in those nerves could make the spinal cord and brain more sensitive rather than it all starting in the CNS. This is not currently the dominant way of thinking, and further research is needed to explore this idea.

Other studies of the nervous system and fibromyalgia have shown potential differences in peripheral nerve fibers and other components of the peripheral nervous system, hinting at many potential causes of fibromyalgia pain. It’s possible that each fibro patient suffers from different peripheral nerve disorders, making this already complex diagnosis even more tangled.

What you can take away from this today is the importance of exercise, stress reduction, healthy eating, and other lifestyle treatments. Depending on pain medication alone ignores the root causes of fibromyalgia and can lead to more long-term pain in joints, spine, and muscles. 

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Sometimes fibromyalgia and skin conditions that cannot be explained cause even more issues for someone already suffering other common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

We know that when asked what fibromyalgia is, most people will say that it’s a condition that causes pain throughout the body. However, we often talk about the additional symptoms that have nothing to do with muscle, nerve or joint pain. These symptoms are often overlooked because they seem minor compared to the pain, but the impact of fibromyalgia on your skin cannot be overlooked.

Like many fibromyalgia symptoms, the exact impact on the skin can vary from one person to another. Many people with fibromyalgia also assume that their skin problems are separate from the larger condition because they don’t realize the systemic impact of fibromyalgia. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common skin-related symptoms and what you can do to relieve them.

Fibromyalgia and Skin with Unexplained Itching

• Research published in 2014 found that approximately 3% of those with fibromyalgia experience some level of unexplained skin itching. Approximately 2% may have thick patches of skin or lumps on the skin that itch. As with some other symptoms of fibromyalgia, the itching is not necessarily due to allergies or other medical conditions.

Being that our skin is the largest organ of the body, symptoms are bound to express themselves through the skin at one time or another. When you were a teenager you might have suffered from acne, and as an adult, you might find yourself dealing with multiple reasons for skin irritations, and fibro maybe just one of them. 

Some of the Potential Causes of Skin Conditions Include:

• Overactive nerve fibers due to functioning of the central nervous system. The sensation of itching is basically triggered with no valid cause, so there literally is no reason for the itching but it occurs anyway due to signals sent from the brain into the spinal cord and out into peripheral nerve cells.
• Chemical imbalances caused by the body’s demand for natural pain relief. For instance, serotonin produced internally can help control pain and is stimulated when you scratch an itch. It’s possible that fibromyalgia patients are triggered to itch in order to produce more serotonin. Other chemicals are potentially involved as well. 
• Food allergies to gluten or other grains. The protein in gluten and lectins can cause irritation or itching, and I find the most common areas for food allergy reactions are the arms and abdomen.
• Candidiasis : a system fungal infection that we believe is associated with certain skin conditions in some people with fibromyalgia and other conditions. 
• Reactions to certain medications, or slow detoxification pathways. 

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What about Benadryl for itching?

You might be tempted to take Benadryl on a regular basis for allergies or skin irritations, but remember what we were talking about recently in one of our live interactive. Benadryl has come under fire for its association with contributing to memory loss and dementia.

One excerpt from Life Extension.
“Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk. … In a report published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers offer compelling evidence of a link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine“.May 23, 2017

Don’t worry about occasional use, I am talking about regular use on a daily basis for allergies or sleep issues. 

It is always a better idea to work to get to those root causes, and please believe me when I say that many people are surprised to find out that things they are doing or being exposed to daily can be contributors to skin irritations. 

How Do You Treat Skin Itching that has No Specific Cause?

If the itching is potentially caused by the pain of fibromyalgia, over-the-counter pain medications are often prescribed. The catch is that some of these medications can actually cause skin itching as a side effect. Sufferers can start by exploring the side effects of all medications that they currently take, asking their doctor for alternatives to medications that may contribute to the itching.

There are also some natural options for skin itching whether associated with fibromyalgia or not. Some of the most common options include:

• Cold, wet application for approximately 10 minutes
• Oatmeal bath
• Topical anesthetics
• Menthol or calamine topical applications 
• Miracle 2 (gel and lotion) 
• Keep all toxic body products off the skin and out of the house 
• You should also check your lotions, skin care products, makeup and laundry detergent for ingredients that may irritate your fibromyalgia and skin conditions. (fragrances, propyls, and preservatives) 

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Fibromyalgia Rashes

People with fibromyalgia might break out in rashes that aren’t connected to an allergic reaction or any known medical condition. They seem to come out of nowhere and can last for hours, days or months. The location of the rashes and level of discomfort varies from one person to another.

In some cases, the rashes are caused by skin itching. The natural response to itching is to scratch, and scratching can cause inflammation, redness, swelling, or even small break breaks in the skin. Treating the itching may help the rash, but some fibromyalgia rashes aren’t connected to itching or scratching at all. 

According to Devin Starlanyl, “fibromyalgia skin biopsies reveal significantly higher values of Immunoglobin G (IgG) deposits in the skin and vessel walls and a higher reactivity for one type of collagen” (Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain)

Treatment for a rash often comes down to soothe the skin for immediate relief because there is no long-term cure. For instance, many people find that taking a lukewarm shower helps. You might benefit from an oatmeal bath or apply cool, wet compresses when suffering from fibromyalgia and skin rashes.

Unexplained, Excessive Bruising

If you aren’t itching, perhaps you notice bruises that seem to come out of nowhere. This is another complaint of people with fibromyalgia, especially those who also experience extremely sensitive skin. If a simple hug from a friend is often registered as a painful event, can you imagine the pain that may come from bumping into the corner of a table or simply standing under a strong burst of water from a showerhead?

If your body is registering everyday touches as painful events, then small skin touches may result in bruises that have no logical explanation. In many cases, the bruises are actually the result of enhanced clumsiness that comes from sleep deprivation and fibromyalgia brain fog. When you aren’t fully aware of your actions and are prone to running into things, you’re likely to experience more bruising than people who are more cognitively alert. 

Skin Conditions and Diet

What we eat and drink is important for many reasons, and because the skin is the largest organ of the body, it can be affected when food allergens or sensitivities to gluten or casein (dairy protein) are ingested.

Fibromyalgia and Stress on the Immune System

Controlling stress is often recommended for fibromyalgia patients because it’s believed to lower the intensity of many fibro symptoms. You may react to stress more intensely than people without fibromyalgia, and the impact on your body is likely stronger as well. Just having fibromyalgia pain is also stressful, so taking measures to relax and relieve stress is an essential part of the fibromyalgia treatment plan. 

I have found that the combination of external stressors and food allergies/sensitivities can be one of the most common reasons for skin conditions in fibromyalgia. If you also suffer from psoriasis as well as fibromyalgia, you will treat the skin disorder in the same way as people without fibromyalgia. This often includes topical treatments, light therapy, medication injections, and natural treatments like Aloe Vera gel and fish oil supplements.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

If you have ever had this experience, you will know that symptoms around fibromyalgia and the heart can give you quite a scare.

This all-important muscular organ does an amazing job for us every day. Maybe even more so when other conditions are present. 

Fibromyalgia seems to come with every pain sensation imaginable, and that includes chest pain. 

Many will go to the emergency room at least once because they think that they’re having a heart attack.

This is most likely to happen for those who haven’t yet received a fibromyalgia diagnosis because they don’t know what fibro pain feels like and are more likely to believe that their heart is failing.

The danger for those with diagnosed fibromyalgia is the risk that they won’t seek medical care for a genuine heart problem because they assume that the pain is part of the fibromyalgia.

This is why it’s important for everyone to understand how fibromyalgia and the heart muscle interact and when medical treatment is necessary. 

It goes without saying that the heart is truly the most important muscle in the body.

Fibromyalgia Chest Pain-Various Causes 

One of the primary symptoms of fibromyalgia is chronic pain across multiple areas of the body. One common symptom that we often talk about is costochondritis. The pain comes from inflammation in the cartilage connecting the ribs and breastbone.

The pain usually impacts the side of the chest and may cause waves of pain that feel much like a heart attack. The good news is that it isn’t life-threatening.

With fibromyalgia, you may also experience pain in other areas of the chest, plus the shoulders and arms. It can present as a sharp, stabbing pain, a burning pain, or a sensation of tightness. This pain can last for days or even weeks. Some fibromyalgia patients suffer from pain in the chest area for months or years. 

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Temperature Dysregulation and the Heart Muscle 

We talk often about Temperature Dysregulation in Fibromyalgia. For those of us who are very cold intolerant (I have been sensitive to cold since a young age), this can even affect the heart muscle. Have you ever gone outside when it’s really cold and felt an unsettling feeling in your chest?

We know our individual tendencies, and if you get cold in your chest area, be sure to always dress warm and even practice breathing exercises to circumvent the cold weather from causing you to shiver, putting more stress on the fibro body.

Fibromyalgia & Heart Failure

First of all, remember that chest pain and heart-related issues can stem from a variety of factors. Reducing stress in all areas and working the protocols we have set forth will help us all take better care of our hearts. 

And, while fibromyalgia chest pain is often not life-threatening, that isn’t always the case. Research is showing that it’s common for 

heart failure patients to also have fibromyalgia. One study of 57 heart failure patients found that more than 20 percent of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. Even more concerning was the determination that the severity of heart failure tends to correspond with the severity of the fibromyalgia symptoms.

Research has also shown that fibromyalgia patients are more likely to suffer from a variety of diseases related to central nervous system sensitivity or dysfunction. This includes heart failure, TMJ, and irritable bowel disease. This supports the belief that fibromyalgia is caused by an extremely sensitive central nervous system that registers pain when it isn’t warranted.

There is also some scientific research that proves variability in heart rate is connected to fibromyalgia. For instance, many sufferers have tachycardia, which occurs when the heart beats abnormally fast. This is just one autonomic nervous system dysfunction that is commonly seen in fibromyalgia sufferers. The connection is so strong that some professionals recommend checking for heart rate inconsistency as a diagnostic tool for fibromyalgia.

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Does Fibromyalgia Cause Heart Failure?

While there can be a connection between fibromyalgia and heart problems, there is no proof that fibromyalgia is the cause of heart failure or any other heart dysfunction.

Heart attacks can be the result of many factors including clogged arteries, which are often caused by an unhealthy diet. Stress on the body is also a major factor, and remember what I so often say, that living with fibro itself can be a form of stress on the body. 

When we also have CFS/ME, we might have more symptoms related to the heart like irregular heartbeats or a racing heart. 

If we have a family history of heart or stroke conditions, then we want to always treat that independently of fibromyalgia so we do not miss another condition. 

Fibromyalgia might put sufferers at greater risk for heart dysfunction, especially when chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders cause more imbalance of chemicals, hormones, etc. We know that cortisol levels (from the adrenals) become out of balance when we are not getting restorative sleep, and this also affects the heart. 

It’s also likely that fibromyalgia intensifies the symptoms of a heart disorder due to sensitivity in the nervous system. This is similar to fibromyalgia patients experiencing more pain than a non-fibro person in daily life. 

Fibro Pain or A Heart Attack?

If you or someone you love does experience chest pain, it’s best to seek emergency medical attention. I say it often, but yes, it’s always better to seek help when it’s not needed than to blow off the pain as a symptom of fibromyalgia when it’s actually something more severe.

In general, fibromyalgia pain tends to last longer than a heart attack. If you push on the point of pain, fibromyalgia pain is likely to intensify when it is caused by trigger points. Heart attack pain won’t intensify when pressed lightly. Fibromyalgia pain also won’t cause pain to radiate down the arms or into the back, which is common with a heart attack.

Because there can be a connection between cardiac events and fibromyalgia, it might be helpful to ask for a stress test or other heart diagnostic tests to rule out potential problems. This is the only way to know for sure that the chest pain you’re experiencing is in fact caused by fibromyalgia rather than a serious heart problem that may become life-threatening. 

Symptoms of a heart attack may include pain and pressure in the chest, pain radiating down the arms, jaw pain, sweating, nausea, and trouble with breathing. If you are having these symptoms suddenly, be sure to get help immediately. And, as you can see, just about all of these symptoms can also occur in fibromyalgia, so always err on the side of caution.  

Also, as I stated at the very top of this article, the heart is the most important muscle in the body. Therefore, it is important that you check with your doctor before taking muscle relaxants and ANY other medications that could interfere with the normal rhythm and function of your heart. 

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Proper forms of calcium are essential 

I often talk about calcium supplementation and how it gets a bad rap because of all the inferior calcium supplements out there. The fact is that it is bad for your cardiovascular system/arteries to take an inferior form of calcium.

Monitoring Your Heart at Home 

Now you can track how your heart is doing in the comfort of your home, or wherever you are at. 

The kardia mobile device is easy to use and suitable for anyone with heart conditions or those who might be at risk. You might also track your blood pressure at home if that is also an issue for you. 

Fibromyalgia/Magnesium and the Heart Muscle 

If you have fibromyalgia, you have probably experimented with magnesium. It happens to be one of those minerals that people tend to have a deficiency in. Here in the  Magnesium Article, I show a few options that can be helpful for anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, and yes, the heart as well. 

Toxins and Heart Disease

It is important to avoid toxins where possible when living with fibromyalgia. There can be a greater potential for all diseases when people are constantly exposed to environmental toxins. There are more studies coming out regularly about the connection between heart disease and toxins that we are exposed to. Here you can read more about Chemical Sensitivity in Fibromyalgia. 

Do you have a rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, headache, or increased blood pressure when exposed to toxic environments? That is common and that is often the body’s way of telling us that we need to get away from those harmful toxins.

It might occur while in a clothing store, restaurant, shopping mall, veterinarian clinic, or any place where high levels of chemicals are commonly used. 

A Smile from the Heart/Gratitude

Remember what I often say. “A smile from the heart is a great place to start” I coined this phrase many years back because I realized that gratitude and a genuine smile can do so much to support healthy chemical balance within our bodies. As always, be good to yourself. 

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

Yes, men also get fibromyalgia, so just how do they cope? 

I feel a great sense of compassion when I receive messages from men with fibromyalgia. Although the diagnosis is not easy for any of us, a man can feel an additional blow to his purpose, and the need to always be the provider for his family when living with a condition that can really test a person’s strength and resilience. 

So, to answer that question above, yes, men get fibromyalgia too. They live with the same primary.

From nervous system imbalance to muscle and joint pain, tender areas, trigger points over the body, and sensory or environmental issues that can affect the ability to function properly.

When doing our live videos on the main Facebook page, I will occasionally get comments from a man or a woman asking “What about men with fibromyalgia?” OR “Do men get fibromyalgia?” And therefore, I want to be sure that any man with fibromyalgia knows that he is not alone, and is always welcome to interact here. 

This is not a gender-specific condition. In fact, it can affect men, women, and children. Many of us, myself included, have had symptoms since a young age, and oftentimes, went years without a proper diagnosis. 

Not Without Suffering 

We know that this life is not without suffering of some kind. We all have something, right? But sometimes men are given a hard time by their spouse, family members, or friends about how they handle even a simple cold or flu. You know what I’m talking about. 

So now, with a diagnosis like fibromyalgia, it can be tough on a man. They might have a more difficult time accepting the diagnosis and learning the best way to manage symptoms. A man with fibromyalgia and/or its primary co-conditions deserves the best support and understanding as well. 

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Men with Fibromyalgia Versus Women

We know that women are up to nine times more likely to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia than men. This has led many people to think of it as a women’s disease, but there are far more men with fibromyalgia than most realize. The problem is that most of the studies on fibromyalgia focus on women, and those that have compared the prevalence and symptoms between genders have delivered conflicting results.

Doctors may also treat men and women differently when they complain about symptoms related to fibromyalgia. It’s also possible that many men don’t report symptoms of fatigue and minor pain to their doctors, so there are possibly many undiagnosed male fibromyalgia sufferers. It’s important for all men to understand the symptoms of fibromyalgia and the importance of seeking treatment.

 When analyzing men with fibromyalgia, researchers often find that men experience less fatigue and have fewer tender points for pain. Since one of the tests used to diagnose fibromyalgia is an analysis of how many pain tender points are present on the body. Some doctors may rule men out because they report pain coming from fewer areas of the body. This is another obstacle to men seeking a diagnosis.

There is no scientific evidence that estrogen is the reason more women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In the meantime, men are forced to deal with fibromyalgia in much the same way as women. They either fight for a diagnosis and work with their doctor to treat the symptoms, or they go without the diagnosis and find alternative methods for treating the pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms.

Men with Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

There are personal stories on the internet that show the frustration that many men face when they start to experience unexplained fatigue and pain. Some doctors firmly believe that men cannot suffer from fibromyalgia. Others believe that it’s “all in the head” and won’t treat it like a valid medical diagnosis. Still, others blow off complaints of pain and fatigue if they can’t find an obvious cause.

Like many women with fibromyalgia, it’s common for men to make repeat visits to their doctor or see multiple doctors before they are properly tested for fibromyalgia. Some men have been prescribed pain medications that put them at risk of addiction because doctors don’t know how else to help them. 

Many men are misdiagnosed and undergo unnecessary medical treatments. Since most men are conditioned from a young age to act tough and “suck it up,” many may give up on a diagnosis when their first complaints to doctors aren’t taken seriously. 

One study that asked men with fibromyalgia to answer questions found that depression was the number one symptom reported by most men. They also expressed a belief that there is a stigma against men with the disease because so many people in the medical community and society at large believe that this isn’t a real condition that impacts men. Many men are accused of faking their symptoms while others are told it’s in their heads, which is a problem that many women face as well.

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Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Men

Men face many of the same symptoms as women, including chronic pain in the muscles and joints. Chronic fatigue and sleep problems are also common, and many can experience restless leg syndrome that makes sleeping even more difficult. There are also many other symptoms that are experienced by some, but not others. This is a disease that impacts each person in a unique way, which further complicates the process of receiving a diagnosis when it’s warranted.

Fibromyalgia patients can be diagnosed with other medical conditions as well. Some will have three or more medical conditions diagnosed, and it’s likely that symptoms for all of those conditions are in some way connected to fibromyalgia.

Men are no different from women in that severe pain and chronic fatigue can make it difficult to keep up with active lifestyles.

Men who are unable to work or who struggle to care for their spouse/children and take care of other everyday tasks could be at greater risk for addiction, self-medicating in some way, or lowered self-confidence. This is likely why so many men with fibromyalgia list depression as their number one symptom.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store