Author: dearfibromyalgia

Adrenal stress and adrenaline dominance can occur when our adrenal glands accumulate too much stress while creating imbalance within the pituitary and hypothalamus (in the brain). This can be common with any chronic illness due to the internal physiological stress on the body.

Fibromyalgia and all of its complexities can present a real challenge to the entire endocrine system and especially the adrenal glands. Many people say the words “adrenal fatigue” but we need to understand WHY the adrenals are fatigued and for many, that is due to adrenaline dominance. 

Sitting on top of the kidneys, the adrenal glands are comprised of two sections, the outer portion called the cortex. And, the inner portion is called the medulla. 
The cortex mediates stress through the production of cortisol, and the medulla manufactures adrenaline. 

With fibromyalgia, lack of proper sleep and nightly “second winds” are often the number one adrenal disturbance, along with overstimulation and any toxic overload that the fibro body is exposed to in various toxic environments. 

Continual adrenal stress increases inflammation, adversely affects body composition, and can also cause disruption in the sex hormones as well.

This leads to an overall disruption in the entire endocrine system. For a healthy thyroid, we must have healthy functioning adrenal glands, or this stress will continue to “draw” thyroid hormone from the body.

Overworked and Underpaid

When the adrenals are constantly abused, this can drain thyroid hormone and in turn, can lead to hypothyroid conditions.

The “fight or flight” mode is never adequately turned off leading to a cycle of non-regeneration. If you have suffered from adrenal stress and exhaustion, you know it takes a lot of diligence to get them back on track, but it really must be addressed when dealing with any chronic illness such as fibromyalgia.

Researchers have recently found a direct correlation between our “fight or flight” response and fibro pain. Imbalances within our levels of Norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that initiates the fight or flight response, can result in higher levels of FMS pain. 

In addition to the solutions offered below, you can read the chronic muscle pain article. Many suggestions on that page are aimed at calming the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and can be applied to the adrenal stress issue. Another page that directly addresses “calming” methods is Coping with Fibromyalgia.

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Minerals: The “Spark” Of Life

The adrenal glands need minerals to perform properly and ‘ignite’ balanced energy. A very acidic diet can deplete these essential minerals.

Sugars and grains (mostly grain flours) are very acidic and require these minerals for the process of digestion.

Concentrace is an ionic liquid mineral supplement that can be taken daily. The minerals in Concentrace are more easily utilized by the body and are safer for those with sensitive GI tracts.

Adrenal Stress from radiation 

If you find yourself feeling stress on any part of your body, including your adrenals or thyroid while talking on your cell phone, consider the “Safe Sleeve“. I have used this for a while now because I have always been more sensitive to cell phones and computer radiation. 

I can have a conversation on my phone, and be protected from the radiation, which can also contribute to that shaky, irritable feeling you might get while talking on your cell phone. 

Adrenals need salts-not sugars

Both adrenals and thyroid depend on an adequate intake of healthy salt. When sugar is consumed, this lowers the thyroid’s ability to manufacture thyroid hormone and also depletes the adrenals, kind of a losing situation all around!

Remember that lower insulin equals higher thyroid hormone, naturally! So keeping our sugar intake low can aid the increase of metabolism and the decrease of thyroid symptoms.

We use and recommend Himalayan Pink Salt and the variety of seaweeds that contain natural salt, iodine, and minerals to balance. This way we are getting both minerals from salt and iodine from seaweed without additives that table salt carries. 

The irony here is that when we are stressed or out of balance, the very thing we often crave is sugar; however, when utilized too often this creates a vicious cycle of dependency, and adrenal stress surges.

Choose cultured foods or foods made with real Himalayan sea salt. This will better serve those adrenals and lower adrenal stress.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that we often use for issues such as leaky gut and muscle health, but it also works to decrease sugar cravings when used consistently.

Activated chromium and/or Gymnema can also decrease sugar cravings. Aside from ionic minerals, adaptogens and vitamin C are also excellent for the adrenal glands, as listed below.

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Adaptogens To Help You Adapt…

What are some good adaptogen supplements?

Some of these can be found on the fibromyalgia supplement page.  

Ashwagandha and Magnolia Bark are two of our favorite effective adaptogens to help lower thyroid stress and cortisol levels. (note: I have used the Savesta brand of ashwagandha for many years, which has the 5% effective withanolides) Check for it on amazon. 

What About Exercise Stress?

Do you have issues with high or fluctuating cortisol and wonder what kind of exercise is best for you? First of all, we must remember that all of these tools work together, so we cannot just head into exercise without first using the other tools to balance hormones and prepare the body for exercise stimulation.

If you have CFS/ME as I do, then reading the two articles here on the website on CFS and research will help to create a more workable plan for exercise, rest, and nutrients to aid in avoiding the ‘oxidative stress‘ that can accompany exertion. (Visit the Sitemap anytime at bottom of every article for those)

Consider a low-dose DHEA supplement as in keto-7 or dissolve oral form to increase energy and balance hormones. The keto-7 form of DHEA does not convert hormones to estrogen-like regular DHEA can. Talk with your doctor/naturopath if needed. 

Use Deep Breathing To Lower Cortisol And Adrenal Stress

Throughout the website, we talk about deep breathing and ‘adrenal type‘ breathing to counteract stress and symptoms. As we often say here, people with chronic illness tend to be shallow breathers. It can be helpful for both pain levels and adrenal stress to incorporate daily breathing techniques. Refer to meditation pages here on site for more information.

Adrenal breathing is controlled breathing in and out through the nose with occasional breathing through the mouth. Nostril breathing will also help with insomnia. Simply close off one nostril, and breathe in and out gently through the nose for about four to five breaths, then switch and close off the other nostril and breathe in and out through the other for another four to five breaths. This will help to relax the mind, body, and adrenal glands. 

Fibro-Girl’s Happy Adrenals Bath Recipe:

(This can be done in a full bath OR as a foot bath in warm water)

• 2-3 cups Epsom salt (one cup for foot bath only)
• ½ cup sea salt (or baking soda for most cost effective)
• 2-3 Tbsp. ginger root powder

The combination of salt and magnesium here works to balance and calm while the ginger root powder helps to decrease inflammation in the body.

NOTE:  People often ask if whole ginger root can be used, however, for this application, the ginger root powder is better dispersed in the water and therefore more easily utilized by the body. (just be careful not to get into the eyes)

The foot bath can be just as effective when a full bath is not an option. We absorb well through our feet, and this can also be more cost-effective when fewer salts and ingredients are used. Again, the addition of ginger powder can aid in warming up cold winter feet. 

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Adrenal Stress and Temperature Dysregulation

Another symptom that can occur when the adrenal glands become stressed is temperature dysregulation. This occurs due to living with symptoms, chronic pain, or even when being exposed to environmental toxins. Read more here regarding Temperature Dysregulation. 

When Caffeine Doesn’t Love You Back

If you have any kind of adrenal dysfunction, you likely know that ingesting coffee, chocolate, or any other substances high in caffeine can not only leave you feeling anxious but can be very damaging to the adrenals in the long run.

I have used and recommended alkaline and 97% caffeine-free Gano coffee for over 12 years and still love it today, but there are other coffee alternatives these days as well. Use what works for you to bring calm instead of constant over-stimulation to the thyroid, adrenals, and the nervous system alike. 

Got Gano?

A great alternative to coffee that is both 97% caffeine-free, acid-free, alkaline, and organic as well. With reishi healing mushroom also included making this alternative not only safer but healthier as well!!

With calming properties, this Gano coffee can be taken any time of day and it’s great at night before bedtime to relax the fibro body. This is a better choice for those who need to avoid the coffee substitutes made from grains.

Heavy Metals and Adrenal Stress

When the toxic load on the body becomes too high, the body will try to protect itself in any way it can. One of these toxic loads over time can come from heavy metals, in the form of mercury amalgam fillings or vaccinations. 

The adrenals and thyroid are sensitive to heavy metals and toxins of any kind. If you have mercury amalgams in your mouth, you need to consider this might be a source of toxicity. This could be contributing to adrenal stress, anxiety, heart palpitations, and issues with low thyroid. This has been well documented by Andy Cutler and other researchers. 
I will not get more in the weeds on this here, because there is much more information, so please research Andy Cutler and mercury detoxification, it is a process more than I can detail here. 

Other suggested products for Adrenal Health

When addressing adrenal stress issues, there are a couple of essential supplements that we recommend with long-time use and good success. Remember, I am here to give you information on the best quality products at the best price we have found. If we haven’t used it with good overall success, we don’t recommend it.

Health Force Vitamin C powder is the purest form of vitamin C we have found and used to deal with adrenal stress. Vitamin C is essential for helping to balance cortisol levels and support the immune system. 

Keto-7 DHEA is essential for the adrenals and for immune support as well. If you are under stress, living with fibromyalgia and/or autoimmune conditions, keto-7 is the safest form of DHEA. It can also support weight loss and act similar to adaptogens with its ability to modulate stress.

Thorne Adrenal Cortex Capsules, 60 Count A raw concentrate (not an extract) of adrenal from healthy cattle. Free of yeast, wheat, corn, soy, egg, milk, gluten, rice, and sugar. The bottom line is that most stimulants are detrimental to the fibro body. Coffee, sugars, and alcohol are best used only on occasion. Our adrenals cannot give more than they have; they get exhausted and we get exhausted, and this sets the stage for more pain, symptoms, and susceptibility for another disease. 

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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

Sciatica pain and fibromyalgia often coexist in the same person but may require different treatments and pain management options.

Sciatica is one of the most common conditions to coexist with fibromyalgia. In this case, one condition doesn’t necessarily cause the other… they can simply exist together, but either way, all fibromyalgia patients should know what sciatica pain is all about.

Pain around the sit’s bones (piriformis syndrome)

Some people with sciatic pain will often report having pain around the hips, buttocks, and down the legs. It might take some investigating from your attending therapist to find out exactly what you are dealing with. 

You may also have piriformis syndrome. This can occur when the piriformis muscles in the buttocks irritate the sciatic nerve. All of the suggestions here and in the other pain articles will apply to both of these syndromes. 

Try to be as consistent as possible with very gentle stretches and holds. Never stretch too far or too quickly. I often say that “conventional stretching is not always appropriate with fibromyalgia” Some of these are shown in the hip flexor article. 

Understanding Sciatica Pain

Sciatica is a medical condition that produces pain along the sciatic nerve. For most people, the pain starts on one side of the buttocks and travels down the back of the leg. In some cases, other symptoms may present in the leg, including:

• Tingling
• Burning
• Numbness
• Weakness

These symptoms may go all the way down to the toes in some people while they are limited to higher portions of the leg in others. The condition is often caused by a slipped disc or another physical condition that causes nerve pain.

When experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers, professionals may not find any physical reason for the pain. The symptoms are the same, but the most common causes don’t seem to be responsible for the pain.

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How to Treat Sciatica Pain

Try to take the least invasive approach here. Natural pain control if necessary, consuming foods that contain natural anti-inflammatory components and relieving any aggravating factors like various activities of daily living.  Also consider addition of the following treatment options:

• Physical therapy
• Natural Anti-Inflammatory injections (holistic joint doctor)
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback for pain relief
• Boswelia (anti-inflammatory supplement that is a natural cox-2 inhibitor) or Penetrex (shown below)

It is a good idea to avoid any activity of daily living like bending or cleaning down on the floor if symptoms are present. When there is a slipped disc or another physical explanation for the pain, surgery may be recommended. 

Like many other forms of fibromyalgia pain, you may be left with pain control, massage, biofeedback, and other Natural Treatments that combat inflammation and pain throughout the entire body. Also consider the PENETREX cream below which I have had success with in reducing some of the nerve and tendon pain. It is more natural without additives you don’t want, yet more effective. 

Sciatica and trigger points

Sciatica can also be activated from long term trigger points around the buttocks or lower back. Trauma or injury to the surrounding areas can cause trigger points in this area to become activated. Trigger point areas are not uncommon due to everyday activities like sitting, bending, or weakness. 

As I often say, those of us with fibromyalgia can be sensitive to injections given into the body. This area around the buttocks may be very sensitive and can in turn trigger pain around the muscles of the buttocks and lower back. If you have sciatica, you may need to avoid injections around this area.

Additional Natural Treatment Options

You may find that the best treatments for fibromyalgia sciatica pain involve your lifestyle. If you find that the pain is more likely to occur when you sit for long periods of time, invest in a standing desk or a treadmill desk. 

It may also help to stick to a weekly fitness routine that includes low to medium impact cardio workouts, energy healing, and strength training specific to fibro people.

 As I often say, (and yes, I get it) “we can spend the rest of our lives de-conditioning our bodies, or we can spend the rest of our lives RE-conditioning our bodies” because this is not a race. Consistency is key here. This will help us to better tolerate the ups and downs of fibromyalgia symptoms and fibro flares. If your back, buttocks, or legs have been hurting more than usual, at least check with a doctor or a specialist familiar with sciatica and fibromyalgia. You may find that your problem is caused by a slipped disc or another problem that possibly has nothing to do with your fibromyalgia. A specialist might help you determine a different cause while creating a treatment plan that relieves some of the pain, stiffness, and overall discomfort. 

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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 not uncommon to have hip flexor issues, or pain in this area with fibromyalgia.

The hips, hip flexors, and lower back correlate with fibromyalgia pain areas due to tender areas around the lower back, many more trigger point areas and other conditions that affect the surrounding areas. 

The hip flexor muscles allow your hips to move with flexibility.

You are engaging these muscles whenever you move your legs, and that means your hips are involved in most of the movements that you make throughout the average day.

A nonfibro person may not realize how often they use their hip flexors, but anyone living with fibromyalgia who experiences hip flexor pain will be well aware of this on a more regular basis. 

I have personally dealt with hip flexor pain and then later re-strengthening of these areas while developing more fibro–safe exercises after my full hysterectomy five years ago. Yes, I do get it. I will address more of this later in the lower part of this article.

While there are some known injuries and medical conditions that can cause pain in the hip flexors, it can be difficult to identify a direct cause of this pain in someone with fibromyalgia, except for the many daily activities that I often refer to.

We might treat the pain as another symptom of the diagnosed condition or take more time to determine an exact cause for the pain. Either way, fibromyalgia, and hip flexor pain are often debilitating if not treated efficiently and promptly.

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Understanding Fibromyalgia and Hip Flexor Pain 

Hip flexor pain is often referred to as flexor tendinosis. The pain from this condition typically comes from one or both of the following muscles: Illicacus and Psoas. These muscles are often lumped together as one unit, referred to as the iliopsoas.

The psoas is responsible for a lot of general back and leg pain because the sitting positions that most people hold throughout the day cause the muscle to shorten for a long period of time. When you stand up and start moving around again, that muscle doesn’t want to lengthen and function properly.

For those suffering from fibromyalgia, the pain may come from other muscles that help the hips move. This includes the quadriceps, even though those muscles are lower than most hip flexor muscles.

While flexor tendinosis caused by an injury or issue not related to fibromyalgia may focus on one particular muscle or area of the hip, fibromyalgia patients may experience pain that spreads out throughout this region of the body. The cause of the pain is often unexplainable, as is typically the case with fibromyalgia pain.

Treating Fibromyalgia and Hip Flexor Pain 

One simple way to prevent some fibromyalgia and hip flexor pain is to avoid sitting in one position for a long period of time. Get up and move around periodically so that your muscles don’t have time to set in one position. 

You often hear me recommending safe and effective exercise and the importance of participating in some level of exercise in order to keep your body strong and more flexible, and this is another recommendation for hip flexor pain as well. 

As an alternative to straps and/or bringing the neck forward, bring a chair up to you close while lying on floor, then cross one leg over the other just above the knee, and hold. The chair really acts as a person or therapist helping you to stretch in a safer and more effective way.

In the video section there you will see exercises like my “side to side” exercises that help to gently work the hips and lower back, piriformis and more. 

I also work with women after hysterectomy and other abdominal surgery to gently strengthen these vulnerable areas. I have been there, and yes, it is possible to feel strong after a hysterectomy and while living with the complexity of fibromyalgia and co-conditions. 

The stretch I am performing here is great to do anytime, especially after sitting. We draw up on one leg (no shoes) to just above OR below the knee, (this loosens the hips) then draw the arm up on the same side and feel the light stretch from your hips through your obliques. Here, I am putting my heel just ABOVE the knee, not on the knee itself. 

Slightly different than yoga, what we do is more range of motion techniques for fibromyalgia. Therefore, avoid pushing into the knee or inside of opposing leg. The idea is to lift and stretch through the movement. 

AVOID INTENSIVE STRETCHING

If you spend much of your day sitting at a desk, invest in an office chair that is highly adjustable. Set the chair higher, allowing your hips to rest above your knees. This position is healthier for your hip flexors and may eliminate pain caused by the shortening of those muscles in the typical office chair position. You may also want to consider a standing desk that allows you to easily lift your workspace.   

I started using a standing desk last year and find it very helpful, in fact, I do more standing at my desk now than I do sitting. (note: some standing desks can be difficult on the shoulders to put up and down so it might be necessary to get a standing desk that uses an electric control for moving positions)

Do you also suffer with lower back pain?

If you haven’t yet, scroll to the bottom of our lower back pain article here, and check out the Low Back Trax device that is both effective and easy to use!! 

Regular strength training and very gentle stretching (done safely) may help keep those muscles strong and flexible. Again, be sure to avoid excessive sitting or this can sabotage efforts to incorporate effective exercise.

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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

Many people assume that carpal tunnel syndrome only occurs in people who spend a lot of time typing on a computer or engaging in repetitive motions like swinging a tennis racket, but this is far from the truth. This syndrome produces pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, and/or burning from the compression of the median nerve located in the wrist and forearm area. 

While an activity like typing on a computer can put strain on this nerve and is often the cause of the syndrome, there are many people who experience carpal tunnel without excessive use of a computer. You see, with fibromyalgia, there is going to be involvement with the tendons and muscles as well. I know I say it often, but those of us living with fibromyalgia, need to be very careful to avoid repetitive motions and activity. 

Whether we are engaging in computer work or various exercise for the body, we have to be careful not to lean on the forearms or strain this area through various activities that can potentially press on that median nerve. You might experience carpal tunnel pain while cutting vegetables or when trying to perform a simple yoga pose. Be very aware to prevent worsening. Then again, you might not always identify a direct cause. 

If I find my own pain worsening in this area, I usually try to identify some activity that might be exacerbating it. Dehydration or lack of adequate mineral uptake in the bloodstream can also contribute to this very uncomfortable symptom. We don’t often realize just how much this can affect our daily activities until we experience the challenge and how often we use our hands, wrist and forearms for everyday things. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Fibromyalgia Pain

The pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly reported by people with fibromyalgia. In many cases, it’s difficult to determine with certainty whether the pain is a symptom of fibromyalgia or is a new condition deserving of a separate diagnosis and treatment. The best way to make this determination is to make notes about your pain and discuss it with your doctor.

Playing piano since a young age, I have gone through periods of time where the pain in my hands and forearms prevented me from being able to play comfortably. Sometimes I found it helpful just to limit my time playing (which also helped my lower back by not sitting on the hard-piano bench too long at one time)

Make note of times and activities that exacerbate your own symptoms.  This will help identify patterns of pain that may give some clue as to the cause of the pain. In many cases, it’s simply another fibromyalgia symptom that may not have an identifiable cause. Carpal Tunnel can also be exacerbated by trigger points in surrounding areas.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options

Whether your carpal tunnel syndrome pain is associated with your fibromyalgia or not, the treatment will likely start with rest and possibly alternating ice packs and heat. Compression wear is like a gentle hug that is designed to increase circulation. A tool that I often utilize for areas like the knees, forearms and legs. 

If you identified activities that are bringing on the carpal tunnel syndrome pain, you may need to find a way to modify that activity. For instance, some keyboards have ergonomic designs that hold your wrists in more natural positions, and you can use voice-recognition software to dictate rather than typing documents out manually.

If your wrist pain is coming from other activities like gripping a hammer or other tools, you may need to take some time away from work or hobbies to let the pain subside. Whether you can continue those activities long term will depend on how severe the pain is and how often you experience flare ups in the future. For now, resting and placing ice packs on your wrist and hand should help ease the pain.

 You can also gently exercise your wrist to help ease some of the pain and do gentle sweeping motions along the forearm, much like lymphatic massage if needed, especially if you spend a lot of your time in a sedentary position and are concerned that lack of movement will lead to stiffness and more pain.

You might also get some relief by wearing a wrist brace. I like to use compression wear on various areas of the body and this is really no different.  I know some people with fibromyalgia shy away from the idea of compression, but remember this is vital to increasing blood flow in these more vulnerable areas.

Consider Myotherapy, which is hands on trigger point release done by a trained massage therapist. Not all MT’s advertise it as Myotherapy, so just inquire as to whether it is something they provide for those with fibromyalgia.  

While surgery is an option for people with identifiable problems causing their carpal tunnel, it isn’t always a good option for fibromyalgia patients. This would be considered a last resort for people that are not getting any relief through other treatment options.

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome due to fibromyalgia, then we really need to address this as a whole-body treatment, because you are likely having other symptoms or pain areas of stiffness at the same time.

Reflexology can be helpful to relax not only the arms, forearms and hands, but surrounding areas that are continually stiff and tight. Sometimes during a massage therapy session, I will have my therapist combine some reflexology for 10-15 minutes at the end of the session. This can helpful to relax the body as well.

Minerals and Endocrine Balance 

Lastly, it is important to be sure we are absorbing our minerals. Avoid inferior supplements. Utilizing additive free and liquid versions of minerals is the best way to go. You can refer to our main supplement page at any time. Or the Adrenal Stress article regarding the best liquid minerals that are easy to absorb and utilize. 

Hormone balance is also essential. Reducing stress on the adrenal glands and supporting the thyroid through natural remedies will support reduction of pain and tightness throughout the body. 

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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

What do amino acids, enzymes, the MTHFR gene and fibromyalgia have in common?  More than you might think! The MTHFR gene is something to seriously consider if you have been living with fibromyalgia. 

The Role of Amino Acids

Bodybuilders and athletes take various types of amino acids to improve performance, burn body fat, or accomplish other desirable goals. We also address this need for certain amino acids in treating various symptoms within fibromyalgia here in the website. Amino acids are powerful components of the body that do much more than help you build muscle or work a little harder during an exercise session.

It is therefore important that we distinguish the good from the bad so we don’t miss out on the benefits of certain amino acids. We use amino acids to correct deficiencies, increase lean body weight, reduce insomnia, and more. The good guy amino acids have very important jobs in the body, and yet some of the bad guy amino acids can cause dysfunction that leads to illness and injury when a deficiency is sustained.

Two of the amino acids that find their way into the human body are known as Homocysteine and Methionine. When the body is overrun with too much Homocysteine, the result is abnormal blood clotting, cognitive deficiencies, and heightened risk of heart problems.

The MTHFR gene is responsible for producing an enzyme that blends with Homocysteine amino acids to transform them into the more helpful Methionine enzyme. This is the form of folate that the body can actively use in positive ways.

A potentially dangerous deficiency by a MTHFR Gene Malfunction

The enzyme produced by the MTHFR gene is known as Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. When this gene malfunctions, a deficiency in that enzyme can develop. This allows a harmful amino acid, homocysteine, to accumulate inside the body.  According to Mayo Clinic, patients with severe MTHFR deficiency (enzyme activity less than 20% of normal) develop homocysteinuria. 

This is a severe disorder with a wide range of outcomes including developmental delay, mental retardation, and premature vascular disease. There are seven MTHFR mutations that can cause this disorder.

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A Much More Common Mutation Associated with Fibromyalgia

Enzyme activity of 50% of normal is associated with a milder deficiency of MTHFR.  The MTHFR gene mutation in this case has been given a name: MTHFR C677T. Patients having this mutation may develop hyperhomocysteinemia. This is especially likely if the patient is deficient in vitamin B12, B6, or folate.

In fact, this disorder can manifest itself even without the MTHFR C677T mutation.  However, the mutation is very common as about one-third of the general population has it. And, as stated earlier, this results in less Methionine (folate) which is used by the body to produce proteins and other functions.

You may know folate as vitamin B9 or folic acid. You may also know that it’s important for pregnant women to consume adequate amounts of this vitamin in order to protect their growing babies from serious birth defects.

There are many other uses for folate, and a deficiency can lead to serious symptoms that often mimic those of fibromyalgia even if you aren’t expecting a new addition to the family. As we note below on supplementation, it is important to know the difference between folate and folic acid when you are choosing supplements. Folate is going to be the best choice.

Can the MTHFR Gene Dysfunction cause Fibromyalgia?

It is possible that many of the symptoms experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers are potentially caused by a mutation in the MTHFR gene. Mutations in this gene have been linked to the hardening of the arteries and other serious medical conditions, but they’re more likely to lead to chronic fatigue and physical weakness.

Since fatigue is one of the primary symptoms experienced by fibromyalgia patients, it’s worth considering a mutation of this gene. If you think this might be a potential issue for you, ask your doctor for a blood test.

Mayo Clinic recommends that if hyperhomocysteinemia is suspected, a basal plasma homocysteine level be measured. Vitamin B12, B6, and folic acid levels should also be measured.

Could Vitamin Supplementation help Fibromyalgia Patients?

Mutation of the MTHFR gene is often treated through vitamin supplementation. And, just like we want the proper amino acids in our body, we also want the proper forms of certain B vitamins. On our supplement article page of the website, we offer not only a safe, additive-free, multivitamin but a B complex with the right forms of B6 (P-5-P) and B12 (Hydroxy or methylcobalamin) to help counteract this mutation. For additional insurance, you might consider taking Optimized Folate from Life Extension.

This has also proven effective for many fibromyalgia patients suffering from extreme fatigue, physical weakness and cognitive decline such as memory loss and inability to focus. A therapeutic dosage is anywhere from 400mcg. to 1,000mcg. Speak with your doctor or attending health specialist regarding dosage. 

Since there is some overlap in the symptoms of both of these conditions, it makes sense that treatment for the gene mutation may also help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia even if the two conditions aren’t connected by a cause-effect relationship.

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Fibromyalgia and the ability to Detox

If you are living with fibromyalgia, it is important to avoid using toxic body products and chemical cleaning agents in the home. This also means avoiding synthetic fragrances, candles, and anything that permeates toxins into your breathing space. The point is to support your body in detoxing properly.

Get the formaldehyde out as we often talk about. This can be in everything from new carpets to new cars. Also, in clothing. Always wash your clothes before wearing and be sure to use nontoxic detergents that are fragrance-free. 

This is yet another reason that we say to avoid using toxic medications often prescribed for fibromyalgia. They do not work and they are more dangerous than ever if your body is not able to properly detox them, leaving you feeling even worse over time. This can put a greater strain on your liver and detoxification pathways. Working as a colon therapist, I support people in gentle detoxing, and I have often seen the effects of either medications or environments in regards to toxicity levels. 

Like most theories about what causes fibromyalgia and how it is best treated, more research needs to be conducted into the connection between MTHFR gene mutation, Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency, and fibromyalgia. The more researchers understand these conditions, the more prepared they will become when handling patients suffering from those overlapping symptoms.

It’s important to talk to your medical professional with knowledge of your medical history before supplementing with additional vitamins. Yet again, when there is a deficiency in one crucial area due to a defect or malabsorption issue, it can make a big difference when correcting it. I personally find that taking the B complex we recommend along with extra Folate has made a difference in how I feel. 

We are never loyal to one supplement company as there is not one company that can provide the best in every supplemental need. We always use trial and error and work to find the safest and most effective brands before recommending any supplement or nutrients for the needs of those living with the complexity of fibromyalgia and its primary co-conditions. And as I always say, that complexity really demands that you keep your healthcare professional in the loop.

Some Foods Can Help

Methionine is an “essential” amino acid, meaning that our bodies don’t produce it. It must be metabolized from the food we eat or taken as a supplement.

Eating a whole foods diet with less processed foods is ideal. Check out the above link for foods that are higher in methionine. That link can more easily be used by checking out the categories listed at the top of the web page first. For instance, you might click on the link for vegetables and you will see spirulina and seaweed. For animal proteins, you will see egg whites and red meats and some sources of fish.

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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

Did you know that fibromyalgia and TMJ pain often go together?  Unfortunately for many fibromyalgia patients, this is a painful reality.

Your jaw is one part of the body that you don’t think about much until it starts to hurt or malfunction. This vulnerable area of your body allows you to do so many daily activities that many people take for granted like eating, yawning, talking and drinking.  

However, when you start to notice symptoms of pain, tightness, clicking, or soreness in the jaw, you may have trouble chewing, talking, finding a comfortable sleeping position or even just relaxing. You might also find yourself doing more grinding at night.

If you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, your jaw may cause agonizing pain as well as a list of other symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Earaches
• Difficulty chewing
• Difficulty opening/closing your mouth

The pain of TMJ can extend to all areas of your face, neck, and head as well. The muscles, ligaments, and nerves that keep your chompers chomping are also responsible for functioning and sensation to all connected body parts. This is why many fibromyalgia patients report tenderness and pain in areas beyond the jaw. 

One area just below the jaw (into the front neck area) that can greatly correlate with fibromyalgia is the sternocleidomastoid (trigger point area) So it could happen that your TMJ symptoms exacerbate points in the surrounding areas leading to that radiating and referring pain you might feel.

Fibromyalgia and TMJ Pain – What’s the Connection?

It’s estimated that about 90% of people living with fibromyalgia experience some type of jaw or facial pain. However, that doesn’t mean that all of those will have TMJ. 

Some people assume that you have to experience a complete jaw lock before you’re diagnosed with TMJ, but that isn’t the case. The presence of other related symptoms when all other potential causes have been ruled out is enough for the diagnosis in some cases.

TMJ and the associated facial/ jaw pain can be an extension of fibromyalgia when a diagnosis for fibromyalgia is already in place. Others will give a secondary diagnosis of TMJ. Whether you receive both diagnoses or not, the combination of these conditions is often debilitating.

When the pain stops you from sleeping comfortably, limits range of motion for your head, and affects proper chewing, this can affect your quality of life.

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Treating TMJ & Fibromyalgia

A treatment plan for this condition is typically reactive to the symptoms experienced with fibromyalgia and TMJ pain. There are some general treatment options that help combat inflammation and pain in general, and then specific treatments are added as symptoms arise for each individual patient. I would recommend natural anti-inflammatories and stress relief as a first option.

There are some additional treatments that you may help relieve symptoms of TMJ:

• Gentle massage for neck and facial pain
• Mouth guards
• Jaw stretches & exercises
• Heat and ice therapy
• Botox in the jaw muscles

There are also some surgeries that are occasionally used to correct severe TMJ, but that isn’t often an option for general jaw and facial pain experienced by many fibromyalgia patients. The treatments listed above are focused on relieving the pain so that the sufferer can comfortably enjoy daily life. This is the case with most fibromyalgia symptoms.

You may want to talk to your dentist if you experience TMJ symptoms. In some cases, missing teeth and other dental problems can cause these problems. Correcting the dental issue may cure TMJ syndrome. You might benefit from a customized night guard.

In my case, I found that the materials used for the night guard itself can make a difference. For instance, my first night guard was made of a softer material that felt more comfortable in my mouth. The only problem was that this material was not as durable, so after a few years, I needed a new one made. My newest one was made of a harder material and it has been somewhat harder to get used to. 

We also want to be sure we are addressing all of the stressors in our lives that could exacerbate this pain in the jaw. If you tend to hold stress in your jaw, neck or shoulders, it will likely continue and even worsen. Deep breathing and facial /jaw relaxation exercises can be very beneficial when done consistently.

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Common foods that can exacerbate jaw pain

There are some foods that have been trending in the recent years that are not so good for your jaw and teeth. Some of these foods include roasted nut bars, as ONE example, that can affect the integrity of tooth enamel while also exacerbating TMJ pain in the jaw area. 

Please be careful of any nut bars that contain various kinds of sugar syrups, rice, corn, etc. These combined with roasted nuts can cause more sensitive teeth to break or affect the integrity of your enamel over time. They are also very hard on a sensitive jaw. 

Visit our juicing and blending article page at any time for some great suggestions because this can also be one way to give your teeth and jaw a needed break from chewing. Maybe you are going through some extended dental work and need some options for easy chewing and optimal digestion. 

Dental appointments and TMJ pain

Even a dental cleaning can exacerbate TMJ pain. Having your mouth open for a cleaning or other dental procedure can activate trigger points in the jaw area. If relaxation techniques are not quite enough, some people may need to take a muscle relaxant before dental appointments if approved by a doctor and attending dentist. 

Another suggestion I use is moving the neck pillow down or removing it all together on the dental chair. We want to be sure our entire head, neck, and jaw are as comfortable as possible while in the dental chair. (I actually move the small pillow from behind my neck to under my lower back, that really helps!!)  Bring your own cervical pillow if necessary and let your dentist or dental assistant know if you need to take breaks. The point is to avoid activating trigger points later even if you don’t feel them in the moment. 

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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

Restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia can both cause issues for sufferers.  As if fibromyalgia doesn’t cause enough distress when you’re awake, it often disrupts your sleep as well. It’s common for sufferers to report difficulty falling and staying asleep due to pain, but restless leg syndrome is another condition that can lead to frequent sleep disruptions. This condition can occur while you’re sound asleep, waking you up multiple times in a single night.

It can also strike right as you start to relax your muscles and fade into sleep, preventing you from falling into a deep, restorative sleep state. Either way, you start your day feeling even more exhausted than you were at the start of the night. 

The connection between fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome lies in the connection between overactive nerves and the neurological system as well.  It can be associated with neurological disorders, and just like with other parts of the fibro body, restless leg syndrome can also be a result of over-active nerves, something you hear often when living with fibromyalgia, right?  

There is no scientific proof that fibromyalgia will causes this condition in itself, but the connection is strong enough that all fibromyalgia patients should understand how to treat this symptom and sleep disruption it can cause, if and when it does occur.

Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome

Just as an epileptic seizure is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, restless leg syndrome is caused by abnormal activity in leg muscles. The legs simply want to move in awkward ways, and it typically occurs when your body is relaxed. You want to remain still and sleep, but your muscles decide it’s time to jerk, twitch, shake, or otherwise take action.

This creates a variety of uncomfortable sensations from burning and tingling to the sensation of something crawling over your skin. Like many fibromyalgia symptoms, different people report different symptoms. What they all have in common is the experience of their legs feeling and acting restless when their body is relaxed and still. 

In my case, I also have restless feet and toes. I find this happens even more if I am not wearing shoes or if it is late at night or first thing in the morning. Sometimes I will go put my feet in a warm foot bath with salts and liquid magnesium and then massage them to help stop the feet and toes from wanting to move about. * (magnesium article link at bottom of this page)

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Can You Treat Restless Leg Syndrome?

Not all cases require treatment. If it is more of an occasional annoyance that you can overcome by moving to a new position or simply waiting for the restless activity to subside, then you may decide not to press for treatment options. You should still mention it to your doctor because there’s a chance that it’s a side effect of medications or supplements that you’re taking to control other fibromyalgia symptoms.

If your restless leg events occur frequently and leave you exhausted and unable to function, then you should experiment with treatment options. You can start by working with your doctor and checking for nutritional deficiencies. Be careful not to ingest stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime. They may also check you for other medical conditions known to cause restless legs or feet.

In case of any nutritional deficiencies, we want to be sure we are getting enough of the B-Complex family of vitamins, B-12 in the proper form, and magnesium (topical form is great) For B-12 in the most natural form, we like Methyl or Hydroxy form. (Avoid B12 in the form of Cynocobalamin)

You can also meet with a physical therapist to learn massage techniques that are proven to relax the leg muscles to stop the activity. Alternating hot and cold can be helpful, only to a tolerance of course. You may also try using an electrical stimulation device like a tens unit before bed .

I also recommend trying different forms of light compression. Often times people will say “won’t that hurt?” but light compression wear is designed to increase blood flow and circulation, so it can be helpful with restless legs and feet. It has been shown that wrapping the feet can be helpful in decreasing symptoms.

You may need to go through a sleep study before other various treatments are prescribed.

We also see a great correlation between exercise, movement and reducing the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

You see, sometimes when we are thinking about solutions to any symptom, we have to think in terms of how that symptom itself thinks.  In a sense, how it displays itself. You get what I mean? What is that symptom saying to us? In the case of restless leg syndrome, it is saying “I want to move” “I need to move right now” So we have to beat it at it’s own game by giving it some kind of movement every day, whatever is right for each of us.

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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

Many people with fibromyalgia can experience at least one form of dysautonomia syndrome and it can be a very serious problem that may not be properly addressed. Because fibromyalgia is so intimately connected to the nervous system, it can bring on various symptoms at any given time, sometimes without you being aware.

Your family member or doctor may just think you are overly “sensitive” but it really goes deeper than that. 

What Happens with Dysautonomia Syndrome

Your body is constantly working. It does a long list of amazing things without you even thinking about it consciously. You breathe efficiently even while you’re sound asleep.

When your nose itches, you automatically reach up to scratch the itch. Blood flows through your veins effortlessly.

You process food through your body, discard waste, and mount a defense against viruses and other unhealthy intruders. You burp, pass gas, cough, sneeze, and hiccup effortlessly. Your body even maintains body temperature automatically.

Imagine if your body started to malfunction with some of those automatic processes. This is what happens to an estimated 70 million people around the world when they develop Dysautonomia syndrome.

This may look like a long medical term that is difficult to understand, but it’s simply a group of medical conditions that impact the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

The ANS allows your body to complete all of those amazing tasks automatically. It’s the reason you’re alive because it controls your blood pressure, breathing rate, and many other functions that you need to regulate in order to live.

It also controls automatic movements that allow you to remain mobile and fully functional in daily life. When parts of this system start to break down or are damaged, you can face serious medical conditions known as Dysautonomia’s.

Dysautonomia and Fibromyalgia

It’s common for fibromyalgia sufferers to experience at least one form of Dysautonomia syndrome. We know that with fibromyalgia, there is a dysfunction in the ANS. For many with fibromyalgia, it appears as a delayed and inflated response to stressful situations.

With fibromyalgia, we may go through a stressful situation without releasing the stress hormones that are typically produced automatically.

Once the stressful encounter is over and we are able to relax, the release of those stress hormones is triggered.

A person could be flooded with stress hormones and experiences the anxiety and energy that others felt during the stressful situation, only the sufferer experiences it to an extreme degree long after the stress has subsided. This delayed reaction may make it appear that there is no cause for the sudden onset of severe alarm and discomfort.

There are other ways that fibromyalgia patients can suffer from Dysautonomia syndrome. Just as fibromyalgia can produce different symptoms in different people, the forms of Dysautonomia can vary from one person to another.

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Symptoms of Dysautonomia

Here are some of the most common Dysautonomia symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Sleep interruptions
• Shortness of breath
• Inefficient short-term memory
• Trouble focusing
• Memory lapses
• Extreme reactions to hot or cold weather
• Dysfunctional bowels or bladder
• Headaches
• Abdominal bloating
• Dizziness with or without fainting spells

There are many other possible symptoms that could go on this list, depending on the parts of the autonomic system impacted by the Dysautonomia.

For instance,

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can lead to dizziness, nausea, and even fainting when you try to stand up. It’s caused by dysfunction in regulation of the heart rate when you go from sitting to standing position, and it’s a common form of Dysautonomia for fibromyalgia sufferers.

In some cases, problems with the autonomic system can lead to death. This may occur when the condition interferes with those essential automatic processes that you need to live, including your heart rhythm. If you think that you may suffer from any form of Dysautonomia, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

Those of us with MCS also can have a greater propensity to this kind of syndrome in the CNS because of the effect from environmental toxins on the body and the effect on various systems of the body including the immune, endocrine and nervous systems. (Read more here about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.) We also know that heavy metal toxicity can be implicated as a root cause in symptoms of dysautonomia. It doesn’t mean that every person who had dental amalgams will have high mercury levels, but it is worth testing. To test for mercury, this needs to be done with a hair test, not a blood test. Ask your doctor or check online for hair testing.

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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 want to understand allodynia and fibromyalgia, try to imagine a world where the gentle touch of a loved one’s hand causes excruciating pain.

In this world, putting on a t-shirt, dropping an ice cube on your arm, or a friendly tickle can lead to discomfort or extreme pain.

For anyone with allodynia, these experiences occur regularly. The basic definition of the condition is pain that is produced from situations that typically should not cause pain.

Allodynia can be experienced on different areas of the body.

I often have people write in to me saying that they are experiencing what they believe to be allodynia on the skin, the head, or the back.

In this case, you can see where some normal daily activities like taking a shower, or getting dressed can pose a problem when this is flaring. 

Allodynia can be a tough symptom because the pain suffered by some patients is not caused by any known mechanism of pain identified by medical professionals today.

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Specific 

sensory neurons are believed to cause the pain, and these neurons can vary from one person to another. In most cases, the pain is connected to fibromyalgia or over-active nerves close to the surface of the skin. 

We know that with fibromyalgia comes over-active nerves and nerve endings that can exacerbate this kind of symptom.

You may find that you are more sensitive in your extremities (hands, feet, arms and legs) Also, your face or head could be another area for symptoms of allodynia.

Types of Allodynia

Allodynia impacts some fibromyalgia sufferers, but it’s also becoming a problem for many people with diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic migraines.
Not only can the cause of the pain vary, but the symptoms can vary as well.

There are currently four types of allodynia:

• Tactile Allodynia: Pain is caused by light touch. Something as simple as lying on a bed or putting on clothing can cause incredible discomfort. 
• Mechanical Allodynia: Pain is caused by light movement of objects over the skin. Imagine brushing shoulders with a loved one in the hallway and wincing in pain. 
• Thermal Allodynia: The body overreacts when exposed to heat or cold. For instance, an ice cube barely touching the skin can cause extreme pain or a sunny day can lead to unbearable discomfort on the skin even without a sunburn. 
• Static Allodynia: This is a form of mechanical allodynia that results from light pressure applied to the skin. A finger touching the skin might not cause pain, but someone gripping your arm lightly may feel extremely uncomfortable.

The symptoms of these conditions can range from a mild annoyance to debilitating pain that makes daily life difficult to manage. Some people may experience symptoms continuously while the discomfort comes and goes for others.

One person may describe the pain as pins and needles feeling while it’s sheer pain for another.

The variance in the condition along with the unknown cause makes this one of the biggest medical mysteries afflicting fibromyalgia sufferers today.

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Treatments for Fibromyalgia Allodynia

Someone with an extreme sensitivity to heat may need to avoid hot showers or staying outdoors in the heat for too long.

If you are sensitive to cold, it would be a good idea to stay warm by always having a sweater, gloves, or hat with you, whatever helps you to avoid getting cold, which for some people with fibromyalgia, can cause a flare or increase of symptoms.  

For those with touch sensitivities from allodynia and fibromyalgia, wearing minimal clothing with extremely soft, light fabric may help.

Winter time can be challenging. “Layering” doesn’t always work as well for the fibro body due to the sensitivity of weight on the skin and body.

Too many layers on the upper body can also cause the neck to move ever so slightly forward causing you a real pain in the neck, literally!! 

You would also want to be sure that edema of any kind is not exacerbating this symptom. Interstitial edema is one of those symptoms that can sometimes interplay with allodynia because both symptoms are right near the surface of the skin.

I also caution against using chemical lotions and other body products on the skin. Be aware that many moisturizing products still contain many chemicals.

My Experience with Allodynia and Fibromyalgia

Let me give an example of how I personally experienced this symptom. Now, I would attribute my experience more to what we call “thermal allodynia” as noted above in types of allodynia.

Although in my case, it is not just temperature, it is a combination of any kind of toxin in the air/environment and then what occurs for me is a “sensation” of extreme cold on my hands, feet, or around my head. 

So, let’s say I am exposed to something like a toxic air freshener saturating the air, or a strong fragrance off-gassing from someone’s body, and although it doesn’t happen every time that I am exposed, when it does, it creates a very uncomfortable feeling where my hands become very cold and it feels like there are needles just under the surface of my skin and then on the surface, feels cold.

I always avoid using liquid hand soaps in public places for this reason, as the strong toxins and fragrance in the soap will immediately cause this symptom. I can almost always attribute that sensation to something I was just exposed to, however not everyone can, so I wanted to note how that symptom could be “activated” in another way that is not necessarily explained within types of allodynia. 

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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