Author: dearfibromyalgia

Candida is a systemic fungal infection that can be associated with various chronic illnesses. If both candida and fibromyalgia are present, it can be an exacerbating factor within fibro. Although candida, also known as Candidiasis, itself does not cause fibromyalgia, it needs to be addressed if any signs or symptoms of this fungal infection are present. Candida is more prevalent with viral activity or symptoms of chronic fatigue/immune deficiency. 

Candida weakens the immune system and puts an extra burden on all organs, especially the liver and digestive tract. Candida is actually more prevalent than ever, yet again, many people can have candida without having fibromyalgia.

However, when candida and fibromyalgia are both present, due to the complexity of fibromyalgia, we cannot afford the extra burden on our vulnerable nervous and immune systems.

Candida and Fibromyalgia:
How do we get candida?

After just one course of antibiotics, we can be susceptible to the candida infection. Most people have been exposed to antibiotics since a young age, for an ear infection, strep throat or maybe a recurring sinus infection.

This is where the cycle can begin even if we don’t acquire symptoms until a later time. Unfortunately, antibiotic medicines have been over prescribed and have become less effective with new strains of bacteria, infection and viral activity.

Other sources that can contribute to developing Candida include pesticides such as glyphosate, and herbicides, even additives in processed foods. Ingesting processed foods on a regular basis will only continue to feed the “bad guys” in the gut and that is what we want to avoid. 

As a colon therapist, I see various conditions that are connected to candida. This infection can live in various parts of the body and invade tissues and organs and the entire digestive tract.

Although there are various treatments and supplements to treat candida, the most effective recourse is going to be long term adherence to a sugar free/yeast free/high probiotic diet.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, and that is key. The biggest issue is often getting support when changing dietary habits. Creating a cleaner palate and stronger immune status takes time.

 Food allergies or sensitivities can exacerbate symptoms in fibromyalgia as well. 

It should also be noted that fungal infections are seen more often in those with CFS/ME. In fact, it is believed that one of the more common “roots” in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is candidiasis.

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The Signs and Symptoms of Candida

• Leaky Gut
• Abdominal bloating
• Malabsorption
• History of antibiotic use
• Indigestion/swollen abdomen after eating
• Intense craving for sugar and carbohydrates
• Body odor
• Skin breakouts or rashes
• Environmental sensitivity
• Brain fog
• Thrush on tongue and/or bad breath
• Mood swings
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Inability to digest fats/oils
• Food Intolerances
• Increase in muscle or joint pain
• Intolerance to alcohol

Candida and Fibromyalgia: Healing Candida

Do you find that treating candida is challenging, and symptoms return easily? That is common.
Adherence to a sugar free and low grain diet is the first step. A paleo type diet which eliminates many forms of starch is a good place to start for many people unless vegan, yet we must go a step further and introduce a good amount of cultured and high probiotic foods into our weekly menu.

NOTE: Our additional diet pages here in the site address vegan options. 

Initially, all forms of sugar need to eliminate. Depending on the severity of symptoms, fruit servings need to be limited to no more than two per day, using only low glycemic fruits such as granny smith apples and unsweetened cranberries (both of these fruits are excellent in blender drinks by the way).

Cultured foods and probiotics are going to be essential and can be easily incorporated into any diet. Taking oral probiotics can be a great start; also, learning to prepare probiotic foods at home will help to create a more plentiful arena for good bacteria to flourish within the intestines. This “good bacteria” is what keeps our immune system stronger and more resilient. Look for cultured vegetables like Wildbrine Arame and Ginger Sauerkraut.

Working as a colon therapist, I have tried many different brands of probiotics over the years. I recommend Udo’s Flora brand of probiotics because it is a good quality, multi strain, highly effective probiotic at the best cost we have found as well. This probiotic also contains a good amount of the strains that I prefer to have included such as plantarum, bifidum, and casei.

I have used the Advanced Adult version (pictured above) with good success for over 15 years now because it has a good potency of each strain.

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GSE NUTRIBIOTIC is a great natural form of antibiotic. This can be easily taken in water, very cost effective and will last a long time. If you don’t care to take a liquid, you can take the capsules. I just like to get it into my cells quickly, so I take the liquid.  

If you struggle with infections of any kind or even fungal infections, GSE can be very beneficial.

We can also use some herbs and natural remedies for treating candida and fibromyalgia. I like using Pau d Arco. This is an anti-fungal herb that can be used to make tea. This can be found in bulk tea and/or herbal depts.

A quality unprocessed Aloe Vera and Black Walnut in tincture form are also helpful in feeding healthy gut bacteria. Feed the good guys… starve the bad guys …in order to create a stronger terrain. Additional remedies noted at bottom of this article. 

Diet for Candida and Fibromyalgia

On the Resources page, we have a link to The Body Ecology Diet (BED), this book is a great foundation when adopting an anti-candida lifestyle. I was first introduced to this diet over 20 years ago, and it is still one of the best in treating candida. Don’t worry, we can still have starch in our diet with BED, even red potatoes and organic blue corn can be included to help create variety.

The BED eliminates most grains, grain flours, sugars and soy but includes options for soaked ancient grains such as quinoa and amaranth (if tolerated) Conventional grains and grain flours are hard on the endocrine system and when reduced or eliminated will free the extra burden on all endocrine glands including thyroid and adrenals.

Do you have issues with liver or gallbladder disease?  With or without a gallbladder, candida can infiltrate all of the digestive organs and bile ducts. Because the starch molecule is not soluble in water, these fore-mentioned grains and starches are not well digested and can create havoc in the entire GI tract.

As Dr. Hulda Clark expresses in her books on cancer, “Cleaning the liver bile ducts is one of the most powerful procedures we can do to improve health”.  Liver and gallbladder disease has become more of an epidemic these days, and it all stems from a fast paced world with ever present fast processed foods and drinks.

 You can find Liver and Bile Tonics on the Recipes page. 

Reducing heated fats and oils will also lift some of the burden from the liver and bile ducts. When fats are not well tolerated, it is often due to a weak gallbladder not producing sufficient bile salts. Nuts should always be raw and soaked in pure water. Using a dehydrator at home, we can make our own sweet potato chips, dried green apples, etc. without the use of heated fats as found in many packaged foods. My favorite dehydrator is available on the Kitchen Tools page.

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References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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Fibromyalgia Stores

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With fibromyalgia side effects, there are many perpetuating, complex factors. What we call the “straw theory” is easy to explain, and easier for those on the outside to understand. I have found in working with others who also have fibromyalgia and related conditions, that it is not always about the basic activities of daily living that we engage in.

It is more about the stressors, toxins, environmental changes and anything else negative that can drive the fibro body into an extended flare.

These factors affect the fibro body much differently than they do a non-fibro body.

The Straw Theory is an effective way to convey to those on the outside how fibromyalgia is different and to avoid comparison of a non-fibro stating that they have aches and pains every day and that they are able go to work and function normally. Those kinds of statements only undermine the reality of living with fibromyalgia side effects, the related conditions, and all of its complexity.

Fibromyalgia Side Effects
Are Numerous and Diverse

Fibromyalgia side effects are numerous, diverse, and unnoticed by non-fibro friends and family. Both internal and external, from ongoing chronic pain and stress to heightened senses, and toxins in the environment such as laundry detergent, dryer sheets, gasoline on someone’s hands from filling the car, cologne, and formaldehyde on a new piece of furniture.

These mostly go unnoticed by those around you; yet, as you are exposed to one after another of these fibro side effects, the result is cumulative until your “camels” back breaks.  

The resulting “flare” can be devastating. Just as bad, the offending family member cannot relate whatsoever to you being poisoned by his cologne. That can be “rock and a hard place” situation for you.

The stress that we fibro bodies feel from heightened senses and stimulants around us also creates one “straw” after another and eventually we break down from these multiple exposures. This is not the kind of stress that anyone would thrive on. This is a damaging and debilitating kind of stress that creates an overload on the already vulnerable fibro body.

When fibromyalgia side effects lead to a ‘headache’, you have a headache in the realm of the fibro body which again is different in the sense of severity and active trigger points that might be perpetuating the headache.This is the kind of headache that doesn’t so easily respond to a pain medication, again due to the nature of fibromyalgia and its many variables. 

Fibromyalgia side effects could stem from various factors within the fibro body, from active trigger points, to stress or from external factors such as environmental toxins. The headache could be more localized in the sinus, eyes and facial area or it could stem from common trigger points in the scapula and neck area that radiate to the entire head causing a migraine type headache.

The Straw Theory simply means that too many contributing factors will build up and ultimately “break” our camel’s back and often put us into a fibro flare that will increase both symptoms and pain. 

The adjacent graphic shows a variety of “straws” that can perpetuate fibro side effects. These are the kinds of things that can lead to a flare within a short period of time or exposure. 

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So, what are some of your straws?

For me personally, one of my biggest “straws” is going to an enclosed shopping mall. I know I say this often, but this can be a very toxic place. There are many toxins from new materials, synthetic fragrances, cleaning chemicals and more. 

You might think that it is the physical walking, stopping and standing that is getting to you at the mall. But it could be a combination of these, along with the various toxins wafting through the stores and mall.

And then before you know it, you are not having the fun experience you expected. Or maybe you have experienced these enough times, and like me, you just know that you might need to limit your time there, but not forego it all together. 

Remember that walking around a mall is much different from structured exercise. The stopping and standing can be harder on the body than continuous focused movement. 

Side Effects from Insomnia

When a person with fibromyalgia does not get restorative sleep, this affects their body to a greater degree than a non-fibro person. Again, we are going to be more vulnerable to everything, including lack of restorative sleep. 

We cannot just use stimulants to get going. In fact, because every organ suffers from lack of restorative sleep, this puts a great deal of stress on the brain and liver especially. Therefore, loading up with caffeine, will not work for the fibro person. It can lead to more anxiety, and adrenal gland and thyroid issues.

That is why we always suggest using fibromyalgia specific adaptogens in the morning. Our cortisol is higher in the morning anyway, and that just happens to be when many people with fibro feel their worst. 

Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Eluethero or DHEA, only in the form of Keto-7, can help to lower stress levels and subsequent negative effect on the body. Of course, nothing can take the place of restorative sleep. I have found these particular ones to be most safe and effective for reducing stress in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Side Effects
From Environmental Toxins

When you have an exposure to environmental toxins, this affects the fibro body in a way that can cause an extended “flare” and increase of both pain and symptoms for hours, days and sometimes longer. I know this to be true personally as my symptoms first started at the age of 9 with severe reactions to environmental toxins.

At the time, our home was being remodeled, and I reacted to everything from new flooring, paint, furniture and anything that contained chemicals such as formaldehyde. The first symptoms for me presented in the form of severe migraine headaches and often vomiting due to the extreme pain.

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I have MCS so I react to almost any exposure immediately. The one good thing about that is that I can and do take immediate steps to get away from that exposure if possible. Also, I believe that any toxin that is bad for a MCS person is also bad for a fibro person. But, non-mcs fibro people may not react outwardly or quickly.

Consequently, the exposure can be extended or a series of exposures to different substances may happen and those exposures are cumulative. And those exposures become side effects or “straws”.  Fibro people can only take so many “straws” until it breaks their camel’s back and leads to flares. Worse yet, if they do not realize why and therefore continue to be exposed day after day, very severe fibro flares can result. 

I also remember the smell of something at school that I couldn’t place but none the less, it would cause the start of a massive migraine. Years later as an adult, I realized that “smell” was pesticides that were used in schools for pest control.Hey, I get it, they needed to prevent roaches and other critters from running around the lunch room and scaring the kids (not to mention being a health hazard) but that exposure to pesticides didn’t help me and at least one time, sent me home from school with not only a severe migraine but vomiting and partial loss of my vision. I was just a child. I enjoyed school. These symptoms most definitely were not exaggerated by me in any way…they were and still are very real!

And, why did it seem that nobody else was “reacting” to these toxins as I was? Well, that is the nature of the vulnerable fibro body. It really isn’t rocket science, we are actually the ones yelling “danger …danged. Will Robinson!!” And, “they” will also react sooner or later. Keeping a safe haven is good for everybody …

Is Environmental Sensitivity
A Fibromyalgia Side Effect?

Yeah, I sure do get it ….and that is why we focus on this “variable” throughout the website here. Avoiding toxins and establishing a safe haven at home is a critical step to living smarter. You really need to take this seriously. This goes for any other illness such as cancer and heart disease.Yes, even heart disease has now been linked to toxins in our environment. This means everything we put on our bodies and everything we use in our homes.

As I often say, it’s also important that our family members be on board. We cannot control all toxins in the “outside” world, but we can at least take more control over our own environments in which we spend much of our time. Work environments are more of a challenge, and I have experienced that many times. Do the best you can to be assertive about your needs if you work in an environment that could be contributing to symptoms. Let us all work to be more proactive and less reactive. Let us not allow too many “straws” to break our camel’s back. Please remember that “the more we limit ourselves, the more we will be limited” So it is less about avoiding the daily activities and joys in life and more about avoiding the negativity and toxic exposures to environments, relationships, habits and 24/7 illness talk.

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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 really shouldn’t surprise us that fibromyalgia upper back pain is one of the most relentless of symptoms that fibro people experience.

Although fibromyalgia affects the entire body, there are some areas of the fibro body that are more vulnerable to perpetuating factors.

Chronic upper back pain is one of the major symptoms of fibromyalgia. Maybe you are like me, and also have a shoulder issue, you know how the upper trapezius muscles can pull on the shoulder. After about age 50, many of us know the pain of not just fibro, but interplaying areas.

Upper back pain often radiates to the neck, shoulders, and can even wrap around the entire head affecting our ability to think and interact with the world around us.

What starts in the mid back or trapezius area can soon spread to the face and sinus area, leaving a fibro person wondering what in the world just happened. 

On the “Mind Body Science” page, I referred to what scientists called “nodes” or “hot spots” that lie along the main neural pathways. 

These are places where various types of nerve fibers, nerve cells, soft tissue, bone, and neurochemical pathways all come together in very close association. Mutation or damage to nerve cells associated with these areas can result in chronic fibromyalgia pain.

Fibromyalgia affects the entire body and multiple systems within the body. There are also many tender points and even more trigger points within the fibro body that create a greater vulnerability to perpetuating factors.

Certain areas of the body are just more susceptible to everything from stress to activities of daily living.

One of these areas is the upper back region located around the neck, shoulders and scapula. The upper back scapula area is often a point of referral where both tender points and trigger points come into play…or maybe we should say… “come out to play” resulting in fibromyalgia upper back pain.

Not that it feels like ‘play time’ to the fibro person, but it definitely does “play havoc” with our musculo-skeletal system and our nervous system as well.

When this area is tight, knotted and burning, the entire nervous system is affected. (Just like with chronic migraine.) This area of the body is naturally more prone to stress, over exertion, daily activities and lack of sleep and proper regeneration.

When trigger points are active within the fibro body, this can affect many activities of daily living. Reaching up to a high shelf or reaching down to the clothes dryer, dishwasher or to the floor can exacerbate the pain in the scapula, neck and shoulder areas. 

TRP’s in the scapula and trapezius area can radiate and extend up to the neck, back of the skull and wrap around the entire head and even into the face and sinus area.

If you are in a position where someone is asking for your assistance to pick up something heavy, stop and consider if this is a good idea for you. As I often say, it is not just the weight, but the “angle” at which you are lifting that can put extra strain on the upper body. 

Back and chest pain often go together. It’s not unusual for the upper back pain to wrap around to the upper chest area which increases stress level due to concern about the heart. Any heart related conditions should always be assessed separately. 

It can be helpful to assess your neck alignment by x-ray, and if needed, use a cervical device to help restore the natural curve. Many people spend so much time on devices or computers these days and this is disrupting that natural curve and causing straight neck or even what we call “cell phone neck” 

By the way, if you have issues with reaching up to a high shelf, or down to the floor, be sure to see the “grab it” tool at bottom of this page, as this can be very helpful when living with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. 

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Fibromyalgia Upper Back Pain Can Morph Into A Migraine or Face Pain

So what starts as fibromyalgia upper back pain and burning can radiate and extend to the entire head causing a greater propensity to debilitation. You may remember me talking in videos on the Facebook page about clothing.

Yes, even the clothes we wear can affect pain and symptoms in the upper body; examples are collars on shirts or jackets, heavy coats, and scarves that wrap around the neck.

Yes, even scarves can create greater pain in the neck area unless they are wrapped loosely around the neck. What might feel like “light” clothing to a non-fibro, can feel heavy and painful to a fibro body. Some clothing can actually affect good posture as well. Be aware of anything that “pulls” on the neck and upper back.

What about bathing suits?

As mentioned above, even a slight pulling on the upper neck from a bathing suit strap or tie (around the neck) can activate trigger points in fibromyalgia. You may have latent trigger points that are not hurting you in that moment UNTIL you have something even so slightly “pulling” on your neck. 

This can be even more troublesome for those of us with fibro because it can seem like the slightest piece of clothing or straps can activate pain that can increase symptoms in that general area and may linger for days. Headaches and trapezius upper back pain are two good examples. 

Remember, it doesn’t take much to activate trigger points, but it takes longer to alleviate them. That is where everything we ascribe to here in the website is essential to avoiding extended flares and increased pain, because even your “stress” about being in a certain situation can activate trigger points. 

What about workout wear, sports bras, and form-fitting clothing?

Putting on and taking off shirts, sweaters, bras and anything especially form fitting can be difficult, especially when trigger points are active and/or tender points are particularly tender. Most people with fibro find that what they wear both on the upper AND lower body does make a difference in pain levels.

Tight or even just “form fitting” jeans/pants around the tender points in the lower body are another example of clothing that can affect the fibro body. It may be necessary to go up one size just to “accommodate” the more sensitive areas.

Be sure that you only wash all of your clothes and your family clothes and linens in non-toxic fragrance-free detergents. These synthetic fragrances can easily contribute to symptoms. I will link our chemical sensitivity article at the bottom of this article. 

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In the Natural Remedies article. Body work section, we talk about a couple of therapies for fibromyalgia that can be very helpful. Both Myotherapy and Bowen therapy. Helping to release these trigger points is essential if you continue to have burned, radiating pain in the upper back.

Below is the ‘Shoulders Back’, a form of light upper body compression we like to use when either stress or pain levels are high. It is actually very soothing, like a soft hug, only better!! A therapeutic soft hug. I use this to also calm the tightness that can occur with stress around the pectoralis muscles, which is very common in fibromyalgia. 

Compression for the upper body can bring relief and support and also aid in better posture.

We like this wrap for the shoulders and scapula called “Shoulders Back”.

This device can actually calm those trigger points, unlike clothing, and only needs to be worn about 30 minutes at a time.

We did not acquire fibromyalgia due to poor posture, however, because we have fibro, we must be very aware of our posture while standing, and especially while sitting for extended periods of time. Many of the devices we use today can wreak havoc on our upper body. Personal computers, cell phones, tablets, etc. For those with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia, there is sometimes a difficulty in maintaining an upright position.

As we often talk about here, the way that a fibro person relaxes may be different than how a non-fibro body relaxes. Therefore, you are not being “lazy” because YOUR way of relaxing may involve lying down instead of sitting. A non-fibro may be perfectly relaxed sitting on a couch, whereas a fibro body cannot always maintain that position without undue strain which exacerbates the fibromyalgia upper back pain.

Below is a tool that I find helpful on those “bad” back pain days.

Above, is the Grab It Grabber that I find quite useful, particularly picking up items from the floor; others might use it for items on the top shelf of your cabinets or pantry.

Read additional relevant material by clicking on the following:

• trigger points
• tender points
• Chemical Sensitivity 

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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

You hear it all the time. Fibromyalgia is “thought to be the result of overactive nerves”
We also know that fibro affects other major systems of the body, often causing symptoms from one system to interplay with symptoms from another system. This pain can literally get on every nerve of the body while causing other symptoms to be “reactive” so to speak. 

Let’s look at the role of Substance P and how this affects pain in the fibro body. 
There are two sides to the fibromyalgia nerve pain “coin”.  One side is pain threshold; the other is pain tolerance. To understand the fibromyalgia pain threshold, you must understand the role of Substance P in the fibro body. 

You may have heard of this in your research and wondered what in the world is this thing called substance P? And how does it relate to your fibromyalgia?

Substance P is a peptide that is released through stimulation within the nervous system. It is involved in the regulation of the pain threshold. It has been found that people with fibromyalgia often have increased levels of Substance P and this can increase or heighten sensitivity to pain and another stimulus. Nerves become more sensitive which in turn can exacerbate many symptoms within the fibro body.

Because Substance P is involved in the nerve pain threshold, people with fibromyalgia tend to feel pain or stimuli more quickly and more intensely than non-fibro people. More research continues regarding the direct correlation between Substance P and fibromyalgia.

Allodynia is one symptom within fibromyalgia where the pain is intensified due to the overactivity of the nervous system. For example, you may feel greater pain or “sensations” when getting an injection at the doctor’s office due to the more sensitive nerve endings near the surface of the skin. A light massage may feel good one day but you may not tolerate the lightest touch the next day.  

Paresthesia is another condition related to fibromyalgia and nerve pain. 

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Our extremities have more nerve endings

Many people with fibromyalgia complain about increased nerve pain in the hands and feet. I hear this often. Pain that burns and radiates around the top or bottom of the feet or around the toes. Maybe you have numbness around the bottom of some of your toes. 

And what about your hands. Why are they so sensitive to touch and temperature?
Well see, there are even more nerve endings here because this is where we “feel” everything we touch.  Imagine if those nerves weren’t sensitive to temperature, for instance, you would burn yourself from touching a stove or hot plate. 

So, the body has its own built-in “fire alarm” so to speak. The only problem is when nerves overreact or become overly sensitive and are screaming danger on a constant basis. 

Nerve Pain Threshold Vs Nerve Pain Tolerance

It is important to understand that the pain threshold is not the same as pain tolerance.
Many people with fibromyalgia and related conditions have lived with chronic pain for years and have learned to ‘adapt’ to the pain which in turn can actually increase pain tolerance.

The ‘threshold’ simply means the point at which pain or symptoms occur… which happens to be more quickly and more intensely for people with fibromyalgia. Nerve pain itself can be insidious.

And, it’s not only the pain but “sensations” on the skin such as feeling something is crawling on your skin or brushing against you. Different than allodynia but similar in that it can affect the nerve endings close to the skin. 

In fibromyalgia, the nerves tend to be over-active. This can occur anywhere in the body and also affect the extremities. Some symptoms will correlate to the autonomic nervous system and myofascial pain or trigger points. If the fascia is constricted or many trigger points are present, this can press on or entrap the nerves. 

That is why I also recommend hands-on Myotherapy (working the trigger points) done by a trained therapist.

The release of active trigger point areas can in turn help to relieve constriction and nerve pain.  Be sure that your therapist understands fibromyalgia and the need to proceed slowly. Also, visit our video section in the living smarter with fibro page for other tools we use for addressing myofascial pain. 

Remember, we are not looking for ways to “cover” the pain. We believe in and utilize therapies that often work in two ways. To relieve pain while getting to the cause of the pain. Never as a false cure or cover-up because that is not how fibromyalgia works. 

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“You just don’t get it unless you got it” 

I believe the distinction between “threshold” and “tolerance” is also important for friends, family members, and employers to understand. The point at which a person with fibro actually “breaks down” may be much further down that road of pain and symptoms than anyone can imagine.

They have likely been putting up with a lot of pain and symptoms before that breaking point. Therefore, when a challenging situation presents itself and a fibro person has reached their limit of “tolerance”, it becomes essential to be heard and understood. Because as we often say … “you just don’t get it unless you got it”

And if you do have it, try the least invasive remedies first, while we help you in getting to those root causes over time. The Penetrex cream below is one of the more natural creams without some of the additives in other nerve creams that we don’t care for. 

Now, here’s the thing about nerve pain tolerance and fibromyalgia. We have to be careful about not decreasing our pain tolerance through overuse of medications that will only continue to add more side effects and also decrease pain tolerance.

We are never “all or nothing” here. So, let’s say that for some people this might mean simply working with your doctor to be very sure you are taking ONLY the lowest effective dose. Then implement other things to support partial or total elimination of any medications that are causing greater harm.

Regarding medications, you might say … “well, that’s ok…I don’t want to be in pain.” Of course not, but it has been well verified that these medications are not the answer for properly managing fibromyalgia. And in fact, they do more harm through damage to vital organs and dangerous side effects.

Continuing to create a greater dependence only compounds the initial problem. And, if you are taking meds for fibro or other conditions, work with your doctor regularly to be sure that you are only taking the ‘lowest effective dose’. 

I’m surely not advocating that anyone suffer more than they have to. But the whole premise of our website and protocols is based on the very programs that I have used and continue to use with myself and others.   

I believe I was “forced” in a sense to utilize other methods of dealing with fibromyalgia and that is really what the entire website is all about. I have experienced some of the most excruciating pain since a young age, and I have truly had to learn how to be better and smarter at managing that pain.

Symptoms within fibromyalgia, pain, chronic migraine are so unpredictable and medications just don’t work that way. They also don’t address the root causes. Working with people who have chronic illness and fibromyalgia, I can tell you that people have many perpetuating factors around them that they are not even aware of. 

It’s more than simply taking a pill

Bottom line is that although a fibro body’s pain threshold may be low, oftentimes people with fibromyalgia have a very high pain tolerance. Living with daily pain and symptoms of fibro and any related conditions takes everything we have. This is not simply a matter of taking a pill and getting on with our lives.

Being proactive despite living with complex fibromyalgia is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. See, it is because we take nothing for granted. And, by the way, this does not mean that our previous lifestyle was to blame. It does mean that now we must use every component of a healthy lifestyle to our advantage. 

It’s always better to be proactive than to just “adapt” to the illness. Being proactive…staying empowered, is where we can begin to balance out the threshold vs. the tolerance factors. There is great reward in that, a foundation on which we can build upon.

If you are having nerve pain in any form including the extremities, consider the suggestions we have found helpful to mediate pain. You know this already, but “sitting” through nerve pain can be very uncomfortable. Being proactive through light movement and experimenting with compression wear is the best idea to prevent this kind of pain from worsening.

Also try natural remedies such as lobelia tincture, which is great for nerves. I started using a low dose of Lobelia tincture many years ago, and find it is helpful with nerve pain and anxiety-related symptoms. When using a tincture, we use only a few drops every day, so this will last a while. Lobelia can help with muscle tension, nerve pain and will help the body to relax before bedtime. Please note that the taste is very strong and putting in warm water is helpful. 

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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

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Fibromyalgia knee pain can be a result of many things and not all are directly attributed to fibromyalgia, but with tender and trigger points compounding this area, it is very common to have fibro-related knee pain. 

Two of the eighteen fibromyalgia tender points are located around the knee area, on both sides. Various activities can exacerbate fibromyalgia knee pain. Tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments within close proximity can also increase pain in this vulnerable area. 

Although a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes much more than eighteen tender points, there are still some areas like the knees that tend to affect more of the surrounding areas; this is likely due to the weight-bearing nature and any associated joint issues.

Also, the SS (symptom severity) evaluation test can be helpful in a decision to treat these more vulnerable areas of the fibro body.

As well, the trigger points that we often refer to can also cause radiating pain around the knee, up and down the leg, and into the hip flexors and lower back.

Fibromyalgia knee pain can cause increased symptoms when standing, especially for prolonged periods of time, and more in the latter part of the day for those with any kind of standing job.

Also, even excessive sitting at a desk and/or lack of regular range of motion within this area can cause painful symptoms. 

This may be attributed to a strain or tightness within the quadrant around the sartorius muscle and perpetual tightness in the hamstrings which also ‘pull’ on the knee and can contribute to TRP’s or trigger points around the knee, radiating upward into the groin and hip flexors and also down into the shins and ankles. 

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Do you have fibromyalgia knee pain?

Do you experience pain in your knees upon standing from a sitting position? Do your knees often feel like they are buckling under you while standing in one place or while walking? This could be due to active or latent trigger points around the leg muscles. 

Do you find it especially hard or nearly impossible to engage in certain activities of daily living like cleaning a bathtub or a floor where kneeling or bending is required?

These are all common within the fibro body, especially due to the weight-bearing nature of these tender and trigger point areas.

Like other joints, this area of the fibro body is also sensitive to weather and temperature changes and may cause a feeling of extreme weakness and increased pain around the joint and soft tissue surrounding the knee.

How do we mitigate fibromyalgia knee pain to increase range of motion and agility within the fibro body?

With fibromyalgia knee pain, we are best to keep the blood flowing around these tender areas and work on staying conditioned with non-invasive remedies and strength applications where possible. Compression is a great way to naturally increase circulation. 

Compression wear is a non-invasive remedy for knee pain that gently hugs and supports the joint, trigger points, and soft tissue around the knee. Some compression garments include infra-red technology for even great benefit.   

Knee compression garments like the one shown (the healing tree) can be worn any time of day. However, not all compression garments are appropriate for those with fibromyalgia due to the differing degrees of ‘tightness’. 

Experiment to find what rate of compression works best. This one shown exerts a smaller degree of compression but also includes the infra-red technology which in itself will increase circulation and oxygen flow around tender and trigger points of the body. 

Using light ankle weights and performing leg lifts to increase leg strength are also essential. It does not have to be a great deal of weight, just enough to start activating muscle and increasing strength slowly.

The adjacent picture also shows a simple way to lightly ‘compress’ the area around the knees by using a small exercise ball and just squeezing in between the knees. Compress just enough against the ‘tender‘ tendons and soft tissue.

Simply squeeze the ball… hold… and release. Use 8-10 repetitions for 1-2 sets.

Remember that healthy muscle protects bone and healthy bone/joints protect muscle.

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What about ice and heat for fibromyalgia knee pain? 

Alternating ice and heat is always a good idea. Try 5-10 minutes alternating hot and cold. However, after exercise or strenuous activity, I find that ice or cold to decrease any soreness is best if tolerated. If you don’t tolerate the extreme cold of an ice pack, wrap the pack in a towel and work up to tolerance.

For those who are a little more adventurous, how about a hot/cold shower? This is simply alternating hot and cold water for about 20-30 seconds at a time. Focusing on a particular body part like the knees or lower back will increase circulation without undue stress to the entire fibro body.

I use the same wraps for my knees that I use for around my head during intense migraines. However, with a headache, the cold part only goes around the back of the head, for knees, it wraps around the entire knee. Check out the migraine article if you like for the cold wrap. Very easy to use on the knees as there is no need to hold it on them.

Be careful with blood pressure or other issues that may not respond well to the extreme temperature variance.

Additional Therapies

It is also important to note that chronic lower back pain and tight hamstring muscles (back of legs) can also exacerbate knee pain. If your lower back is ‘out’ or you are overcompensating in any way, often the knees can take on the added strain. 

SI joint pain (in the dimples of the lower back) is also connected to knee pain, so regular care for the spine and lower back can improve pain in the lower extremities and knees as well.

Knee pain can also be exacerbated by tight fascia.

Bowen therapy and/or Myotherapy can be helpful for fibromyalgia. This can be effective for related symptoms that affect both muscle and fibro tender areas. Check for a qualified Bowen therapist in your area. Also, refer to related links below. 

Another effective and less invasive procedure than something like cortisone for knee pain and arthritis involves cartilage injections. I have personally used these injections for my knees over the last three years. Check-in your area for a holistic joint doctor. Our bodies naturally lose cartilage as we age, so it is something we need anyway. Often pain for by insurance. 

Prolozone therapy is another option for the knees. This therapy utilizes oxygen and may be injected with a natural anti-inflammatory into the surrounding areas of the knee joint. Not always paid by insurance. 

I have personally utilized stem cell injections as well for arthritis in both knees and neck but did not get the results I was hoping for. Stem cell Therapy and regenerative medicine are still fairly new, so we continue to follow these and what kind of results people are getting. 

More studies also show the dangers of cortisone shots, and I have personally not used them, but be very cautious if you do, as they have been shown to cause side effects and not really get to the root of the problem. If using cortisone, be sure to work closely with your doctor and only utilize it on occasion. 

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

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Many people with fibro know all too well the intense pain from fibromyalgia headaches and/or migraines. The more one gets to know fibromyalgia, the more one understands the various and multiple parts of the body that are affected.

This is not your average head “ache” because of the unique qualities within fibromyalgia and the TRP’s (trigger points) that are commonly associated with head pain.

If you have fibromyalgia headaches or migraines, you know pain.

Although there are multiple causes for head pain, we know that many common factors must be addressed in order to lessen the severity and frequency of fibromyalgia headaches.

Are the TRP’s (trigger points) around the head, neck, and scapula area actually the cause of the head pain OR is it a stressor, perpetuating factor, or environmental exposure that initiates the pain?

Seasonal allergies can exacerbate headaches and increase pain within the entire fibro body. I also experience more head pain when it rains, and I will tell you that it can be very intense, triggering both trigger points, and the olfactory nerve, around CN1.

This has the potential to not only increase pain around the face and head, but in my case, I can smell and react to everything more intensely!! 

When TRP’s (trigger points) are involved with head pain, it often “feels” more structural and some people may have a difficult time associating their environment as an instigator of pain.

Yet due to the fibro body’s sensitivity to toxins and stimulants, this can easily start a cascade of symptoms and resulting pain. (Severe fibromyalgia headaches interfere with the quality of life even more so because of the effect on the brain, eyes, nerves, and ability to think clearly)

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When headache pain increases, you might also feel an increase in your pulse rate and even heart palpitations. This is not uncommon due to the direct effect on the nervous system. I’ve had this since a young age, I certainly get it. 

In the U.S. alone, 78% of women (68% of men) suffer from debilitating headaches, and migraines affect about 15% of the population, according to Dr. Ty Thomas, (National Centers for Pain Management & Research).
Not to mention that brain fog (otherwise known as fibro fog in relation to fibromyalgia headaches) is exacerbated when headaches occur on a regular basis.

Seasonal headaches

There are seasons of the year that tend to bring on more headaches due to allergies, ragweed, and temperature changes. Spring and Fall are two seasons where symptoms can tend to escalate. Allergies can activate symptoms of fibromyalgia, just like toxins in any form exacerbate fibro symptoms. 

Sometimes it may be necessary to limit outdoor activities during high allergy seasons or wear a face mask. I often recommend the company “I Can Breathe” for a protective face mask from toxins and allergens. 

Another product that I often find helpful is the “Hot/Cold Migraine/Sinus/Tension Headache Head Wrap” shown below. The wrap contains beads that can be heated or cooled and applied to the head. And, guess what? It is so multi-functional that I also use this wrap around my knees.

I actually wear this compression a different way. I wear the ice or heat part on the back of my head which covers the fibromyalgia tender points on the lower back part of the head and then the slight compression is around the forehead which helps to increase blood flow

I prefer to use the beads in a cold state, but, alternating heat and cold are effective as well. 

Factors in Fibromyalgia Headaches

Any type of chronic headache pain can be debilitating as this is where we think, express, and interact with the world around us. If you have fibromyalgia and recurring headaches, there’s no doubt that you know this kind of pain.

Suffering from chronic migraine myself since the age of 9, now 52, I sure do understand this pain and the additional symptoms that can be brought on by a migraine, including severe nausea, issues with eyes, coordination and cognition, and even vomiting when the pain escalates to a most debilitating point.

The trigeminal nerve which travels from the brain to the face can cause inflammation while any disruption within the hypothalamus (in the brain) can affect the blood vessels. Some people find relief using caffeine during a headache, but this can backfire in others due to the constriction of blood vessels. 

What if your headaches are instigated by CFS/ME otherwise known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis? This kind of headache displays itself with pain around the entire head, face, eyes and can increase swelling around the jaw and parotid glands just under the jaw.

Here, the immune system is involved and these types of headaches can come on quickly and intensely by exposure to environmental toxins such as petro fumes, fragrances, and/or chemicals of any kind.  

Because people with chronic illness tend to be shallow breathers, we must pay attention to our breathing tendencies, as a lack of proper oxygen can bring on and intensify headaches of all kinds.

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And again, for those of us with long-standing environmental illness or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, headaches are often brought on by exposures to toxins in the environment, affecting our ability to breathe and relax normally. 

What do we do when we are exposed?

Oftentimes, we find ourselves holding our breath. We are trying to avoid breathing in toxins, but this can easily exacerbate headache pain, and tension throughout the body. We need to avoid chemicals or fragrances in our home or work environment. Read more here about migraines and Chemical Sensitivity. 

Fibro and the Migraineur

What is a migraineur?

Actually, many fibro victims fall into this category. A migraineur is a person with a sensitive nervous system, often light sleepers, affected by weather, toxins, odors, and bright lights. They are hardworking and attentive to their environment and the feelings of others.

They often have tight muscles and dysregulated blood vessels. Serotonin levels are also reduced during a migraine yet return to normal when the headache is resolved. This explains how migraines correlate so well with fibromyalgia and symptoms.

The Five Phases of Migraine

1. The first phase of migraine is called the prodrome. During this phase, lights may begin to appear brighter, change in mental process, fluid retention, irritability, or craving certain foods. These symptoms and more can signal the beginning stage of migraine.

2. The second phase is called the aura. This is where a change in brain chemistry occurs. This nervous system disruption can last from minutes up to about an hour.

Vision changes can occur or see spots in front of the eyes, and weakness in extremities. It has now been found that this is not a constriction in blood vessels as once thought, but a disruption in brain chemistry.

3. The third phase is called the headache phase. This is where the pain and intensity take place. The pain may be pounding or on one side of the head. The nervous system becomes even more sensitive to light and sound.

The muscles in the back of the neck, and upper back become tense and painful, and more sensitive to touch. Mobility within the neck and jaw can become limited as well. The severity of this phase can last from 4-72 hours. 

4. The fourth phase is the resolution phase. Oftentimes, migraines will be resolved with sleep, but can also linger for 1-3 days.

Vomiting is common in children who suffer from migraine, and this can sometimes stop or at least lessen the pain.

 I will say, that in my case, the vomiting did not always lessen the pain. 

5. The last phase of migraine is called the postdrome. This phase usually accompanies headaches that last a longer period of time, and not everyone will experience this phase. Similar to a hangover or the flu, the symptoms here include fatigue, lack of concentration, nausea, and muscle tenderness.

Understanding our individual triggers and the phases of migraines can support us in better managing this often-debilitating pain. There is always a ‘root’ cause and as a migraine sufferer since a very young age, I certainly know that environment has always been my biggest perpetuating factor. Toxins in various forms (chemicals, synthetic fragrances, petroleum fumes, etc.) often trigger the fibromyalgia headache or migraine and must be controlled.   Thank you for reading…

Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

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