Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Chronic Pain

A comprehensive guide on chronic pain, its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to improve your quality of life.

Fibromyalgia Medications

Fibromyalgia patients know that there are many different kinds of medications available to treat fibro symptoms, medications that range from pain medicines to sleeping pills to antidepressants. While some ease pain, others boost mood and improve sleep. Working with a pain management specialist like those at Chronicillness.co Site of the United States can help patients find the right fibromyalgia medication to add to their treatment regimen. That way, symptoms can be managed more effectively.

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Initially, antidepressants are used to treat fibro, and they help relieve pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. In addition, antidepressants help depression, which is commonly seen in people with fibromyalgia. Older antidepressants, called tricyclics, have been used for many years to treat fibromyalgia. The tricyclic antidepressants, including Elavil (amitriptyline) and Pamelor (nortriptyline), work by raising the levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Tricyclic antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. People with chronic pain often have decreased levels of these calming neurotransmitters. Tricyclics can relax painful muscles and heighten the effects of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers. While these medications are often very effective, the side effects can sometimes make them difficult to take as they may cause drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, and constipation.

There are several different types of antidepressants and several of them have been shown to help relieve the pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in people with fibromyalgia.

The most well-studied antidepressants for fibromyalgia include Cymbalta (duloxetine), Savella (milnacipran), and Effexor (venlafaxine). Cymbalta and Savella are specifically FDA-approved to treat fibromyalgia. There is less medical research to show that Effexor helps fibromyalgia. Other antidepressants that have also been studied for fibromyalgia and may help include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Celexa (citalopram).

Different antidepressants work differently in the body. In addition, what works for one person with fibromyalgia may not work for someone else. That’s why people with fibromyalgia may have to try more than one antidepressant to find the one that best relieves the pain, fatigue, and sleep difficulties associated with the condition.

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Different types of pain relievers are sometimes recommended to ease the deep muscle pain and trigger-point pain that comes with fibromyalgia. The problem is these pain relievers don’t work the same for everyone with fibromyalgia.

The over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen elevates the pain threshold so you perceive less pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when taken alone, don’t typically work that well for fibromyalgia. However, when combined with other fibromyalgia medicines, NSAIDs often do help. NSAIDs are available over the counter and include drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Be careful taking aspirin or other NSAIDs if you have stomach problems. These medications can lead to heartburn, nausea or vomiting, stomach ulcers, and stomach bleeding. This risk of serious bleeding is even higher in people over the age of 60. Don’t take over-the-counter NSAIDs for more than 10 days without checking with your doctor. Taking them for a prolonged period increases the chance of serious side effects. Aspirin and other NSAIDs can cause or worsen stomach ulcers. If you’ve had ulcers or any kind of stomach or intestinal bleeding, talk to your doctor before taking NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen is relatively free of side effects, but patients who have liver disease should avoid it. Also, make sure to not take more than recommended as that greatly increases the risk of side effects, including liver damage.

The muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine has proved useful for the treatment of fibromyalgia. It’s often prescribed to help ease muscle tension and improve sleep. Muscle relaxants work in the brain to relax muscles.

With muscle relaxants, patients may experience dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, and a change in the color of urine. These medications may increase the likelihood of seizures. Older adults sometimes experience confusion and hallucinations when taking them.

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02/09/2023
A Numb Arm Led to My Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Have you ever slept in an odd position and when you woke up, your arm felt numb and you couldn’t lift it? Well that’s what happened to me a little more than five years ago. I went to bed feeling fine and when I woke up, I couldn’t lift my arm. Except for me, the feeling didn’t go away. My first thought was it must have something to do with the surgery I had years ago on my spine.

Six years before the morning with my arm, I had been lifting boxes and woke up with a stiff neck. For more than a year, I felt pain on and off. I ended up getting an MRI and once I did, I was told I needed immediate surgery to remove herniated discs in my neck. So it made sense to me that maybe my arm numbness was related to my neck issue from years earlier.

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I called my spine doctor and after completing a thorough exam, he told me that it was unrelated to my surgery and he thought I may have rheumatoid arthritis. I was in disbelief. I had felt fine the day before and I didn’t even feel bad the day of the appointment, other than the fact that I couldn’t lift my arm! My doctor drew all the bloodwork so he could verify the diagnosis and sent me home.

A few days later, he called and told me my rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in the blood of most patients with rheumatoid arthritis, was off the charts. Normal is considered between 10 and 20 and mine was greater than 600! He suggested I visit a rheumatologist right away to get started on treatment.

At this point, I was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable and experiencing some pain. Feeling fortunate that I live in an area with great access to many specialists, I called around to get an appointment. Every doctor’s office I spoke with said they could see me in August or September. It was March! How was I going to live with this pain? How was I going to work? I am a single mom with a full-time job. I couldn’t wait 5 months! This was the beginning of realizing that I needed to advocate for myself and my care. I called my spine doctor back and he was able to get me in for an appointment. The rheumatologist started me on a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and after a few adjustments, I began managing the medical aspect of my condition.

What may have been even more difficult for me, however, was managing the emotional and mental aspects of being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at the age of 49. I started out doing exactly what you shouldn’t do—googling my condition. Everything I read made me feel hopeless. On top of that, I found that every thought I had focused on my condition. I would constantly question—should I be eating this? Should I be doing different exercises? Should I try this new vitamin or supplement? Every thought I had was about rheumatoid arthritis. I remember saying to my mom that I can’t wait for the day that I can say this disease is something I have, not something I am.

I looked for a support group with people to connect but found nothing in my area. I found an organization called Arthritis Introspective (who have since merged with the Arthritis Foundation) and went through training to become a facilitator of my own support group. It started with me sitting in Wegman’s (my local grocery store) hoping for one person to show up and now, three years later, we have more than 100 people in our group. The connections within the group help me take power and control back into my own hands, while educating and learning to advocate for myself.

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You wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at me that I have rheumatoid arthritis. I work full-time, volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation, and am involved in my church. I spend time with family and friends and stay busy. Because of this, people often forget that I struggle at times. Some days I hurt more than others. Stress is a big factor in how I feel. And my flares tend to be different than other people. Rather than redness and pain in my joints, I feel extremely exhausted, like I’m coming down with the flu. If I’m very busy during the week, I need to take the weekend to recharge my battery. I no longer feel guilty if I stay in my pajamas or cancel plans. I’m constantly learning how to manage my time and my energy reserves.

In the autoimmune world, you often hear about the spoon theory. You start out with a certain amount of spoons each morning and you have to think about how you’ll use your spoons. If you have 15 spoons, it may take one spoon to get out of bed, two spoons to take a shower, another spoon to dry your hair, four spoons to go to work, and so on. My spoons are not endless like maybe someone who is healthy. I’ve learned to manage my spoons. If I work late two nights in one week, I know that I will have no spoons left for the weekend to socialize. It’s a daily struggle to balance what I can and can’t do.

I decided early on that I was not going to let this disease take over. I changed my diet, I found exercise that worked for me, and I found support. I am a platinum ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation, the leader of a top fundraising team for the Walk to Cure Arthritis, and the incoming board chair for our local leadership board. I tell people that the number one thing they need to do is to find their tribe and get connected. Not everyone in your tribe has to have arthritis, but they all have to understand that you are going to have bad days and good days. And your tribe should support you when you are struggling AND when you are celebrating!

After five years, I can finally say that rheumatoid arthritis is something I have, not something I am.

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02/08/2023
Do I Need An MRI Scan For My Chronic Pain?

The development of the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine greatly revolutionized the treatment of chronic pain—specifically low back pain. Usually, an MRI scan is administered to confirm what physicians believe to be the reason for a patient’s pain. It can also be used for surgical planning such as a spinal fusion. An MRI scan can be a crucial part of planning chronic pain treatment, however, it is not always necessary.

At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, our team of board-certified pain specialists use only the safest and most effective tools to diagnose and manage pain. With 15 locations in the United States, Chronicillness.co Site is the best pain management facility in the entire state. We provide care to suffering pain patients across the state, giving rural communities a resource for any of their pain concerns.

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MRI scans can be useful for a number of reasons other than surgical planning, including:

–       To rule out potential complications i.e. infection or tumor

–       To distinguish a recurrent disc herniation and scar tissue for patients who recently underwent surgery

–       To determine if a tumor or infection is present before administering an epidural steroid injection

The MRI scanning works by using a rotating magnet around the patient. The magnet promotes the activity of hydrogen atoms in the body, which cause the atoms to emit radiation as they settle into their normal activity level. The MRI scanner picks up the radiation and is able to distinguish between tissues in the body such as fat, discs, fluid, bone, cartilage, and nerve roots.

If you suffer from leg pain or lower back pain, an MRI scan could be useful to your treatment plan. The following indications could prompt your Pain Center physician to administer an MRI:

–       Leg pain that lasts longer than 4 to 6 weeks, warranting surgery

–       Low back pain that lasts longer than 3 to 6 months, warranting surgery

–       Back pain causes loss of appetite, weight loss, pain while resting, fever, and other symptoms that indicate a tumor or infection is present

–       Back pain that is persistent for 4 to 6 weeks following back surgery

If you or someone you love suffers from any chronic pain condition, contact the specialists at Chronicillness.co Site for the best care.

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02/08/2023
What You Need to Know About Acetaminophen Use during Pregnancy?

Two-thirds of American women take acetaminophen for pregnancy’s aches and pains. But the medication might not be as harmless as previously thought.

Research published in October online in JAMA Psychiatry shows that women who took acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the end of their pregnancies were much more likely to have a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After testing blood from the mother and the umbilical cord soon after birth, the odds of these developmental disorders were more than twice as high in children exposed to acetaminophen near the time of birth. The association was strongest between exposure to acetaminophen and ADHD in the child.

Researchers analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort, a long-term study of factors influencing pregnancy and child development. They collected umbilical cord blood from 996 births and measured the amount of acetaminophen and two of its byproducts in each sample. Participants‘ average age was 10 and slightly more than half were boys. When the children were an average of 8.9 years, 25.8 percent had been diagnosed with ADHD only, 6.6 percent with ASD only and 4.2 percent with ADHD and ASD. Just over 30 percent had another developmental disability. Almost 33 percent had no developmental concerns.

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Researchers classified the amount of acetaminophen and its byproducts in the samples into thirds, from lowest to highest. Compared to the lowest third, the middle third of exposure was associated with about 2.26 times the risk for ADHD. The highest third of exposure was associated with 2.86 times the risk. Similarly, ASD risk was higher for those in the middle third (2.14 times) and highest third (3.62 times).

Authors found that their results support earlier studies linking acetaminophen exposure in the womb with ADHD and ASD. While the study found an association between an expectant mother’s use of acetaminophen and the development of ADHD and possibly autism in her child, it can’t prove a definitive cause-and-effect link.

Doctors Weigh In

Don’t panic if you’ve taken acetaminophen during pregnancy. “I wouldn’t worry if you’ve already taken acetaminophen purely based on the results of this study,” says Rashmi Kudesia, MD, M.Sc., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist who practices at CCRM Fertility Houston in Houston and is Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Houston Methodist Hospital. She is on the Women’s Health Advisory Council. “This study only looked at umbilical cord blood, reflective of the time right around delivery. What, if anything, that means for earlier acetaminophen use, is unknown.”

Talk about medication use with your doctor. If you’ve already taken acetaminophen, don’t worry. “As for this study, since the genetics and environmental etiologies of autism and ADHD remain poorly understood, I would advise caution in linking Tylenol to causation or increased fetal risk,” says Dr. DaCarla M. Albright, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and an Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, with a focus on Wellness, at the Perelman School of Medicine at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She is on the HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council. “We have more to learn.”

Most doctors have a ‘safe-during-pregnancy’ list of medications they’ll provide early in pregnancy, Dr. Kudesia says. “Even with this study, acetaminophen remains among the safest drugs for pain during pregnancy,” she says. NSAIDs like ibuprofen aren’t recommended, and neither are narcotics. If your pain is chronic, develop a long-term pain management plan ahead of time to avoid or reduce repetitive use of acetaminophen. “This latter recommendation is one I’ve always made, and it’s unchanged by the findings of the current study,” she says. For certain conditions, like migraines, there may be specialized prescription medications that work best. “But out of over-the-counter options, acetaminophen remains the best alternative,” she says.

If you get a fever during pregnancy, talk with your obstetrician before medicating; it may be a sign of pregnancy complications and may need further evaluation. Tylenol is your safest medication for fever management, says Dr. Albright. Non-medication alternatives, like ice packs or warm compresses (don’t apply heat directly to your abdomen in pregnancy), or alternative approaches such as massage or acupuncture, depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing. “Discuss the desire to take any medication in pregnancy with your physician,” she says. “It allows your physician the opportunity to appropriately triage the condition and make the best recommendations for you.”

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. The study was conducted by Xiaobing Wang, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, and colleagues.

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02/07/2023
Radial Neuropathy

The radial nerve is a key part of arm functioning. It is in the underside of the arm and is responsible for movement in the triceps as well as the extension of the wrist and hand. When this nerve is damaged, it is called radial neuropathy or radial nerve palsy.

Radial nerve injury can be caused by severe impact, or even quite mundane situations. Fractures of the humerus, impact to the arm, or harsh compression of the wrist are all possible collision causes of radial nerve damage. Some other ways the radial nerve can be impaired are sleeping with the upper arm in an unusual position, using crutches, or even a condition called “Saturday Night Palsy”, caused by consuming alcohol and falling asleep with pressure on an arm over the back of a chair.

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There are a number of different symptoms associated with an injury to the radial nerve. In most cases, some instances of symptoms appear in the back of the hand, and in each of the fingers. The symptoms include acute pain, numbness, tingling, burning, inability to straighten or move hand and wrist, or weakness.

Here at Chronicillness.co Site of United States, we would diagnose radial neuropathy by comparing the injured arm with the healthy arm. We would check the range of motion, weakness, loss of muscle, and wrist drop. In some cases, Electromyography may be implemented. An EMG quantifies electrical activity in your muscles. This reveals if the issue is muscle or nerve related.

Treatments for radial nerve damage include pain medication, steroid injections, anesthetic creams, splints, therapy to strengthen necessary muscles, and acupuncture. In the majority of radial neuropathy, patients tend to recover within 90 days. In some cases, surgery is necessary to free up the nerve from pressure.

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02/07/2023
4 Tips for Pain Relief Quick

When you’re in pain, you have one thing on your mind – please make it stop. Luckily there are many pain management options out there, some work faster than others, and some even have an immediate effect. And while opioids can serve an important function, my advice for patients is to try a non-medication approach first. The following pain-relief tips are sustainable and most importantly they’re often times effective for many types of pain conditions when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan.

1. Go for a walk:

Being active is great for your health as seen in many studies. It can help strengthen muscles and extend your life, when combined with a comprehensive pain management routine. Any physical activity should first be discussed with your doctor, and be adjusted based on your ability to tolerate your symptoms and function; however, there are plenty of low-impact exercises that can have a positive impact on your pain. Walking is one of them. It can be done anytime and almost anywhere, and the simple act of moving can work wonders on relieving certain symptoms, especially chronic back pain. Some ideas on how to incorporate walking into your daily routine could include: take your dog for a quick stroll first thing in the morning when you may be feeling especially stiff, choose the farthest parking space, use the office restroom or the walking route that’s out of your way at work.

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2. Take massage into your own hands:

Massage is a popular pain-relief option due to its many pain-relieving benefits; however, making an appointment at the spa can be prohibitive due to time and cost. So if you are one of the many individuals whose day is filled with work, errands and other responsibilities, a handheld at-home massager can be a much needed relief. For example, the Wahl Deep Tissue Massager is one of the most powerful massagers currently available. It offers customized relief through a combination of interchangeable heads and variable intensity control.

One of the biggest advantages of incorporating at-home massage into a comprehensive pain-management regimen is convenience and the fact that it provides relief fast. Massage relieves muscle tension by enhancing blood flow, which causes muscles to relax. It also decreases inflammation by activating genes that can naturally reduce swelling, it reduces pain intensity by diminishing bodily substances that create and prolong pain and it improves recovery by stimulating mitochondria, the “energy packs” driving cellular function and repair.

3. Stay hydrated:

Water can be an easy way to stem pain at the source. Keeping water nearby and making sure you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily can make all the difference when trying to combat pain. In general, your body needs water to work properly, to lubricate and cushion your joints, to protect your tissues, to keep your temperature normal and to get rid of wastes. A lack of water can lead to dehydration and drain your energy even further, leading to exhaustion and more painful symptoms. Water is a key element in keeping balance in your body and overall health.

4. Take a dip.

I already covered the miraculous effect water can have on your body from the inside, but it has soothing powers from the outside too. Depending on the source or your chronic pain, a warm bath can offer respite from your discomfort. Being submerged in water reduces the stress of body weight and gives all-over support, easing pressure on your joints. What’s more, the warm and even temperature stimulates blood flow throughout your body helping to loosen stiff, painful muscles.

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02/06/2023
Pancreatitis: An alcohol-related pain problem

The pancreas is responsible for producing digestive juices to break down foods, and hormones that regulate blood sugar. Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is a small organ that people often pay little attention to. Unfortunately, pancreatitis is a detrimental health problem that can be caused by alcoholism.

At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, our providers work with patients to help manage painful conditions and offer tools to live healthier lives. Alcohol Awareness Month is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean that the problem is any less of a problem. Chronicillness.co Site has taken the initiative to provide patients with information about excessive alcohol consumption, common complications, and the ways it can affect their pain condition. With 15 locations across the valley, Chronicillness.co Site is the leading pain practice in the state and in the southwest United States.

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Pancreatitis can develop as an acute or chronic problem. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can be treated immediately to reduce symptoms. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Pancreatitis becomes chronic if the inflamed pancreas stays that way. Symptoms of this chronic condition are recurring, severe pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and back pain.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis can develop as a response to heavy drinking. One theory that scientists believe is that molecules in alcohol manipulate the cells of the pancreas, which ceases proper function. In the end, the more you drink, the higher your risk of having this problem. If chronic pancreatitis is not treated, gallstones can develop and attribute to pancreas complications.

According to the NHS, 50 percent of people with recurring pancreatitis will develop diabetes. This happens because the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin that is needed to regulate blood sugar levels. Pseudocysts are fluid sacs that can form on the surface of the pancreas and are another complication that can develop if your condition is not treated. Pseudocysts may cause bloating, abdominal pain, and indigestion.

Pain is an inevitable symptom that people will encounter if they continue to drink alcohol in unhealthy amounts. The NHS says that two-thirds of people who develop pancreatitis have a history of heavy drinking. To combat the risk of developing pancreatitis, people can follow the government’s drinking guidelines to control drinking habits. Keep track of your drinks and recruit friends to help with moderation. Consider talking to a therapist to develop strategies that can help you slow down your drinking.

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02/06/2023
That Temporary Cramp May Actually be Carpal Tunnel

In many cases, carpal tunnel syndrome is ignored for years and passed off as a temporary cramp of the hand and wrist. However, chronic pain in the hand may be evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. This painful and progressive condition is caused by compression to the median nerve that runs down the arm into the hand. The median nerve is responsible for controlling sensations to the palm of the fingers and impulses to some muscles in the hands.

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Chronicillness.co Site of United States is the leading pain practice in the United States, helping patients in the southern United States increase their functionality while simultaneously decreasing their pain. With 15 locations across the United States, Chronicillness.co Site providers are better able to care for more suffering patients in need of help.

The carpal tunnel refers to a pathway containing ligament, tendons, and bones that also hosts the median nerve. This narrow and rigid passageway thickens when tendons are irritated, causing compression on the median nerve. Patients who develop this condition will have resulting pain, weakness, or numbness in their hands and wrist. Pain can sometimes radiate up the arm, making routine tasks feel impossible.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a kind of entrapment neuropathy, where the body’s peripheral nerves become compressed and manipulated. This condition causes distorted information to the nerves, most often leading to disabling pain. People who develop carpal tunnel will typically have symptoms of burning/tingling numbness in the hand and fingers, swollen hands, decreased grip strength, and decreased sense of temperature change.

According to research, women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men. This may be because women’s hands are smaller, implicating smaller carpal tunnels themselves. A person’s dominant hand is at a higher risk of being affected by the condition and will typically produce the most pain. In a lot of cases, carpal tunnel develops as a result of overuse, and therefore usually occurs in adults.

Based on an evaluation from your Pain Center physician, a treatment plan will be designed uniquely for each patient. Various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling (ie aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers). Other conservative treatment options include corticosteroid injections and lidocaine injections. These injection therapies may provide temporary pain relief for people with mild to intermediate symptoms. Exercise, toga, and acupuncture may also benefit a person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be an option. Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure that goes in to correct the compressed carpal tunnel. Endoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions, allowing faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.

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02/05/2023
Suffering From Chronic Pain as a Black Woman

Every time Jaime Sanders visits an urgent care clinic, she makes sure she brings the three-ring binder that details her comprehensive medical care plan, including lists of medications, allergies and records of past doctors’ visits.

Sanders knows she’s never guaranteed to find doctors who will take her migraine pain seriously and carries the binder as proof of her diagnosis. Still, Sanders remembers how one doctor she saw regularly groaned and said, “Oh, it’s the binder,” when she saw Sanders. The doctor followed by asking if Sanders was doing everything she could for her migraine pain.

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“These situations keep me from wanting to seek the treatment I need,” Sanders said. “It’s traumatizing, and who wants to keep being retraumatized? Sometimes I feel like turning around and just going home. It seems like it offends some people that I know so much about my illness.”

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain daily or almost daily, according to a 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, and 19.6 million experience high-impact chronic pain. The study found that women, older adults, adults living in poverty and adults without health insurance were more likely to have from chronic pain, but race was not directly associated with chronic pain prevalence.

Racial bias

It’s possible, however, that Black women’s pain is underdiagnosed. A New York University study examining bias in pain management found that white health care professionals were less likely to perceive pain on the faces of Black patients compared to white patients, which contributed to different treatment decisions.

In an Association of American Medical Colleges editorial, Dr. Janice Sabin highlighted research where significant percentages of white medical students believed Black patients had thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings, making them less likely to suffer from pain. Another study she cited found that white pediatricians were less likely to prescribe pain medication for a Black teenager after surgery than a white teenager.

Even a CDC paper issuing guidance on prescribing opioids for chronic pain noted that members of racial and ethnic minority groups could be at risk for inadequate pain treatment.

Sanders, who is Black, has been blogging at The Migraine Diva about her chronic pain due to migraine, fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety since 2011. She has a family history of migraine headaches and received her diagnosis at the age of eight. She received compassionate care as a child, but as an adult she’s faced microaggressions in health care facilities, from the mocking of her health binder to being refused a doctor-prescribed treatment from another doctor who told her it was unsafe — despite research showing otherwise. Sanders remembered the latter doctor telling her he was able to manage his own migraine headaches, and that 90% of his patients were able to control their headaches with lifestyle changes.

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“It’s like he was blaming me for my pain,” said Sanders. “I worry about so many layers to my health care — how I speak, how I dress when I arrive at the doctor’s office — it’s exhausting and mentally draining.”

Tiffani Stokley suffered from joint pain and headaches for 10 years before being diagnosed with lupus in 2006. The path to her diagnosis wasn’t direct — she said doctors failed to dig deeper into the issues causing her pain until a blood test finally provided clues that led to the lupus diagnosis. Black women are three times more likely than white women to develop lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body, and as many as one in 250 Black women will be diagnosed with lupus.

Applying the biopsychosocial model of disease developed by George Engel in the 1970s could help improve outcomes for Black women experiencing chronic pain. This model encourages doctors to look at a continuum of biological, psychological and social factors that could affect a patient’s health, instead of focusing on the pain alone. One’s mental health or work environment could exacerbate physical pain, for example, and, under this model, a health care professional would look at every factor in a particular woman’s life to address and treat the pain.

Earlier this year, Stokley experienced yet another dismissal of her pain. She went to the emergency room after having complications from a kidney stone removal procedure and, during recovery, an emergency room nurse questioned her need for pain medication. Eventually, an attending doctor noticed the pain on Stokley’s face and got her the medication she needed.

“Some instances, I feel like I’m dismissed because I’m a woman, and a Black woman in particular, or it can just be a lack of compassion that doctor or nurse has in general,” Stokley said. “You don’t know sometimes how to get them to take you seriously. I’ve seen people be really dramatic and not be heard, but even if you speak to the doctor in a reasonable way, that doesn’t guarantee they’ll pay attention either.”

A purpose to the pain

Stokley’s observation echoes Sanders’ point about the fine line Black women walk when trying to manage their pain. When Sanders began blogging, she hoped to create a support system and talk with others about her life as a wife and mother of three children, managing a household while dealing with chronic pain. She later began receiving invitations to speak on health panels, launching her into her current role as a patient advocate.

“This gave my pain a purpose, and I found empowerment from that,” Sanders said. “It allowed me to come to terms with my pain and recognize that it doesn’t define me.”

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02/04/2023
Avoiding Pain While Doing Laundry and Making the Bed
Coping with chronic pain can be difficult. You have to alter practically all facets of your life to cater to your treatment needs. The spring season is quickly approaching, pushing a lot of us to clean out hoarded closets and re-organize messy rooms, while simultaneously making sure our pain is managed.

At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, our providers know the burden that household chores can put on people living with chronic pain. Whether you have neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or back pain, spring cleaning can be a pain. We encourage people to seek medical advice from professionals at any of Chronicillness.co Site locations and get back into life, today!

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Laundry and housecleaning are inevitable parts of human life. People who have pain from strenuous movement and heavy lifting should follow the following tips while cleaning laundry:
- Avoid heavy lifting. Separate your clothes into different piles to prevent strenuous pressure on your back. When bending, use your knees and your feet; not your back!
- Avoid twisting. Some household laundry rooms have cabinets above their washers and dryers. Use a step stool when reaching for the detergent or fabric softener. If you are required to reach for something low, kneel down slowly.
- Stand to sort, fold, and iron clothes.
- Don’t overindulge. Do one major cleaning task each day.
You will likely have to transfer your laundry from the dryer into the bedroom. Chances are, some of that laundry will include bed sheets, which poses another hurdle for pain sufferers. Take a look over these tips for making the bed using proper pain management techniques:
- Wear loose clothing, giving your arms room to stretch.
- Make one side of the bed at a time.
- Do the farthest corner first.
- Do not lean across the bed to tuck in the corners. Instead, rest on your knees on the bed in the area where you need to tuck the sheets.
- When tucking in the sheeting, keep your back straight. Avoid twisting and turning.
Spring cleaning requires a lot of work. Don’t be afraid to ask a loved one or friend for help during your chores. For more information on cleaning tips to avoid pain, contact a Pain Care physician, today! Keep an eye out for more tips to avoid pain while spring cleaning.

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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

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Fibromyalgia Stores

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02/04/2023