Discover a structured Fibromyalgia protocol to manage symptoms effectively, including treatment plans, therapies, and lifestyle strategies for improved quality of life.
Fibromyalgia patients may have different cerebral blood flow parameters compared with the general population, according to a recent study. Researchers say these changes could be linked to clinical pain parameters and emotional factors.
The study titled, “Altered cerebral blood flow velocity features in fibromyalgia patients in resting-state conditions,” was published in the journal PLoS One.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, an abnormal pain response from normally non–painful stimuli, and excessive sensitivity to painful stimuli in many tender points. Several brain areas are activated in response to painful stimuli, and previous studies have shown that the brain networks during rest are altered in patients with chronic pain conditions compared with the general population.
“One of the techniques that have been recently proposed to evaluate the dynamics of brain activation associated with painful stimuli is Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring,” the researchers wrote. “It is a non-invasive ultrasound diagnosis technique that analyzes the [blood flow] variations in the brain by measuring cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFV) in main cerebral vessels.
The study enrolled 15 women with fibromyalgia and 15 healthy women to investigate whether fibromyalgia is associated with changes in the brain, namely blood flow, during a five-minute, eyes-closed resting period. Researchers analyzed the anterior and middle cerebral arteries of both brain hemispheres in participants.
Researchers also observed that women with fibromyalgia had significantly higher levels of depressiveness and anxiety than women without fibromyalgia, as well as significantly higher scores of pain intensity. CBFV changes were found to have a significant association with clinical pain parameters and emotional factors.
“All the obtained results are in accordance with previous studies that have demonstrated the relationship between negative emotional factors and activation of brain areas that are related to pain. Therefore, our results would confirm that the complexity and the frequency features of CBFV are linked with other factors such as the depression levels, the state, and trait anxiety, and pain indicators of the participants,” researchers wrote.
Nonetheless, given the study’s limited number of participants and the fact that they were all women, the team emphasized that “the results should be confirmed with a large population of different age ranges and ethnicities, making it possible to analyze the influence on the results of other related factors.”
These symptoms suggest FM patients may suffer from perturbations in their autonomicnervous system, leading to disturbances in processes controlled by the circadian rhythm, such as sleep and heart rate.
Notably, blood pressure is one of these processes. At night, blood pressure is known to decrease by more than 10% of its daytime values, a process known as a “dipping pattern.” Patients, where this dipping is absent, are carriers of a “nondipping pattern” and an aberrant circadian rhythm and are therefore thought to suffer from a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system, such as in FM patients.
A research team from Gazi University Medical School in Ankara, Turkey investigated whether newly diagnosed FM patients presented a non dipping BP pattern. The authors screened 130 women who were screened for exclusion parameters including high bloodpressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infections, or acute inflammatory conditions. By the end of the screening process, 67 FM women patients were admitted to participate in the study, together with 38 healthy controls.
Participants were monitored for a 24-hour ambulatory BP period and defined as “dippers” and “non-dippers” according to their blood pressure decline — patients demonstrating a 10% decrease in nocturnal BP values were classified as “dippers,” while those with a reduction of less than 10% were classified as “non-dippers.”
The participants with FM were observed to be 3.68 times more at risk of becoming a systolic non dipper, and 2.69 times more to be a diastolic nondipper. Despite adjusting for other factors that could influence non dipping blood pressure, such as smoking, FM was still concluded to be a strong predictor of this phenomenon.
Based on this study’s findings, the team recommends that FM patients’ blood pressures be monitored and observed for non dipping patterns, and for physicians to include cardiovascular precautions in their interventions in FM patients.
Cannabis topicals are providing significant relief to Fibromyalgia patients across the continent.
Cannabis topicals can be used to treat Fibromyalgia pain, like tender points and muscle stiffness, but how?
Fibromyalgia affects approximately five million Americans, yet treatment is notoriously difficult. Many believe their condition isn’t taken seriously by physicians, and symptoms are wide-ranging, including chronic pain with tender points, a widespread stiffness of the muscles, headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, and more. According to a 2014 survey conducted by the National Pain Report, cannabis is a “very effective treatment” for two-thirds of Fibromyalgia patients. In fact, those same respondents said cannabis was more effective at treating their symptoms than prescription drugs.
Ingesting and inhaling cannabis can definitely help with symptoms, but for extra pain relief on tender spots, stiff muscles, and migraines, many Fibromyalgia sufferers are opting for cannabis topicals that can be massaged directly onto painful areas. That’s because the body’s endocannabinoid system has receptors all over the skin. Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, can be absorbed directly to decrease inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Thinking of trying a cannabis topical for pain? We’ve rounded up the 10 best cannabis topicals to help relieve Fibromyalgia pain, check them out below!
Apothecanna Extra Strength Creme is one of the best cannabis topicals on the market for pain. The cannabis lotion is great for aches and stiffness and is also infused with essential oils known for their pain-relieving properties, like arnica, peppermint, and juniper. It provides a relaxing cooling effect that can be used during a full body massage or rubbed directly into tender spots for fast-acting relief.
Om Body is made by Om Edibles, an award-winning line of cannabis-infused products. Om Body’s Lion Balm is made with beeswax and shea and cocoa butter. Plus, it’s packed with spicy essential oils, Thai Liniments, and THC. You can rub it directly onto problem areas for pain and inflammation relief that feels a bit like Tiger Balm – if Tiger Balm was infused with weed, that is.
Papa & Barkley makes an array of “Releaf” cannabis topicals, including balm, massage oil, bath salts, and transdermal patches. Through research, Papa & Barkley have found the “right ratio” of THC to CBD for topical pain relief: 3:1 THC: CBD, which all of their “Releaf” products have. All Papa & Barkley goods are made with top-shelf quality cannabis and other ingredients, like coconut oil and dead sea salt, to decrease pain and stiffness naturally.
CAD’s CBD pain cream won Best CBD topical at the 2017 Emerald Cup for a reason. Made with certified organic ingredients, this CBD pain relief rub is great for fibromyalgia pain as well as arthritis, psoriasis, and severe back pain. CAD’s cannabis topical for pain is completely handmade and the cannabis extract is sourced from pesticide-free, sun-grown California buds.
Whoopi & Maya is a line of topicals and edibles designed by actor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Founder of Om Edibles, Maya Elisabeth. Their products were originally designed to relieve menstrual cramps and discomforts, but can be used for all sorts of cramping, stiffness, and pain. They make a legendary bath salt, “Soak”, infused with THC as well as lavender, essential oils, and aloe vera, which is great to relieve discomfort before bed. They also make an exceptional pain-relieving cannabis balm called “Rub” infused with THC, CBD, white willow bark, ginger, and St. John’s Wort; all herbs are known for their medical properties.
All Sagely products are made from hemp-derived CBD, so there’s no THC and they can be shipped to all 50 states. Their “Relief & Recovery” cannabis topical was created by Ph.D. chemists and is infused with peppermint and menthol for their cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, safflower seed, and argan oil to hydrate the skin, and of course, CBD, to relieve aches, pains, and inflammation.
Be Trū products are also made with CBD derived from the hemp plant, and so, contain no THC. The BODY pain relief cream is packed with essential oils known to relieve pain, like lavender, rosemary, and menthol, plus, of course, plenty of CBD. Be Trū’s CBD pain relief rub has a cooling effect and is great for fibromyalgia pains, like muscle aches, joint pain, and stiffness.
Prana makes an assortment of THC and CBD–infused cannabis topicals, including massage and body oil, roll-ons, and transdermal patches. Their CBD roll-on won second place in the CBD topicals category at the 2017 Emerald Cup and is be perfect for tender points and migraines. Prana prides itself on infusing whole-plant cannabis into essential oils, like sweet almonds, lavender, eucalyptus, roman chamomile, and juniper berry for transdermal pain relief that’s 100 percent natural.
Mary’s Nutritionals is the hemp-based, CBD-only line of Mary’s Medicinals, a medical marijuana company. Mary’s Nutritionals makes a variety of topical CBD products that are great for pain, including “Muscle Freeze,” a cooling cannabis cream that relieves muscle pain, soreness, and inflammation. For longer-lasting relief, they also make transdermal patches, the “Elite Patch,” which gradually releases 10 mg of CBD hemp extract over the course of eight to 12 hours. Also, check out their Gel pen for isolated relief on tender points like ankles and temples.
Manna Molecular specializes in transdermal patches that can be worn all day for extended pain relief and muscle stiffness. They were founded by MIT pharmaceutical chemists to create products with surgical precision and accurate dosing. Their transdermal patches are unique because they’re made with patented 3D printers, the “MannaBot One,” and can be completely customized for dose and cannabinoid profile. Meaning, you can choose the medicine that’s right for your unique pain.
Cannabis-infused sports creams claim to offer muscle relief. We spoke to experts to see if they’re worth a shot.
Chances are you’re no stranger tomuscle aches. Well, what if we told you that cannabis creams might help provide relief?
Yes, there’s a new type of topical ointment on the market, and it’s infused with cannabidiol (CBD) from marijuana. Manufacturers claim it can help alleviate acute pain and muscle soreness. CBD is similar to THC, except it’s non-psychoactive, meaning some researchers view it as the golden child of medicinal use.
Science has confirmed that cannabis is an effective pain reliever, reinforced in a massive new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But there’s a big difference between ingesting cannabis or its individual chemicals orally and absorbing it through your skin. Here, the lowdown on this new crop (no pun intended) of pain relievers.
The ointment is made from infusing high-quality cannabis flowers in some kind of quality oil—coconut or olive typically—which extracts the active compounds, either CBD, THC, or both depending on the type of hemp used. This oil is then blended with other therapeutic herbs, like arnica or lemongrass essential oils, which are well-known pain relievers.
If you read the ingredient list, often everything in the jar is straight from mother earth. As long as that’s indeed the case with the cream you have your eye on, the formula is immensely safe, chemically, says Gregory Gerdeman, Ph.D., neurophysiologist who researches cannabinoid biology and pharmacology at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, FL. And since they’re formulated to be topical—absorbing into the top layer of skin—and not transdermal—which would pass through the skin and into your bloodstream—there’s no risk of getting high.
“When it comes to cannabis-based topicals for muscle soreness or other pain relief, there’s absolutely no reason why it should be a big deal to try,” he says.
They may be safe, but there’s one massive problem: There’s practically no scientific data to support the idea that a CBD-infused topical cream is any more effective than other topical pain relievers, like Tiger Balm, BenGay, or Icy Hot. Michelle Sexton, a San Diego-based naturopathic doctor and medical research director of the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy says that her patients do seem to have a great interest in CBD ointments, and roughly 40 percent of them have indeed tried one. However, these people are in her office now because the topicals didn’t work for them. “As a medical professional, my opinion is there’s little evidence to back up the claims being made—it’s all marketing for now,” she says.
There is an argument to be made for the simple fact that science hasn’t caught up to the trend (and laws) of 2017 yet. And there are doubtlessly researchers testing the efficacy of CBD–infused creams for pain relief as we speak.
The theoretical logic is there, Gerdeman says. What exactly is that thinking? Well, there are a few different ways CBD could help regulate pain—by increasing your natural endocannabinoids, decreasing your inflammatory response, and desensitizing your pain receptors (although it’s still unclear whether this stands when absorbed topically compared to orally).
Let’s start simple: Endocannabinoids are natural signals in your body that help maintain homeostasis by detecting and regulating hunger, pain, mood, and memory. CBD helps elevate your natural levels of pain-relieving endocannabinoids by blocking metabolism as they’re moving around your body.
The second method of pain relief centers around the damage you do when you work out. When you strength train, you create micro-tears in your muscles, which is why you feel sore as you heal. Once your immune cells detect damage, they release inflammatory mediators in order to repair the tissue. CBD, though has the ability to limit the release of some proinflammatory signals, thereby helping with pain without thwarting the healing entirely, Gerdeman explains.
Finally, you have receptors called TrpV1 that detect and regulate your body temperature. When activated, they put out heat, soothing your pain receptors. Using this channel, CBD makes these pain receptors hyperactive for a period of time, causing them to get hot, desensitizing them, and downregulating those pain–sensing nerve endings.
Phew—enough of that biology lesson. The real problem here is that all of this has yet to be proven in scientific studies on humans.
A study analysis in the Journal of Pain Research confirms that topical use of certain cannabinoid topicals can reduce pain in animals with inflammation or neuropathic pain. And science has found topical creams with THC and CBD help relieve pain for conditions like multiple sclerosis. But for the vast majority of chronic pain—and most certainly for acute pain like post-workout—the scientific jury is 100 percent still out. “There’s a little bit of data in support of CBD for pain relief, but to go from animal to human is a giant leap,” Sexton says.
“The pain and stiffness that comes post-workout or from overexertion certainly has a pro-inflammatory component to it, so it’s reasonable to think CBD or other cannabinoids might have benefits, but we have no research to support this yet,” Gerdeman adds.
The other issue? Topical creams will treat anatomical structures within 1 centimeter of the skin—and the muscle where your actual soreness is located is going to be deeper than that, explains Ricardo Colberg, M.D., a physician at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, AL.
The fatty tissue can only hold so much oil, so, theoretically, if you apply enough of a CBD–infused topical cream to your skin it might leak down into your skeletal muscle just out of diffusion, Sexton adds. But there’s no study to show this, and that means you’re going to be rubbing on a whole lot of the stuff.
This takes us to the next problem: There is no regulation around how much active CBD or THC is in each cream or how much of the compound is needed to see relief. Read: “If you have three products that say 1 percent CBD infused in coconut oil, one could be great and the other two could be crap—that’s the reality of cannabis medicine right now,” Gerdeman says.
That’s not to say CBD–infused creams definitely won’t reduce your acute pain or muscle soreness. That’s because pretty much all of these creams on the market right now have other scientifically-proven analgesic compounds, like menthol, camphor, and capsaicin which are also found in other, non-CBD topical pain relievers.
“Any cream with a heating or cooling sensation desensitizes the nerves to pain by distracting them with stimuli on top,” Dr. Colberg explains. Plus you’re often massaging the area as you apply, which improves circulation and reduces muscle spasms, he adds.
So do you need CBD? All our experts agree that until we have more peer-reviewed research, all claims are marketing hype and not evidence-based.
But there is an argument to be made for simply believing the CBD adds that special something. “Scientific literature says there’s a 33 percent chance of the placebo effect helping people, so for some, just using a cream they believe can help will provide some relief,” Dr. Colberg adds.
The short of it: Science hasn’t confirmed creams with CBD will have any greater benefit than those without, but there’s little-to-no risk in trying it out (other than wasting your money, of course). And if you believe in the power of CBD–infused creams, that may be enough to score some relief.
If your state has legalized both compounds, look for a cream with 1:1 CBD to THC as well as another cannabinoid BCP (beta-caryophyllene) if possible, which manufacturers have seen better results with, Gerdeman suggests. Try Apothecanna’s Extra Strength Relieving Creme ($20; apothecanna.com) or Whoopi & Maya’s Medical Cannabis Rub (yes, that’s Whoopi Goldberg’s line), which was designed specifically for menstrual aches and pains (whoopiandmaya.com).
If you don’t live in a legalized state, you can typically still get CBD–infused creams. Since there’s no regulation or standardized testing, your best bet is to find trustworthy brands that use creams free of toxins but with additional pain relievers like menthol, capsaicin, lemongrass, or camphor. Try Mary’s Nutritionals Muscle Freeze ($70; marysnutritionals.com) or Elixinol’s CBD Rescue Balm ($40; elixinol.com).
For decades, since fibromyalgia disproportionately affected women, those who suffered from its often debilitating effects were often labeled as “hysterical women.” Many doctors would not even acknowledge that it was a legitimate physical disorder and called women hypochondriacs. It was often referred to as a “psychosomatic disorder.”
Over the decades, the medical community has finally recognized it as a physical disorder but has only speculated as to its underlying cause. The conventional Western medical treatment consisted of 3 pharmaceuticals, none of which helps with the symptoms but produces plenty of side effects. The 3 drugs are Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella.
With no relief provided by pharmaceuticals, many desperate fibromyalgia sufferers are turning to medical cannabis as a last resort and have been ecstatic with the results. I know patients who have been so incapacitated by fibromyalgia that they were unable to get out of bed, let alone work. Many have resumed activities that they never expected to do again in their lives, including working and exercising. It has been literally a “lifesaver” for many.
The question is why does cannabis seem to work so well? The answer, according to Dr. Ethan Russo, medical director of PHYTECS, is that those who have fibromyalgia suffer from Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED). When you replenish the depleted endocannabinoid system with the necessary cannabinoids, the symptoms disappear.
Think of it in similar terms of someone with a Vitamin B deficiency feeling much better after taking supplements. For those who have studied the endocannabinoid system (ECS), you will know that its main function is to help the body maintain homeostasis. When the body is in homeostasis, it is free from disease.
The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors, C1 and C2, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, stomach, and other organs. It also controls many of our physiological processes such as pain, mood, memory, and appetite. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, similar to those in cannabis. That keeps our ECS functioning properly. When the endocannabinoids are depleted, we experience disorder and disease.
Those with severe fibromyalgia know, only too well, all the symptoms of this disorder. Pain is typically the worst, coupled with incapacitating fatigue. Irritable bowel syndrome and migraine are also very common symptoms. Russo is convinced that this is an indication of ECS deficiency. He purposed this theory as far back as 2001. Recent research studies support this theory with evidence of cannabis usage decreasing pain, improving sleep, and relieving gastric distress.
CED is based on the theory that there is a link between brain disorders and neurotransmitter deficiencies. Think dopamine shortage with Parkinson’s disease and serotonin and norepinephrine with depression. The best evidence for the CED theory is from an Italian migraine study.
The results showed reduced levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid, in the cerebrospinal fluid of chronic migraines sufferers versus healthy control subjects. The ECS is known to regulate the transportation of food in the digestive tract as well as the release of digestive juices to break down food and inflammation. CED would account for digestive disorders like IBS which almost always accompany fibromyalgia.
There is much anecdotal evidence but little research evidence to substantiate Dr. Russo’s theory. He would like to conduct randomized controlled trials to prove or disprove the existence of CED. MRI and PET scans may one day be able to detect endocannabinoid levels in patients. That would allow a comparison of endocannabinoid levels in fibromyalgia patients versus healthy control subjects. That possibility may not be far away.
The prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) may increase with age, according to results obtained in a study with Turkish patients. The study shows that elderly adults with fibromyalgia experience poor quality of life in terms of pain, sleep, social, and emotional functions.
Most studies on fibromyalgia include young or middle-aged patients, mostly women, but little is known about the prevalence and impact of fibromyalgia among the elderly.
Of the 100 patients, 31 were included in the FM group, and 69 composed the non-FM group.
Fibromyalgia patients presented significantly higher scores in pain, sleep, social isolation, and emotional reactions in the quality of life score compared to the non-FM group. No difference was found in terms of gender on the TPC and disease severity measures, but these parameters were reduced with increasing age — the older the patient, the worse the result.
Results also indicated that disease severity and TPC were linked to pain and emotional reactions as tested in the quality of life score. However, no correlation was found between disease severity and TPC and the patients’ physical mobility, sleep, energy, and social isolation.
Together, the results indicated that not only does the prevalence of fibromyalgia increase with aging, but the disease also brings a poor quality of life to these patients.
“Although FM is thought to be a disease seen among young and middle-aged women, its prevalence increases with age,” researchers wrote. “Accompanying osteoarthritis in elderly patients may cause a delay in the diagnosis of FM and as well as its treatment. In case of severe pain which is incompatible with the clinical and radiological findings, diagnosis of FM should be taken into account.”
“I can only hope that I will continue to cope with it all as I do now.”
My son is just over 2 years old. Anyone who has a toddler knows how much energy they exude at seemingly all hours of the day. I go through a constant grieving and acceptance stage with my fibromyalgia diagnosis because I feel like less of a mother for not being able to play with my toddler the way my husband can.
I watch them wrestle and tickle each other while crawling around and feel so overjoyed at the love they share, while also simultaneously feeling as though I am failing him.
I should be able to chase him up and down the hall as he laughs without my back seizing up. I should be able to wrestle with him without fear of being bumped in just the right spot to make me double over in pain.
I think about when he’s a teenager and has to make excuses for me to his friends as to why I’m not at a game of his and it almost breaks my heart.
I think of where I’m at now with my pain and I wonder what my quality of life will be like in five, 10, 15 years and how that will affect my son. I can only hope that I will continue to cope with it all as I do now. Taking it day by day.
I cry when I’m sad and laugh and smile through the pain. It’s all I can ask of myself. To continue being who I have always been and hope that it shines through everything else.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, incurable condition that can cause a variety of symptoms such as widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog. It is estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States and between 3 to 6 percent of the global population – and celebrities are no exception.
Although fibromyalgia is more common in women, it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, or class. Celebrities may have more money and resources for expensive treatments, medications, or alternative therapies, but that certainly doesn’t mean they are immune to the debilitating symptoms the condition can cause. Their platform does, however, offer them the opportunity to raise awareness and donate to research so better treatments (and potentially a cure) may one day become available.
The following celebrities have opened up about living with fibromyalgia, but hopefully, more will step forward and speak up to help break down stigmas and contribute to a better understanding of the condition.
After being open about her struggles with chronic pain for many years, Lady Gaga confirmed in September 2017 that the cause of her pain was fibromyalgia. Previously, the musician and performer said she tested “borderline positive” for lupus and that she dealt with chronic pain after breaking her hip.
In her Netflix documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two,” released on September 22, Gaga gave her fans a behind-the-scenes look at her struggles with pain and opened up about the challenges of finding treatments and coping techniques to help manage her symptoms.
“My pain does me no good unless I transform it into something that is. So I hope people watching it who do struggle with chronic pain know that they’re not alone. It’s freeing for me… and I want people that struggle with it to hear me,” Gaga said.
In 2008, Morgan Freeman was involved in a car crash that left him with multiple injuries, including a broken arm, a broken elbow, and shoulder damage. He revealed in a 2012 interview with Esquire that he continues to experience “excruciating” nerve pain and now lives with fibromyalgia.
Freeman has also been spotted wearing a single compression glove on his left hand due to nerve damage, most recently at the 2018 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards. The compression glove helps his blood flow since he can’t move his hand.
In 2015 he told The Daily Beast he treats the pain with marijuana. “I have fibromyalgia pain in this arm, and the only thing that offers any relief is marijuana,” Freeman said. “They’re talking about kids who have grand mal seizures, and they’ve discovered that marijuana eases that down to where these children can have a life. That right there, to me, says, ‘Legalize it across the board!’
Sinead O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who stepped away from music in 2003 because she was struggling with fibromyalgia and wanted to take care of her children.
“Fibromyalgia is not curable. But it’s manageable,” O’Connor said in a 2005 interview with HOTPRESS. “I have a high pain threshold, so that helps – it’s the tiredness part that I have difficulty with. You get to know your patterns and limits, though, so you can work and plan around it. It is made worse, obviously, by stress. So you have to try to keep life quiet and peaceful.”
However, O’Connor’s retirement was short-lived and she returned to the music scene in 2005. She said she hopes to continue singing and doing what she loves but stays out of the parts that cause her excessive stress, which can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.
“The Waltons” actress Mary McDonough has been very open about her battles with fibromyalgia, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome. She believes she developed the conditions after having an adverse reaction to breast implants she had inserted in an effort to reinvent herself following the series’ end.
“Within 24 hours I broke out into a rash all over my back and my chest,” McDonough told Smashing Interviews Magazine. “But over the course of the 10 years, I just couldn’t put my finger on that. I just didn’t feel right. The chronic fatigue set in, the rashes, the rash across my nose and the bridge of my face which we now know is like a lupus rash, the joint pain, the muscle stiffness, eventually being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and then the collagen disorder called Sjogren’s syndrome, my hair fell out and I would be tired all of the time.”
McDonough is now a public speaker, author, and workshop leader, often talking with young women about their struggles with body image and self-esteem.
“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards said she first became sick while her mom was sick with cancer, but was initially told she was depressed because her mom had passed. “I was like, I’m just not buying that I’m just depressed. Why am I having all these crazy symptoms?” she said on an episode of TLC’s “The Healer.”
A friend told her she might have fibromyalgia, so she went to a doctor who specializes in the condition who confirmed her diagnosis. “All of the sudden I felt like I had an answer and I felt better because it causes so much anxiety [not knowing],” Richards said.
Richards has since sought out alternative methods for treating her fibromyalgia pain — on “The Healer,” she worked with Charlie Goldsmith, an “energy healer” who aims to help people reduce their chronic pain.
The frontwoman of the group Rosie and the Originals, best known for their 1960 hit song “Angel Baby,” Rosie Hamlin was active for several years before settling down to start a family in 1963. She continued performing revival concerts until 2002 when she had to officially retire from performing due to advanced fibromyalgia.
“I’ve always been extremely energetic and very, very busy,” Hamlin said in a 2011 interview. “It’s taken me a couple of years now to have to deal with fibromyalgia, and have to re-think my life, re-organize, and realize – just having to realize that I’m so limited now. I don’t like it, but I have to deal with it.”
Hamlin was the first Latina to be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She passed away at age 71 in 2017 of undisclosed causes.
Actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo has been very open throughout her career about her struggles with fibromyalgia as well as mental and emotional issues, including anxiety and depression. She has even incorporated her fibro into her stand-up routine, using humor and laughter to cope with the pain she experiences.
“I had no idea I was chronically dissatisfied,” she said about being prescribed an antidepressant for her fibromyalgia.
Michael James Hastings, known for his role as Captain Mike on “The West Wing,” had to retire from being a school teacher at age 35 due to fibromyalgia. It was his chronic pain that led him to move to Los Angeles to pursue a part-time acting career.
Hastings has said that he copes with the symptoms of fibro with natural means, such as supplements, exercise, massage therapy, acupuncture, and visits to the chiropractor.
“I also have learned to accept that some days I am not going to be able to keep up with my schedule or other peoples’ schedules and I just need to rest and ‘lighten up,’” he said in an interview with the website Back Pain Relief.
English glamour model Jo Guest has appeared in a wide range of British “top shelf” magazines and even appeared as a Page 3 girl in “The Sun.” In 2008, she revealed on the television show “This Morning” that she had been struggling with a “mystery illness” for over a year, and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several months later.
A guest has since talked about how difficult it has been for her appearance to change due to illness but hopes to one day be back on back.
“I used to love wearing sexy clothes and short skirts, but I don’t enjoy dressing up anymore. The spark has gone out of life. It’s hard to feel good about yourself or like a sexy woman when you feel so ill,” Guest told Daily Star in a 2008 interview. “But I am positive about it. I really believe I am going to get better. I will not give up.”
Actress A.J. Langer, best known for her role on “My So-Called Life,” “Seinfeld” and “Three Sisters,” was diagnosed with fibromyalgia as a teenager but continued to pursue acting. After filming “Three Sisters,” Langer took a break to figure out how to manage her symptoms and put her health first. She has experimented with a number of alternative therapies to help her cope with fibromyalgia, including surfing, yoga, and meditation.
In an episode of the Aches and Gains podcast with Dr. Paul Christo, Langer said, “There are different levels of learning you go through with fibromyalgia… One is I’m all alone, you know, no one else understands this pain. And then there’s a point you can get to where it becomes universal and you understand that everybody’s got something. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my body has a fragile ecosystem and I’ve gotta tend to it.”
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common types of chronic pain disorders. It is estimated that more than 5 million people in the United States have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is destroying more and more lives each day. There is not enough awareness to make others see that this is not invisible. Please take some time and pass this along so others can see this is REAL. We need to focus on this issue NOW. If not now… when??
If you have fibromyalgia then you can feel that rejection and non-recognition of your illness. People out there say that fibro is all in our heads, they don’t understand our pain, they don’t know about our pain or illness. So it’s our responsibility to speak up to them and let them know about our illness. Fibromyalgia is not Invisible. We are not invisible. We are all in this together.
The more awareness we generate, the bigger the changes we can make in the lives of those affected.
“With so many people across the world affected by the pain, fatigue, and brain fog of fibro, it is critical we raise awareness of the condition. Not only do those with the illness deserve support, understanding, and empathy from their loved ones, but they also deserve better treatment options and, one day, a cure.”- Paige Wyant.
Along with speaking, let’s spread out fibromyalgia awareness with some others means, let the things speak out themselves. Like you can have customized T-Shirts, Mugs, Stickers, Pants, Mobile Covers, Socks, Wall Tapestry. To help those looking for a way to raise awareness of fibromyalgia – whether for yourself, a loved one, or your fellow warriors – we compiled a list of products you can buy to help spread the word about this disease. So here are a few daily used items that can spread fibromyalgia awareness and you should have.
Here we have selected a few of the good quality fibromyalgia awareness T-shirts that you can buy online. These T-shirts speak well on our behalf. Click on the photo or the links below the shirt to get it for yourself.
1. Fibromyalgia Awareness Day T-shirt: It is available in different styles and colors. We chose this shirt as this year 12 May National fibromyalgia awareness day T-shirt, so let’s all wear these and go on the walk that is arranged near you.
2. I wear purple for Her: Show support to your loved ones who are suffering from fibromyalgia. Go out with them on a walk and wear this shirt to let them know how much you loved them.
3. Looks can be Deceiving T-shirt: If you feel that way, this shirt is a good way to express yourself. Being in fibro is a constant effort and a constant fight with the pain. I may not look sick from the outside, but from the inside, we are broken into million pieces.
4. Invisible Illness Awareness T-shirt: Most people don’t believe in fibromyalgia, they say it’s all in your head. You also have faced such people in your life. Sometimes people ask you about your illness, so that is our time to explain what fibromyalgia is like because they have not experienced what we are experiencing. Fibromyalgia is Real, let show this to the world by wearing this purple shirt. Get 1 for your friends too and save on shipping. Available in different colors too.
5. Fibro Fog: This is for you if you go through lots of time with this brain fog where everything gets messed up and you go to microwave over, type your ATM Card Pin, and wait for the cash to come up… ugh worst feeling…
Millions of people get affected by this disease in the USA annually. Although it is not a well-known syndrome and its diagnosis can be very difficult, Fibromyalgia is a very painful and serious problem.
The causes and the symptoms of this disorder are not very clear and most people including medical professionals are not sure about what leads to its development and how are the symptoms related to the causes. Fibromyalgia continues to baffle researchers and till now, there has not been a general agreement on most of the factors that manipulate the development of this disorder.
The extensive pain over a long period without any clear reason is one of the main symptoms. The other thing on which most of the researchers will have the same opinion is the fact that Fibromyalgia is not mental chaos and that it rather falls into the category of neurobiological disorders and/or that of the functional somatic syndromes.
Fibromyalgia is related to definite neurochemical imbalances that may appear in the brain and lead to improper functioning of it when it comes to perceiving pain is the main reason for the agreement of the researchers on this fact.
There is a number of symptoms and examinations that lead to a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and they vary from patient to patient. The most common symptoms are:
Sometimes patients also start being more sensitive to certain factors like bright lights, odors, certain temperatures, foods, or noises. Swollen legs and hands are also related to being the effect of Fibromyalgia.
The doctor will perform a series of examinations which may include blood examinations, examinations of the kidneys, testing Inflammatory Arthritis in order to diagnose this disease. A patient is asked a number of questions to identify the problem.
If the patients experience pain in 11 out of 18 trigger points and also experience pain in all the four quadrants of the body for at least 3 months, then the chances of Fibromyalgia increase.
As prevention is better than cure so here are the bad habits that can be avoided to eliminate the risk of such disorder from our life.
Nowadays stress is a very common thing without knowing that it will not only affect the state of mind but will also damage the physical The state of stress will develop the disease. It is impossible to live a stress-free life but one can do a number of things to control the stress level and not let it destroy your health and mind. Workouts, meditation and simply disconnecting from all sources of stress and anxiety will help.
Smoking cigarettes seriously affects your life and will lead to a number of diseases and disorders. Fibromyalgia is one of them because smoking affects the immune system and may lead to severe panic disorders.
The one factor that may lead to an extreme level of the disorder is surrendering and not trying to fight your problem. It means that you stop trying to fight against it, which in turn not only affects your physical condition but also leads you to depression. The worse state of mind in any problem act as a poison.
Most people consider eating as a source of comfort and remedy for physical or psychological problems. But the reality is high-saturated fats, sweets, and commonly junk and fast food will only take you to the higher levels of disorder.
Choose the meals that make you feel energetic and healthy. Choose fatty fish, fruits, beef, vegetables, nuts, and the foods that are usually recommended as “healthy” by most nutritionists.
A warm cup of coffee or tea is mostly considered essential for breakfast. Some people love it all day long and consider it a headache and exhaustion reliever but patients with Fibromyalgia experience that caffeine is one of the basic sources leading to bad sleeping patterns.
The truth is that caffeine will only lead to creating a bad cycle in which patients feel more energized on the surface but internally it drains much. Thus avoid too much coffee, tea, chocolates, and alcohol in order to keep yourself away from discomforts and live a long happy life.
