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  • Fibromyalgia Headaches Based on Researches

    Headaches are one of the hallmark symptoms of living with Fibromyalgia. Headaches can be debilitating and make everyday life seem almost impossible. But what is a Fibromyalgia headache and is the mystery surrounding them accurate?

    In this blog we’ll take a look at the following: 

    • What is a Fibro headache (and what it is not) 
    • Why Fibro headaches occur
    • Fibromyalgia headaches from medication
    • How to get rid of a Fibro headache
    • Life after headaches: Recovery stories

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    It’s no secret that many of our new Fibromyalgia clients, both online and in studio, suffer headaches that disrupt their daily life. By the end of a programmed their headaches are either completely gone or reduced so much they’re almost unnoticeable. There is one key part of a programmed that all of our Fibromyalgia clients must go through; Understanding what Fibro is, but more importantly, what Fibro is not! 

    Take a look at the Fibromyalgia recovery stories we regularly post to our page and many will say the same thing: the programme is hard! But not in the way you might think. Let’s take an inside look at how our clients get rid of their headaches and how they get their Fibromyalgia success stories. 

    What is a Fibro Headache (And What it is Not) 

    One important thing to realize when it comes to Fibromyalgia headaches is that Fibromyalgia does not cause headaches, for one simple reason: Fibromyalgia is not a clear cut pathology.

    Fibromyalgia is a culturally adopted label that we use to describe a common set of symptoms that appear together. Hence the name Fibromyalgia “Syndrome”. A syndrome being a group of symptoms. In my opinion, as a Fibromyalgia specialist, the hardest part of any recovery is objectively looking at our own understanding of Fibro and our circumstances. It is incredibly difficult to change our understanding when there is so much information available that states the contrary. This bad info usually comes from Doctors, Physiotherapists and other reputable healthcare professionals. Throw Google in the mix and the outlook on Fibromyalgia can be a gloomy one. 

    It is incredibly easy to believe information that is freely available but is not actually correct. For example, have you heard of the following? 

    • Goldfish have a 3-5 second memory? (Not true!)
    • Bulls are angered by the colour Red (Bulls don’t have the colour receptors to see Red)
    • The evil queen from Snow White…what does she say to the mirror on the wall? (Go ahead Google it, it ain’t “mirror mirror on the wall”) 

    Keep in mind that until very recently (1967) women were not allowed to enter Marathons as it was thought their wombs would fall out! It is no different with Fibromyalgia. There is an abundance of really bad info which simply is not correct. The first step of a programme involves breaking down the Fibro label. When you understand what Fibro is, the whole process becomes so much easier. So let’s take a look and prepare for some against the grain advice and support…

    Fibromyalgia is a culturally adopted label for a set of symptoms with no known cause. It is usually diagnosed via a process of elimination. Once all of the “red flag” nasties have been ruled out, a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is given and we’re put in a box and forgotten about. Been there, done it, got the T-shirt! We are then left to fumble in the dark without any understanding of what’s happening or hope of getting better. 

    Sound familiar?

    Many of our previous and current clients experience the same thing. So bearing in mind Fibromyalgia has no pathological cause (no blood markers, no imaging findings, no sample findings, no diet findings.) Can there be headaches caused by Fibro?

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    Can There Be Such a Thing as a Fibromyalgia Headache?

    The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) do not recognise Fibro as a cause of headaches.

    And this is where most people struggle. The headaches and pain are very real. I’ve personally had pain dismissed as “all in your head” with the age-old advice of “try some meditation or Yoga.” If it was that easy none of us would need help. If we can change our understanding of Fibromyalgia from a disease to a syndrome we stand a much better chance of recovery. 

    So what is a syndrome? Well, it’s a common set of symptoms that group together with no known cause. Some common Fibromyalgia symptoms are: 

    If you can change your outlook on Fibro, then recovery is possible. If not, people enter a never ending cycle of trying all kinds of different treatments then accepting life as it is. At this point, things only get worse. Please don’t be one of those people!

    A few paragraphs back I mentioned NICE & ICHD do not recognise Fibromyalgia as a cause of headaches. Having worked with the Fibromyalgia community for several years now, I’ve noticed there are several types of headaches that are prevalent and also recognised by the ICHD. These are: 

    A very common scenario we see in studio or online is people suffering from one of the above headaches which have been passed off as a “Fibro headache.” This can pose a lot of problems, the main one being you will not receive the proper care for your headaches if they are simply passed off as being caused by Fibromyalgia.

    So Why Are We So Prone to Headaches When We Have Fibromyalgia? 

    It comes as no surprise that if you are in pain, stressed out, and unable to partake in the life you want to live, headaches are most likely going to occur. Let’s look at the cold hard facts of the common headaches we see frequently.

    Tension-Type Headaches and Fibromyalgia

    If you are reading this then you likely know what comes with a tension-type headache (TTH):

    • Dull, aching head pain
    • The sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head
    • Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles

    A Tension-type headache is a diagnosis of exclusion, a catch-all term used to describe a headache that isn’t a migraine. It is a pretty vague term.

    Whilst the etiology of TTH is thought to be multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors, the most common theory supports a heightened sensitivity to pain in people who have tension-type headaches. Increased muscle tenderness, a common symptom of tension-type headaches, may result from a sensitised pain system. Hmmm…. sounds a lot like the people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, doesn’t it? When diagnosed with Fibro, moving can be an absolute nightmare. The threat of a flare-up can all but make us a hermit. This lack of movement and a sensitised system may be a large contributing factor in causing tension-type headaches. We know that stress and anxiety naturally cause us to tighten up which throws further fuel on the fire.

     Fibromyalgia Headaches and Medication

    Fibromyalgia headaches can also come with a cocktail of meds. GABA drugs, amitriptyline drugs and opioids like Tramadol amongst others like Codeine/Morphine. Starting a course of these drugs can cause horrific headaches and cognitive impairment (brain fog). Do you feel like a zombie after taking Tramadol or Pregabalin? I certainly did and I was still in pain! Getting off meds is just as bad.

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     Probably the most guilty of this are the GABA drugs; Pregabalin and Gabapentin. A little known fact about these drugs which shocks a lot of our clients (it may shock you too!) is they are primarily used an anti-epileptic drug. In other words, they dampen activity in the brain. Check out the NHS & BNF descriptions of Pregabalin and see for yourself its uses and side effects (Spoiler; It’s headaches amongst other nasty stuff) No wonder we feel like a zombie!

    The secondary use is for nerve pain. So if you’re an epileptic with nerve pain, this is the drug for you. If you suffer from chronic pain, this drug is may contribute to the problems of brain fog and headaches. When our clients lay their Foundations and start to see results, we then start to have them dose down their meds with their doctor when they realise it’s doing them no favours. 

    Migraines and Fibromyalgia

    Migraines are another common finding with Fibro. Some people have true migraines, others have a lacklustre diagnosis after seeing a GP several times with previous headaches. You may then be prescribed a drug like Amitriptyline or Sumotriptan and left to it. If these drugs help your headaches, then it is likely that you are suffering from a true migraine. However, if they don’t, they may be contributing further to your headaches. These drugs are also guilty of causing incredible jaw stiffness, which can further add to the tension-type headache described earlier. Diagnosing migraines is a difficult business.

    Any good Doctor will give you a headache diary and compare it to the diagnostic criteria to come to the conclusion of a migraine. If you were given a migraine diagnosis after presenting with a headache, I’d consider reconsidering! It may be a simple fix and save you years of angst. 

    Dehydration Headache

    Another guilty party when deciphering the headache puzzle is the dehydration headache. It seems so simple and is often the first call to action when addressing headaches….How much water do you drink? Not orange juice, tea, coffee or pop, but clear tap or bottled water? For many, the answer will be incredibly low. Sometimes our brain needs to bathe in the liquid gold which is water. Ever had a hangover and a stinking headache? It takes time for it to go away and plenty of fluids. 

    Our NHS suggests we drink 6-8 glasses per day. That’s often a big ask for even the most active person. But I would trade off not having a headache for needing to pee any day of the week. 

    Conclusion

    When we look at the paragraphs above one thing is clear: Fibromyalgia does not cause headaches: because it’s a word and a label.

    People experience headaches for a variety of reasons. The reason headaches are so prevalent in those with Fibromyalgia is likely from the various biological, psychological and social stresses that come with being in pain. From a career of helping people with Fibromyalgia, I can tell you that headaches do not go until all of these stressors are either eliminated or mediated.

    It can be hard to follow the advice that is against the grain. Our clients are always tedious when it comes to headaches as they can be one of the worst experiences of chronic pain. It’s not easy to read and accept that Fibro is a culturally adopted label. You may have spent years being told it is an incurable disease and this is life now. 

    If you trust me on anything it should be this; Fibromyalgia doesn’t need to be your life. We post recovery stories on a regular basis of people just like you. People with debilitating pain, headaches and mobility problems. The only difference between you and them is the context in which chronic pain is viewed. For those that realise recovery is possible, it’s just around the corner. 

    We’re on a personal mission to lift the veil on Fibromyalgia and Fibromyalgia treatment. What we do has been shrouded in mystery for years but now we’re finally being recognised as the cultural authority on Fibromyalgia treatment and we want to help as many people as possible. 

    We’ve all been there and taking the plunge is scary. But it’s worth it.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
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    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

  • Chronic Pain Due to Sciatica

    Chronic Pain Due to Sciatica

    Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling in the leg and it is caused by injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve.

    The sciatic nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. Not only does it control the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg, but it also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, the sole of the foot, and part of the lower leg. When there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, sciatica occurs.

    The most common causes of sciatica include pelvic injury or fracture, tumors, herniated discs, and piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks).

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    When a herniated disc presses on nerve roots, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body where the nerve travels. A herniated disc in the lower back can cause pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the low back.

    If a herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, patients may have a backache or no pain at all.

    Sciatica pain tends to vary from patient to patient. Some may feel a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation, but in more severe cases, the pain is sometimes intense enough that a patient is unable to move. Though it usually only affects one side of the lower body, patients occasionally experience pain on both sides.

    Symptoms of sciatica are burning or tingling down the leg, pain in the rear of the leg that is worse when sitting, shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand, and weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot. Pain may also extend to the foot or toes depending on where the nerve is affected.

    Pain can also start slowly and get worse after standing or sitting for long periods of time, at night, when patients sneeze, cough, or laugh, and when patients bend backward or walk more than a few yards (this most often occurs with spinal stenosis patients).

    After sciatica is diagnosed by a pain management specialist, the next step is determining and treating the underlying cause because sciatica is a symptom of another medical condition. In certain cases, recovery occurs on its own and no treatment is required.

    The main objective of sciatica treatment is to calm the symptoms and reduce inflammation. Applying heat or ice to the painful area is a good idea, as well as taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Patients should reduce their activity for several days, though bed rest is not recommended. Also, avoid heavy lifting or twisting of the back for the first six weeks after the pain begins.

    If patients still feel pain, injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve may have to be given. Other prescription medications may also be prescribed, along with physical therapy exercises. Since nerve pain is typically difficult to treat, patients may want to see a neurologist or a pain specialist.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    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

  • 5-HTP: A Natural Supplement That May Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    5-HTP: A Natural Supplement That May Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    At Chronicillness.co Site, the pain management specialists know that managing the day-to-day symptoms of fibromyalgia can be exhausting and troublesome. Sometimes medication just isn’t enough. This is where alternative treatments, such as supplements and herbs, come in.

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    Because many people—not just those with fibromyalgia—are now using alternative therapies, Congress has formed the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). It is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and it helps appraise alternative treatments, including supplements, and define their effectiveness. This organization is now creating safe guidelines to help people choose appropriate alternative therapies that may help their symptoms without making them ill.

    Some preliminary studies indicate that some medicinal herbs and natural supplements may help treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other studies of herbs and natural supplements, however, are less positive. For patients who want to take a natural approach to treat fibromyalgia, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the therapies to consider. The herbs and natural supplements described in this article are just some of the alternative therapies that may have an impact on fibromyalgia.

    5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a building block of serotonin. Serotonin is a powerful brain chemical, and serotonin levels play a significant role in fibromyalgia pain. Serotonin levels are also associated with depression and sleep.

    For those with fibromyalgia, 5-HTP may help to increase deep sleep and reduce pain. In one study published in the Alternative Medicine Review, researchers reported that supplementation with 5-HTP may improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fibromyalgia pains. However, there are some contradictory studies that show no benefit of 5-HTP.

    5-HTP is usually well tolerated. But in the late 1980s, the supplement was associated with a serious condition called eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome. It’s thought that a contaminant in 5-HTP led to the condition, which causes flu-like symptoms, severe muscle pain, and burning rashes.

    Melatonin is a natural hormone that’s available as an over-the-counter supplement. It is sometimes used to induce drowsiness and improve sleep patterns. Some preliminary findings show that melatonin may be effective in treating fibromyalgia pain. Most patients with fibromyalgia have sleep problems and fatigue, and it’s thought that melatonin may help relieve these symptoms.

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    Melatonin is generally regarded as safe with few to no side effects. Due to the risk of daytime sleepiness, though, anyone taking melatonin should use caution when driving until they know how it affects them.

    There’s no specific evidence that St. John’s wort is helpful in treating fibromyalgia. However, this herb is often used in treating depression, and depression is commonly associated with fibromyalgia.

    There are several studies that show St. John’s wort is more effective than a placebo and as effective as older antidepressants called tricyclics in the short-term treatment of mild or moderate depression. Other studies show St. John’s wort is as effective as selective SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac or Zoloft in treating depression.

    St John’s wort is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are stomach upset, skin reactions, and fatigue. St. John’s wort should not be mixed with antidepressants as can cause interactions with many types of drugs.

    It’s not known exactly how SAM-e works in the body, but some feel this natural supplement increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, two brain neurotransmitters. Although some researchers believe that SAM-e may alter mood and increase restful sleep, current studies do not appear to show any benefit of SAM-e over placebo in reducing the number of tender points or in alleviating depression with fibromyalgia. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings.

    While the studies are limited, it’s thought that L-carnitine may give some pain relief and treat other symptoms in people with fibromyalgia. In one study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of L-carnitine in 102 patients with fibromyalgia. Results showed significantly greater symptom improvements in the group that took L-carnitine than in the group that took a placebo. The researchers concluded that while more studies are warranted, L-carnitine may provide pain relief and improvement in the general and mental health of patients with fibromyalgia.

    Before taking any herb or supplement for fibromyalgia, talk to your pain management doctor at Chronicillness.co Site or pharmacist about possible side effects or herb-drug interactions. Herbal therapies are not recommended for pregnant women, children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. In addition, some herbs have a sedative or blood-thinning qualities, which may dangerously interact with anti-inflammatory painkillers or other pain medications. Others may cause stomach upset if taken in large doses.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    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

  • Fibromyalgia pain: Issues with tissues?

    It’s not uncommon for those with Fibromyalgia pain to feel defeated following a doctors visit, as over the years pain has been somewhat of a blind spot for doctors, with most having a difficult time treating even the most common types of pain. In one study looking into this very topic, it was found that 82% of graduates lacked basic competency in this area, if you also factor Fibromyalgia pain into this equation, then it’s likely to get even more complicated.

    Let me start by saying that pain is a very real experience, it destroys lives and it certainly doesn’t discriminate who it chooses. However, much like what I just wrote, we tend to anthropomorphize pain. We assign negative human qualities to it, as at times it feels like it’s malicious in its very nature. I know that at the moment it may feel like it’s you versus your fibromyalgia pain, battling every day with this omnipotent foe, but the pain isn’t malicious. Pain is your brain trying to keep you safe, it doesn’t mean your body is damaged or that you are ready for a knackers yard, as some of my favorite clients have put it.

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    In the studio, we often find that one of the most prevalent fears around Fibromyalgia pain is that most believe it means they are damaged. However, if the last few years of research into pain has taught us anything, it’s that this statement is simply not true. In fact, most people with Fibromyalgia can attest to this, as after countless imagining and other tests, there is nothing seemingly wrong with their nerves, bones, or muscle.

    It is understandable as to why people can feel like pain does mean damage though, after all, pain is one of our most primal protective responses, and if it didn’t instil fear and force us to worry then it wouldn’t be of much use.

    Those with Fibromyalgia are subjected to multitudes of tests, including, blood tests, imaging, and nerve conduction test. However, as is often the case, those individuals are given a clean bill of health once those test results come back normal, despite still being in pain. As I mentioned before, after a plethora of tests to find the reason for your pain come back normal. it can easily leave people a little deflated. I can personally testify to this.

    After being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, having tests conducted, and being told nothing is wrong, it leaves people wondering just what the hell is actually going on.

    A history of pain

    Pain is defined as: An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.

    The definition of pain has remained untouched for many years, but was finally updated in 2020 to add in “resembling that associated with”. Even after all these years we still seemingly struggle to define pain, and rightly so. Pain is ridiculously complex, and we will never truly understand it in its entirety, at least not until we can fully explain consciousness. And even then, we are most likely still going to struggle.

    The science of pain has come a long way since we first started to try to understand pain. So, before we get into this, let’s take a little history lesson on pain and see where we have come from, and where we are going.

    Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) pushed that pain was caused by evil spirits entering the body during injury, and because he was considered a fairly smart guy during his lifetime, his theories seemingly stuck around, for a very long time.

    Rene Descartes (1596 – 1650) introduced and eventually solidified the Cartesian Model of Pain (CMP) into history and ultimately medical science. The CMP explained pain as being created in the tissues that would send pain signals to the brain. Even in 2022, a plethora of medical treatments are still being used based on the CMP where people receive nerve blocks, have nerves burnt or are given cortisone injections in an attempt to relieve their pain. However, we now know this model, like many before, has pieces missing, yet is still largely practiced. Keep in mind also, that this theory was created back in a time we were burning people at the stake because we thought they were witches, so there’s always that.

    The Gate Control Theory (GCT) by Melzack and Wall was the next kid on the block. This theory explained how the spinal cord acted as a gatekeeper, choosing what dangerous and non-dangerous messages were sent to the brain. Even after some of the greatest minds had come together to help explain pain, the GCT could still not explain how people could be in pain without any messages being sent to the brain. Think of when amputees still feel pain in the limbs that they no longer have(which we are going to look at a little bit later), or in our case much closer to home, when we feel pain despite the lack of tissue damage. If the GCT is to be believed, the pain we feel in these cases is not possible and we all know that’s not true.

    We then had the Neuromatrix Model of Pain, followed and updated by the Cortical Body Matrix, which was heavily supported by evidence and built upon the principles of the formation of neurotags. But, alas, even in these later theories of pain, pieces were still missing.

    Most recently, we have moved towards the Biopsychosocial (BPS) model of pain. This was first put forth by Dr George Engel in the 1970s. The Biopsychosocial model of pain considers all the biological, psychological and social factors which can influence pain. The Biopsychosocial model explains how pain is created and modulated by the brain, how pain can be influenced by tissue damage or created in the absence of tissue damage. It describes how pain is a multifactorial, personal experience. It is ultimately the BPS model of pain that helped me understand my own personal pain experience and help me ground my method in solid, evidence-based science.

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    Given the current body of research we have on pain to date, the BPS model of pain is the only model that can stand up to criticism.

    Fibromyalgia pain does not mean damage

    Despite having imagining showing no damage to tissue, bone, or nerves, it can still be hard for individuals to truly believe they are not damaged. After all, it’s hard not to when your muscles and bones ache to such an extent it limits what you can do every day. So, to help hammer home this point of pain not meaning damage, I managed to find some brilliant examples to help show you how pain can exist with or without damage. One such example is that of people around the world who don’t even feel pain!

    This is known as “congenital analgesia” and for those with this rare medical condition, their life expectancy is drastically reduced. After all, how would you know if your appendix was about to burst if you couldn’t feel pain? Or how would you know if you were walking on a fractured leg? Well, the truth is you wouldn’t.

    There’s a reason we experience pain and it’s not about damage, it’s about protection. In fact, we don’t even need a body to feel pain. There’s no shortage of people with pain in legs and arms that were amputated decades ago, suffering what is commonly referred to as phantom pain syndrome.

    Pain is 100% real, but it is also a subjective experience, which means we have no real way of knowing if everyone feels the pain the same way. As I mentioned before, If pain is made in the brain, then we don’t even need a body to feel it. A great example regarding phantom limb pain is the example is of  Mark Goddard back in the late ’90s, who fell off his motorbike and began to suffer intense pain in his hand as a result. Mark had multiple x-rays, MRI’s and even nerve conduction tests, and every time, they came back fine. After a while, Mark asked the NHS to amputate his hand, as he felt that he would rather not have the hand if it meant no more pain. After a long drawn out argument with the NHS about the ethics (because he was asking them to amputate a hand with perfectly healthy tissue), they said no.

    After being told no by the NHS, Mark had reached the end of his tether and decided that he would take matters into his own hands. Over the next two weeks, he built a guillotine in his shed. Mark waited until his wife went out of the house and he chopped his own hand off! He threw his hand into a bucket and set it on fire so that it could never be reattached, and after a whole year of not having his hand, Mark still had hand pain….despite not having a hand. If you want to read about marks story, you can read his press article here.

    I myself have seen this in the studio over the years, as clients report that joints hurt, despite the fact they have had a full knee replacement years ago! They were feeling pain in a piece of metal, which again, is a great way to show you that you experience pain in the brain and not the tissue. Pain is complex, it needs emotion, beliefs, context, and so much more to exist.

    Mark is the perfect example that pain isn’t about damage, as he had healthy tissue, but also had pain, then he had no tissue after he removed his hand, but he still had pain. Pain is for protection, it’s not just about damage. In the studio, we see clients every day who have spent decades afraid to even move, in fear they with hurt themselves.

    So, if somebody can have no damage and still have pain, can somebody have damage and experience no pain? In short, absolutely!

    Take for example Federico who was involved in a shark attack. Fed was out surfing one day when he was attacked and sustained a bite to the arm. After being rescued and pulled to shore, he realised he had also been bitten on the leg and he had never even felt it. You can read about Fed here.

    Then there is a great story about Julia, a Russian woman who was walking home one day from work and encountered a mugger. She was unknowingly stabbed in the neck, but took over an hour to realise that the knife was still in there! You can read her story here.

    I hope this short article has helped you dispel some of the myths around pain as a result of damage and has encouraged you to do more, and let your brain slowly begin to start trusting your body again.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    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

  • Most Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

    Most Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

    Lower back pain is a common problem among people suffering from chronic pain, and while upper back pain is not a very common spinal disorder, it can cause significant discomfort and pain when it does occur. The most common causes of upper back pain are muscular irritation (myofascial pain) and joint dysfunction.

    While there can sometimes be an injury to a disc in the upper back (such as a thoracic herniated disc or degenerated disc) that causes severe upper back pain, such injuries are usually very rare.

    The reason why upper back pain is so rare is that the thoracic spine (also called upper back, middle back, or mid-back) is very different in form and function than the cervical spine (neck) or the lumbar spine (lower back). The neck and lower back are designed to provide us with mobility, but the thoracic spine is designed to be very strong and stable to allow us to stand upright and protect the vital internal organs in the chest. Because this section of the spinal column has a great deal of stability and only limited movement, there is generally little risk of injury or degeneration over time in the upper back.

    Because there is little motion and a great deal of stability throughout the upper back (thoracic spine), this section of the spine does not tend to develop common spinal disorders, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal instability. These conditions can cause upper back pain but are exceedingly rare in the upper back.

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    Because of this stability and lack of motion, in most cases, anatomic causes of upper back pain cannot be found, and an MRI scan or CT scan will rarely image an anatomic problem that is amenable to any sort of surgical solution for the upper back pain.

    Upper back pain can occur as a result of trauma or sudden injury, or it can occur through strain or poor posture over time. As an example of the latter cause, in recent years, upper back pain has become a familiar complaint from people who work at computers most of the day. Often, upper back pain occurs along with neck pain and/or shoulder pain.

    The vast majority of cases of upper back pain are due to one (or both) of the following: muscular irritation (myofascial pain) and joint dysfunction.

    The shoulder girdle attaches by large muscles to the scapula (the shoulder blade) and the back of the thoracic rib cage. These large upper back muscles are prone to developing irritation (myofascial pain) that can be painful and difficult to work out.

    Often, muscular irritation and upper back pain are due to either de-conditioning (lack of strength) or overuse injuries (such as repetitive motions). Muscle strains, sports injuries, auto accidents, or other injuries can all result in pain from muscular irritation.

    The ribs connect with the vertebrae in the thoracic spine by two joints that connect with each side of the spine, and dysfunction in these joints can result in upper back pain.

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  • What Are the Risks of Pain Relief Alternatives to Opioids?

    What Are the Risks of Pain Relief Alternatives to Opioids?

    With so much attention focused on the dangers of opioid painkillers, it’s easy to forget that even “safe” over-the-counter products carry some dangers.

    If you don’t think twice about reaching for a pill to relieve aches and pains, especially medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, you need to know about the wide-ranging cautions surrounding their use, especially if you take them on a regular basis and over a long period of time.

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    NSAIDs can cause:

    • New or worsening high blood pressure
    • Heart failure
    • Liver issues
    • Kidney damage
    • Anemia
    • Life-threatening skin and allergic reactions

    NSAIDs can also increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, even within just the first few weeks of using one, and the risk can rise over time. Your risk for heart issues is greater if you have high blood pressure or heart disease or recently had a heart attack or bypass surgery. Aspirin is the one NSAID this warning doesn’t apply to. However, NSAIDs, including aspirin, can damage the stomach lining and cause gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding and ulcers.

    Your risk for GI issues is higher if you:

    • Take NSAIDs long-term
    • Are over age 60
    • Are a heavy drinker
    • Have a history of GI bleeding or ulcers
    • Are also taking blood-thinners, steroids or certain other medications

    If you’re considering acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, as an alternative to NSAIDs, know that acetaminophen can also cause severe liver damage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Like NSAIDs, it’s also in hundreds of other products, so as with all drugs, read medication ingredient labels to avoid taking too much of the same active ingredient and potentially overdosing.

    In general, always take the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible, and only after talking to your doctor if you already have high blood pressure or any other chronic condition.

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  • Reactive Arthritis

    There are many different kinds of arthritis that can affect people, and one of the not-so-well-known types is called reactive arthritis (formerly referred to as Reiter’s syndrome). It’s a form of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), and skin.

    The disease is recognized by various symptoms in different organs of the body that may or may not appear at the same time. It may come on quickly and severely or more slowly, with sudden remissions or recurrences. Reactive arthritis primarily affects sexually active males between the ages of 20 and 40. Those with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are at particularly high risk.

    While the cause of reactive arthritis is still unknown, research suggests the disease is caused, in part, by a genetic predisposition: approximately 75% of those with the condition have a positive blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27.

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    In sexually active males, most cases of reactive arthritis follow infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum, both sexually transmitted diseases. In other cases, people develop the symptoms following an intestinal infection with shigella, salmonella, yersinia, or campylobacter bacteria.

    Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent reactive arthritis besides using a condom during sexual activity.

    The first symptoms of reactive arthritis are painful urination and a discharge from the penis if there is inflammation of the urethra. Diarrhea may occur if the intestines are affected. This is then followed by arthritis four to 28 days later which usually affects the fingers, toes, ankles, hips, and knee joints. Typically, only one or a few of these joints may be affected at one time. Other symptoms can include mouth ulcers, inflammation of the eye, keratoderma blennorrhagica (patches of scaly skin on the palms, soles, trunk, or scalp), back pain from sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement, and pain from inflammation of the ligaments and tendons at the sites of their insertion into the bone (enthesitis).

    Due to the fact that symptoms tend to occur several weeks apart, diagnosis of reactive arthritis can be complicated. A doctor may diagnose reactive arthritis when the patient’s arthritis occurs together with or shortly following inflammation of the eye and the urinary tract and lasts a month or longer.

    There is no specific test for diagnosing reactive arthritis, but a doctor may check the urethral discharge for sexually transmitted diseases. Stool samples may also be tested for signs of infection. Blood tests of reactive arthritis patients are typically positive for the HLA-B27 genetic marker, with an elevated white blood cell count and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)—both signs of inflammation. The patient may also be mildly anemic (having too few red blood cells in the bloodstream).

    X-rays of the joints outside the back do not usually reveal any abnormalities unless the patient has had recurrent episodes of the disease. On an X-ray, joints that have been repeatedly inflamed may show areas of bone loss, signs of osteoporosis, or bony spurs. Joints in the back and pelvis (sacroiliac joints) may show abnormalities and damage from reactive arthritis.

    Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, will need to be treated with antibiotics. Joint inflammation from reactive arthritis is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Skin eruptions and eye inflammation can be treated with steroids.

    Those with chronic disease may be prescribed other medications, including methotrexate. Patients with chronic arthritis also may be referred to a physical therapist and may be advised to exercise regularly.

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  • For Rural Patients, Opioid Treatment Centers Often Too Far Away

    Methadone is often used in the fight against opioid addiction, but long travel times in rural areas may be hampering efforts to get more people treated, a new study finds.

    If methadone for opioid addiction was available in primary care clinics, more people would have better access to treatment, researchers suggest.

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    In the United States, methadone is only available at clinics certified by the federal government as Opioid Treatment Programs, or OTPs. This restriction, along with state and local laws, limits the number of clinics that offer methadone for opioid addiction.

    For the study, researchers looked at drive times to OTPs in rural and urban counties in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. These states are among those hardest hit by the opioid epidemic.

    Drive time is important because methadone treatment requires six visits a week to an OTP, the study authors noted.

    Except in the largest cities, average drive times to OTPs were longer than to other clinics, the study found.

    The average drive time to a methadone clinic was 37 minutes, compared with 16 minutes to other medical clinics and 15 minutes to kidney dialysis centers. In rural areas, the drive time can be close to two hours, the researchers found.

    “This study makes clear how poorly accessible methadone is for rural communities harmed by the opioid epidemic,” study author Dr. Paul Joudrey, a post-doctoral fellow at Yale University, said in a university news release.

    Joudrey noted that another drug, buprenorphine, is used in primary care settings to treat opioid addiction, but it doesn’t help everyone. Addiction experts recommend that methadone should be available in all communities to improve health and reduce death among people who are addicted to opioids.

    The report was published Oct. 1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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  • 5 Common Chronic Pain Problems From Dancing

    One of the most common complaints Chronicillness.co Site of United States sees amongst dancers knee pain following an injury. Dancers are hyper-mobile, meaning the joints move in a larger range of motion than normal. Typically, this is desirable for dancers, however, it can cause other body parts to control movements and lead to painful problems. Knee pain is common because dancers are usually back on their feet and performing at high levels following an injury.

    At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, our team of board-certified pain specialists helps patients overcome chronic pain every day. With the most advanced treatments and management strategies available, Chronicillness.co Site is the leading pain relief facility in the entire state of the United States. If you or someone you know suffers from knee or thigh pain as a result of a dancing injury, contact Chronicillness.co Site today for a full evaluation.

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    The knee commonly referred to as the hinge joint, is the largest joint in the human body, responsible for supporting bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. The knees can bear weight up to four times of a person’s body and are consistently bending, moving, and moving to keep us mobile. For dancers, proper and capable knee function is imperative. If you have suffered an injury from dancing or need to prevent an injury from occurring, please review these 5 common dancing injuries that lead to chronic pain complications if left undertreated.

    1. Adolescent Anterior Knee Pain. The patella, kneecap, is a common place for healthy young athletes to endure pain—especially females. Excessive stress to the knee is common in dancers who are required to train hard. Dancers often go through early growth spurts, which decreases flexibility. Bones grow more rapidly than muscles during this time putting more stress on the kneecap.
    2. Hyperextension. Locking the knee joint or using extreme flexibility to the knee joint often places excess stress on the knee joint and lower leg.
    3. Patellar Misalignment. When the patella slips out of its place, it will generally relocate back. When this happens repeatedly, it can be very painful in the future and lead to dislocation and inflammation.
    4. Meniscus Tears. The “C” shaped cartilage of the knee joint helps protect the femur and tibia from grinding against one another. Landing a high jump, twisting a knee, or other dancing injuries can cause a tear in the meniscus. Range of motion, walking, and gait are affected when this injury occurs.
    5. Osteoarthritis. Inflammation and degeneration of cartilage within the bones of the knee joint cause osteoarthritis. Pain, swelling, and stiffness often result, in limiting capable activities and dance abilities if untreated.

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  • Signs Your Back Pain Is Serious

    Signs Your Back Pain Is Serious

    We’ve all had back pain from time to time. Maybe we lifted luggage that was too heavy, held a baby for too long or carried a backpack overloaded with books.

    Some aches and pain here and there are normal—ones that tend to go away after you rest or exercise. But millions of Americans have ongoing back pain. It’s the leading cause of disability in people younger than 45, and many factors can cause it.

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    You shouldn’t be in severe and significant pain for a long time. So, how do you know if your back pain is serious? Read on to find out more.

    Here are a few signs that your back pain shouldn’t be taken lightly.

    1. You fell.
    Consider if you’ve had a serious trauma, such as you fell from a height or had a car accident. Even if you’ve had a minor trauma and are over 50, your health care professional will want to talk to you and examine your back pain. When you’re older, falling down even a few steps can cause a fracture. If there is no fracture, you may be told to manage your pain with medicine and physical therapy.

    2. You have an ongoing fever.
    A fever that isn’t responsive to medicine and is accompanied by back pain could be a sign of a serious infection. If it’s an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. You may be told to rest and then resume your daily activities once you feel better.

    3. You have tingling or numbness.
    Here, you have a pins-and-needles feeling in your back that won’t go away. It usually means that you have nerve damage or irritation, making it more significant than your typical back pain. You can experience permanent disabilities if you leave this condition untreated. Your health care professional can evaluate you and may order tests to get images of your spine. Treatment depends on your diagnosis.

    What is VCF?

    Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common fractures in people with osteoporosis, a silent condition that weakens your bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. VCFs affect about 750,000 people annually, says the National Osteoporosis Foundation. And they affect about one-quarter of postmenopausal women in the United States. The risk of this condition increases with age; about 40 percent of women age 80 and older are affected.

    VCFs happen when the bony block or vertebral body in the spine collapses. That can lead to severe pain, deformity and height loss. These fractures happen more commonly in the middle portion of the spine.

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    Most of the time, a VCF happens without an injury or pain. It can be caused by something as insignificant as a sneeze. One of the first signs of VCF is height loss. Think about whether your adult children seem taller. Do you need to hem pants you’ve worn for years? Are you suddenly unable to reach a shelf? These signs may mean you’ve experienced VCF.

    Risks if left untreated

    VCFs can be very painful. People who’ve had one VCF are at five times greater risk of having a second one. Risk for death goes up to more than 50 percent a year after a vertebral fracture.

    Each broken vertebra raises the risk for another since it changes how weight is balanced on the spine. You’ll experience pain in your back and chest as these muscles have to work more to hold you upright. It gets more difficult to walk. You develop stomach troubles and difficulty breathing. If you do nothing, you may experience disability.

    Complications related to VCF include:

    Segmental instability

    When a fracture leads to a vertebral body collapse of more than 50 percent, there is a risk of segmental instability. Because spinal segments work together, when one segment deteriorates or collapses, it can produce pain and impair daily activities. The instability eventually leads to a quicker degeneration of the spine in the affected area.

    Kyphosis

    Here, the front of the vertebrae will collapse and “wedge” because of a lack of normal vertebral space. Kyphosis leads to a more rounded thoracic spine, which may be referred to as hunchback or dowager’s hump.

    Neurological complications

    If the fracture causes part of the vertebral body to place pressure on the spinal cord, the nerves and spinal cord can be affected. The normal space between the spinal cord and beginning of the spinal canal can be decreased if pieces of the broken vertebral body push into the spinal canal.

    The narrowing of the spinal canal due to a VCF can injure the spinal nerves or cause problems later from nerve irritation. The lack of space can also lower the blood and oxygen supply to the spinal cord. This can lead to numbness and pain in the affected nerves. The nerves may lose some of their mobility when the space around them decreases, which can lead to nerve irritation and inflammation. Back pain isn’t par for the course as you get older. If you experience any back pain, make sure to speak with a health care professional about your symptoms.

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