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Tag: chronic illness

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  • Can weight loss cure arthritis

    Can weight loss cure arthritis? Not exactly. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, each with different causes, affecting over 50 million people in the U.S. annually. But, while all of these different types of arthritis have varying treatment goals and approaches, there’s one preventative strategy they all have in common. And that’s where weight loss comes in. While some treatment options include pain management through medications, one of the best drug-free options to reduce pain is also one of the simplest and most affordable: weight management. Here are six ways that managing weight can help your with arthritis, no matter what type of arthritis you suffer from.

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    1. Painful joints have less to support

    This is the most straightforward way that managing weight helps with arthritis. The joints in our bodies get a lot of use over a lifetime, and over time the cartilage and cushioning between joints can wear away, causing a wear-and-tear type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. When joint cushioning is worn away, the bones in the joint rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.

    One study found that women who lost 11 pounds reduced their risk of osteoarthritis by 50%. Even moving the needle from obese to overweight made a difference. In men, losing enough weight to move from a BMI of obese to one of overweight reduced their risk of osteoarthritis in the knee by 20%. For women, the reduction was 30%.

    Less weight means less pressure on the joints, and less pressure means less pain.

    2. Exercise makes daily life easier

    Maintaining a healthy weight may mean changes in exercise levels. Those who begin an exercise plan to maintain a healthy weight may find that this also helps them with tasks in daily life. Climbing stairs, cleaning house, playing with the kids, and even changing a lightbulb are all made easier with the strength you gain from exercise.

    These results will not happen immediately. In order to get the full effects of exercise, it is important to be consistent and exercise daily. For those with extreme joint pain, it is important to talk to your doctor first, but know that over time, as the body becomes stronger and endurance increases, even exercise itself will become easier.

    3. Exercise gives you more energy

    Maybe the thought of hauling your painful joints off the couch makes you tired, but know this: as you consistently exercise, losing weight and building strength and flexibility, your body actually has more energy.

    Researcher Patrick O’Connor, phd and co-director of the University of Georgia exercise psychology laboratory in Athens, Georgia recognizes that it may be hard to believe.

    “A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last thing they want to do is exercise, but if you’re physically inactive and fatigued, being just a bit more active will help…it may be that lacing up your tennis shoes and getting out and doing some physical activity every morning can provide that spark of energy that people are looking for.”

    4. Improved mood due to exercise breaks the vicious cycle of pain, sleep issues, and depression

    Even if pain is not actually worse, poor sleep due to arthritis can bring on mood disorders like depression which make pain seem worse. Managing your weight through exercise sheds pounds while boosting mood, a double bonus for those who need help managing chronic arthritis pain.

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    Dr. Patricia Parmelee from the Center for Mental Health & Aging at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa found that sleep and pain were closely linked:

    “Sleep disturbance is a common complaint among those with pain, particularly among those with OA. Our research is unique as we investigate the complex relationships among sleep, OA-related pain, disability and depressed mood simultaneously in a single study.”

    5. Maintaining a proper BMI can be key to arthritis remission

    Weight management to help with arthritis isn’t always about losing weight. A new study from Hospital of Special Surgery found that those patients with a BMI that was either too high or too low meant a shorter period of remission for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Although higher BMI was linked with more pain and inflammation, those who were severely underweight also had less chance of remission.

    Susan Goodman, M.D., a rheumatologist at HSS, says this result was not expected:

    “What’s striking is that if you look at the BMI classifications, all the patients in the underweight or overweight categories were much less likely to achieve sustained remission compared to those with a normal BMI. Patients who were severely obese had an even lower chance of achieving sustained remission.”

    Managing weight to stay within your target BMI range may be key to remission of pain while decreasing inflammation. She also noted that:

    “Our findings represent the first study to present evidence that BMI should be considered among the modifiable risk factors for poor RA outcomes. There are many things patients can do to manage the disease. Along with timely diagnosis and treatment, weight control and other good practices can result in better outcomes.”

    6. Managing weight can be delicious

    Exercise and proper sleep are just two ways to manage weight, and the benefits of both include less pain and improved mood. But weight can be managed in another way the helps with arthritis pain. Did you know that the foods you eat can have a dramatic and positive impact on your arthritis? Many foods have anti-inflammatory properties and can actually help reduce painful symptoms.

    Eating a diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods can help manage painful, swollen joints even as it helps you lose weight. Anti-inflammatory foods include things like leafy greens, cherries, wild salmon, and almonds.

    For best results, including a quick shedding of pounds, eliminate common inflammation-causing foods like sugar, white flour, and any processed foods. Some people find that dairy or wheat causes painful joint pain flare-ups. There are more substitutes for dairy and wheat than there used to be, but those can be filled with fat, sugar, and salt and should be eaten sparingly.

    The more whole foods you can incorporate into your diet the better. An easy way to think about eating for weight management and anti-inflammation is this: eat foods as close to their natural state as possible.

    What foods are good for arthritis?

    The Arthritis Foundation has released this helpful arthritis diet guide from Dr. Andrew Weil to consult when planning meals. The suggested foods not only reduce inflammation but also increase energy naturally and help maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.

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    Consider eating the following anti-inflammatory foods:

    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Whole grains, pastas, and legumes
    • Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts
    • Fish and seafood
    • Whole soy foods such as edamame, tofu, and soy milk
    • Cooked Asian mushrooms
    • Other sources of protein including cheese, eggs, and lean meats
    • Healthy herbs and spices, such as cinnamon and garlic
    • White, green, and oolong tea
    • Daily supplements
    • Red wine in moderation
    • Healthy sweets, such as dark chocolate

    While the anti-inflammatory diet is not intended to promote weight loss, many individuals using it to reduce the inflammation in their joints also experience the health benefit of losing weight. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends that you eat as many fresh foods as possible and choose organic when you can. Water should also be consumed throughout the day—at least 64 ounces.

    Research has shown that body fat increases inflammation within the body. By eating these healthy foods you can reduce your body fat and, subsequently, the resulting pain in your joints. Pain can also be caused by a number of conditions related to body fat or hormone imbalance. Your doctor can refer you to a nutritionist who can help you with the right diet choices for your specific arthritis symptoms. It is important to consult your physician before making any drastic changes to your diet.

    Can weight loss cure arthritis? 

    So, can weight loss cure arthritis? No. But, it is the closest we’ve come to a cure for many types of arthritis. And since it’s non-invasive and comes with its own host of health benefits, it’s also the best treatment plan for your overall health.

    Weight loss through exercise specifically can also help treat or manage:

    • Sleep apnea issues or other sleep disorders
    • Mood disorders, like depression
    • Other chronic pain conditions, like back pain
    • Fatigue
    • Cardiovascular health concerns

    Simply put, there’s no medicine like weight loss from exercise. Talk to your doctor today to learn how weight loss can help you reduce pain and get back to the life you love. In addition, they’ll be able to talk to you about complementary treatment options. These can allow you to exercise with less pain, especially during the beginning of your treatment plan. They include:

    • Physical therapy to build up key muscles around your joints
    • Braces to provide more support during exercise
    • Glucosamine or other supplements to help build up healthy tissue
    • Joint injections to alleviate pain while you’re working on weight loss

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  • How to relieve shoulder pain at night

    Shoulder pain at night is a very common issue among chronic pain sufferers. The shoulder is one of the most vulnerable joints as it has such a wide range of motion, which opens it up to various injuries and problems. So, why are you experiencing shoulder pain at night and what can you do to find relief? We discuss five treatment options ranging from shoulder stretches to chiropractic to interventional procedures.

    Issues associated with shoulder pain at night

    On top of the pain, most people with shoulder pain at night sleep poorly, which a completely different set of problems has associated with it. These can include:

    Sleeplessness can become a vicious cycle of decreasing sleep and increased pain, which will only make your condition worse.

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    Causes of shoulder pain when night

    Although many shoulder disorders can cause pain, the most common cause of shoulder pain at night comes from rotator cuff tendinitis. It usually is caused by irritation of the shoulder tendons leading to inflammation and pain. This condition can be caused by many things, including:

    Rotator cuff tendinitis is known to affect millions of people in the U.S. each year and is a major cause of shoulder pain when sleeping.

    Some of the other causes of shoulder pain at night are:

    Why exactly does the pain increase at night even though it might be fine during the day?

    Why do I have shoulder pain at night only? 

    While this nighttime shoulder pain cannot always be explained, a lot of the pain comes down to:

    • Being still at night
    • Unrelieved tension and stress from the day
    • The sleeping position you choose
    • Your mattress

    During the day, the shoulder is being actively used while you are in a vertical position. The tendons engage and are pulled downward by gravity, which allows space to be made in the muscle groups in the shoulder. This additional space allows for an increase in blood flow and oxygen that alleviates the stiffness and pain that would be present otherwise.

    When you lay down to rest or sleep at night, you are generally in a horizontal position. This removes the effect of gravity and allows the shoulder muscles to relax. The lack of movement and the relaxation of the muscles allows the fluids in your joints to settle and decreases the flow of blood, allowing the joint to become inflamed. People also tend to lie on their shoulder while sleeping, which can compress the joint even further, and thereby worsening the inflammation.

    How-to relieve shoulder pain at night

    If your shoulder pain is worse at night, there are ways to ease your pain.

    1. Find a better sleeping position 

    The first course of action to relieve shoulder pain at night is to find a good sleeping position for you. Tossing and turning at night is normal for most people, but can agitate your shoulder if you land on it wrong. Sleeping on the opposite shoulder can help avoid this pain, but try not to sleep on your back.

    If the pain persists, you can always trying wrapping your arm or wearing a sling to assist in preventing movement during sleep. Sleeping with a pillow under your knees can help alleviate any associated back pain.

    2. Stick to a sleep schedule 

    Along with fixing your position while sleeping, always make sure to try to stick to a sleeping schedule. Good sleep hygiene can make all the difference in your sleeping patterns. Having a consistent bedtime ritual that helps wind you down at the end of the day can do wonders in terms of reducing stress and tension, and improving sleep length and quality.

    Try something relaxing before bed like a shower and make sure you fall asleep in a dark room with no electronics. Medication can also help you sleep, but be cautious of how often you use them. Constantly requiring sleep aids can be a major sign of a problem and the more you use over-the-counter drugs, the more you will need to be effective. In addition, if you’re using other medications, they may react poorly with the sleep aids.

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    3. Perform stretches for shoulder pain at night 

    Exercising a few hours before bed can also be useful as it will increase blood flow throughout the whole body. This can alleviate pain, but also relax you enough to ease sleeping troubles. Try something low impact like a brisk walk or a bike ride, and then allow your body to cool down again before going to bed.

    Further, certain shoulder stretches can help you reduce the tension and stress that has built up during the day. Not only are shoulder stretches an easy option, but they take only a few minutes at night. Stretching has huge health benefits like increasing flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow. Another big plus is that they are simple to do in your own home and require no special equipment. Before you go to bed, try these seven shoulder stretches to alleviate some tension and reduce your stress.

    Shoulder stretch basics

    If you start to feel pain at any time during a stretch, stop immediately. Stretching should be done to the point of mild strain. If you experience pain, you are going too hard and could injure yourself. This is especially true if the pain is sharp or sudden. It is a good idea for chronic pain sufferers to consult a pain doctor before starting too strenuous of a stretching routine as overexertion could exacerbate certain conditions.

    For best results, always warm your muscles up a little before stretching. For the following stretches, it is best to do each for approximately 30 seconds to one minute for maximum effect. Also, make sure you are steadily breathing in and out in a controlled manner.

    Chin retractions

    This is a quick stretch that is great if you spend way too much time staring at a computer monitor. Slowly extend your neck outward, making sure your keep your chin parallel with the floor. Then, pull it back in to a neutral position that is straight with your spine, slightly tucking the chin in. Repeat.

    Eagle arms

    Sit in a cross-legged position on the ground. Extend your arms in front of you and place your left elbow in the crook of the right arm. Now, bend your elbows back so your hands are touching. Hook one hand over the other so that your palms are facing each other.

    For this stretch, you should keep your palms together, elbows lifted in a 90 degree angle, and your hands in front of your face. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and down. You should feel a powerful stretch in your shoulder blades as well as the lower part of your neck. After this, change arms by placing your right elbow in the crook of your left arm and repeating.

    Cow-face pose

    Take your right arm and reach over your shoulder aiming to lay your palm in-between your shoulder blades. Then take your left arm and reach up your back (not over the shoulder) also placing the hand between the shoulder blades. Try to interlock your hands and pull slightly.

    If you are having trouble interlocking your hands, you can modify this stretch. Keep a towel or something similar in your top hand, and then grasp it with your bottom hand instead of clasping the hands together. Gently pull with each arm to feel your shoulders start to open up.

    Standing wall stretch

    While standing tall, reach out and place both of your hands on a wall. Walk your feet back until the arms are straight, but don’t let your arms reach too far above your head. Make sure you keep the shoulder blades open and relaxed downwards during the whole stretch. Also, avoid pushing against the wall and don’t allow your shoulders to press up and into your neck.

    Shoulder blade stretch

    Start by spreading your feet, so they are shoulder-width apart. Raise your arms above your head as far as possible and bring your palms together. Now, simply twist your waist by bringing one shoulder forward and simultaneously pulling the opposite shoulder back. Hold this stretch and then switch sides.

    Half-dragon fly

    This stretch begins by lying face down on your stomach. First, place your right hand palm down on the floor like you are starting a pushup. Next, lift your chest slightly and slide your left arm under your chest. Finally, square your chest with the floor and lower on top of your arm. Hold this position and then switch your arms.

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    If you want a deeper stretch in this position, you can move on to the full dragonfly. This is accomplished by lying on your stomach face-down. Crisscross both arms near the collar bones and straighten your arms out as far as possible. Then, allow your body to drape onto your arms.

    Triangle

    Stand your feet hip-width apart. Turn your right foot forward. Turn the left foot so it is perpendicular with the right and raise both arms to shoulder level straight out from the body. Stretch your right arm up and forward, pulling your body up slightly. Then slowly lower the chest forward over the right leg until it is parallel with the ground. Place your hand on your thigh or calf, while avoiding placing it on the knee directly. Try to keep as little weight in your hand as possible, focusing on keeping yourself upright with your core instead. Extend the left arm completely upward towards the ceiling, if it feels comfortable. Finally, turn your head upwards towards the ceiling or down towards the ground for an additional neck stretch.

    4. Try yoga poses for neck pain

    Since shoulder pain at night is often related to neck pain, trying the following yoga poses for neck pain could also help relieve your pain. This video also demonstrates the triangle shoulder stretch.

    5. Talk to a pain doctor about interventional therapies 

    If these natural treatments don’t work to relieve your shoulder pain at night, it may be time to talk to a pain doctor. They can help diagnose the exact cause of your shoulder pain. If your pain isn’t due to an acute injury or fracture, they may suggest interventional treatments for chronic pain.

    These shoulder pain at night treatments include:

    • Physical therapy to increase flexibility and reduce pressure on your joint
    • Chiropractic care to increase mobility and loosen tension
    • A regimen of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
    • Regenerative medicine approaches, including PRP injections 
    • Joint injections that can relieve nerve irritation
    • Surgery, but only for the most severe cases of shoulder pain at night

    If more conservative treatments like chiropractic care or physical therapy haven’t worked, a joint injection provides a minimally-invasive treatment that doesn’t require surgery. You can learn more about this approach in the following video (while not a shoulder injection, it does showcase a knee joint injection using a similar approach).

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • The surprising impact of chronic pain, on family and money

    The surprising impact of chronic pain, on family and money

    Chronic pain is the number one cause of disability in the U.S. According to the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA), one in six people are living with chronic pain. The type of pain can vary with age. People in their 20s and 30s are most likely to suffer from headaches or chronic migraine. Adults in middle age tend to suffer from chronic back pain. The elderly often report pain as a result of arthritis or fracture. The percentage of people in each group does not change as the population ages, making chronic pain a fairly consistent condition. Whatever the demographic, however, the impact of chronic pain is skyrocketing, both on a person’s family life and money.

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    The monetary impact of chronic pain

    Estimates of the cost of pain can vary widely, depending on what is being measured. A 2003 report from The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) put the annual monetary impact of chronic pain at $62.1 billion. A more recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) report in 2011, “Relieving Pain in America,” puts the economic cost of chronic pain at an estimated $560-635 billion annually.

    The JAMA study only counted loss of productivity and did not measure all types of pain, but focused only on headache and some musculoskeletal pain. The IOM estimate looked at all types of economic costs, including loss of productivity, use of medical services, and other financial impacts.

    The impact of chronic pain on your work life

    According to the results of a National Health and Wellness survey, individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis were less likely to be employed and highly likely to be on disability.  The costs of disability payments are spread among taxpayers, and were included in the IOM report as well.

    Missing work due to pain or being perceived as unemployable due to pain can be devastating financially to individual families and society as a whole. This perception can be difficult to change, as chronic pain is generally an “invisible” illness. Common misperceptions of those suffering chronic pain include the following.

    • They are unreliable: Because chronic pain sufferers have good days and bad days, employers may see this as a trait that could impact their productivity. In fact, chronic pain sufferers may be even more reliable. They know their jobs rest on doing what they say they will do, even in the face of pain.
    • They are less productive: Employers may view chronic pain sufferers as less able to perform the functions of their jobs due to pain. In fact, efficiency and effectiveness are the order of the day when chronic pain sufferers are feeling good. They can be even more productive than their coworkers.
    • They use pain as an excuse: Other workers may believe that chronic pain sufferers use their bad days as an excuse to get out of work. In fact, there is zero evidence of this as a characteristic of chronic pain sufferers. Indeed, most are ready and willing to move forward and take on responsibilities and work that gives them purpose and direction. Pain is a medical condition, not an excuse.

    Although there are moments when chronic pain can interfere with an individual’s ability to work, a team-based treatment plan can help. Individuals can develop coping strategies that allow them to continue to be productive. An important part of managing the impact of chronic pain is also understanding more about a person’s condition and utilizing creative scheduling to work around bad days.

    The social and family impact of chronic pain

    The impact of chronic pain is more than dollars and cents. Beyond the dollar signs, the cost of chronic pain is personal and rising. People with chronic pain are more likely to be depressed to the point of attempting suicide, and there are social costs as well. Christopher L. Edwards, phd, assistant professor of psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine, writes:

    “The social costs are incalculable. How do you estimate the value of lost self-worth? How do you estimate the loss of family, friends, and a sense of accomplishment?”

    Approximately 100 million people in the U.S. live with chronic pain, but how many families are living through their pain with them? Caregivers of chronic pain patients experience many special challenges. People suffering from chronic pain may feel isolated and ostracized. Their families may not understand, and tensions in the home may compound the issue. The pressure can be extraordinary, and the impact of chronic pain in the family can be deeply felt. Here are just a few of the tasks and challenges the families of chronic pain patients face.

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    They are responsible for daily care

    For some patients, this may be driving to appointments and coordinating care. For others, this can be caring for the patient physically, including lifting and moving the family member from bed to bathroom to anywhere else they need to go. Other daily tasks can include shopping for and preparing meals that may be specifically tailored to the patient. It could also be reminding the patient to complete any exercises or activities.

    These tasks may be done lovingly, but both patient and caregiver can feel resentful and angry at times. The stress of these simple daily tasks can mount up and be overwhelming.  Often, the caregiver is also responsible for other family members, including children who may not understand why they have to wait or not get undivided attention.

    They are responsible for dealing with insurance and doctors

    Although the patient may be in closest communication with his or her doctor, often the caregiver is responsible for talking to insurance companies and coordinating care across a team of doctors. Advocating for a patient who may be unable to advocate for themselves at times is an important job. There is a tremendous amount of paperwork associated with a chronic illness, and the caregiver needs to be organized and thorough when analyzing benefits statements and bills.

    They are sometimes responsible for income

    There are chronic pain patients who are able to continue to work and contribute to the household income, but in many cases, the caregiver is also the breadwinner. Even if the pain patient is on disability, the family may need additional income, especially if there are children. Of all of the impacts of chronic pain in the family, this is arguably the most stressful one, affecting daily life in the most basic way. If the caregiver needs to drive the patient to appointments, the stress of missing work and income can be exacerbated.

    They are responsible for cheerleading, even when they don’t feel cheery

    Chronic pain patients can feel isolated, trapped in their pain. It can be difficult to see the beauty in life when simple movement is excruciating.

    Families of chronic pain patients experience this in another way in their sense of powerlessness. Those with a chronic pain in the family see a family member in pain and are unable to do anything concrete to relieve the pain. The only thing they can do is to be encouraging, patient, and kind. They can point out the things the family has to be grateful for, and they can look to the future. This can be a thankless task, and some days their family member in pain won’t want to hear any of it. The challenge is to be the cheerleader, even at the hardest times.

    What can you do?

    The impact of chronic pain cannot be overstated. It costs the U.S. billions of dollars each year. It’s also costly in terms of mental and social health, affecting families disproportionately. So how can all aspects of the cost of chronic pain be more effectively managed?

    1. Develop team-based treatment plans

    These can include not only prescription medication, if necessary, but also other holistic treatments. Having a team of healthcare providers that are able to utilize alternative treatments such as diet, meditation, and exercise can make all the difference in the successful management of chronic pain. Working with a pain specialist can help you accurately diagnose your pain and learn more about treatments that could work for you.

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    2. Educate employers on chronic pain and help them utilize telecommute options

    An employee who is having a bad day may not be able to get into the office, but may still be able to work on projects at home. Offering this as an option can help keep patients with chronic pain in stable employment, which will do wonders for their mental and emotional health. Productive employment is one way to keep the costs of chronic pain down. It also keeps patients off disability and in the working world.

    3. Involve families more in your treatment

    Families feel the impact of chronic pain on a daily basis, but they may not understand it completely. This lack of understanding can be isolating for the chronic pain sufferer. It can increase the social impact of pain. A strong, supportive family or group of close friends is crucial to managing the mental and emotional impact of pain. Get them involved by talking to them about what you’re feeling.

    4. Encourage your family to get the self-care they need

    The challenges when there is chronic pain in the family are so extreme that some research suggests that the caregivers risk becoming patients themselves. In a 2014 study, researchers at the Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science found that “high burden” caregivers, those tasked with care giving for 21 or more hours per week, were highly likely to develop chronic pain themselves.

    Researchers interviewed 46 informal (non-professional, generally family members) caregivers and asked them to complete questionnaires. Over four weeks, 94% of caregivers reported pain in at least one part of their body. Amy Darragh, occupational therapist and lead researcher had this to say about the results:

    “Almost all of the caregivers who participated in our study said they experience significant musculoskeletal discomfort related to care giving activities, and that this discomfort can interfere with their ability to provide care, work and participate in life activities.”

    The researchers found that professional caregivers experienced some of the same injuries. But, since they had access to training and tools to help them with patients, they were less likely to be injured or to have that injury become chronic. Many times those with chronic pain in the family have to dive in with little or no training. This includes the proper way to lift a patient or to complete repetitive daily tasks. These physical issues don’t even measure the potential for mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

    Darragh and her team have received grants to develop protocols for family and non-professional caregivers. Until those protocols are in place and used widely, family caregivers need to be careful and monitor themselves for signs of stress or injury. Taking any classes that may be available through doctors or hospitals can be helpful. You can also stayed informed about groups or respite caregivers who may be able to help when needed.

    5. Work hard to increase awareness of healthy lifestyles and living for all people

    Chronic pain can be a condition that develops as a result of traumatic injury or accident. But, it can also be as a result of any other disorder or condition that could be prevented by making healthy choices. Eating well and exercising regularly is good medicine for everyone. Encouraging people to get active and stay that way can lower the chances of developing chronic pain. Further, by talking more about your chronic pain, it becomes more normal in the world. Keep up-to-date with blogs like this one, or any of our favorite chronic pain bloggers, to learn tips for reducing the impact of chronic pain on your life.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Recent research that untangles pain

    Pain is an unavoidable fact of life, especially for those with a chronic pain condition. There are dozens of potential treatments for pain already, but researchers are always searching for a deeper understanding of pain to help them devise even better treatments.

    One group of researchers has found a way to cut off the communication of pain in the brain.

    At the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, neuroscientist Gerald Zamponi, phd, and his team have found a way to shut off pain signals. Calcium channels in the brain and peripheral nervous system are part of the line of communications to transmit pain signals. Because of this, calcium channels have been a focus of pain research for quite a while. Zamponi and his team have found that by interfering with a specific enzyme’s communication with the calcium channels, the nerve impulses are interrupted.

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    The researchers in this study are currently looking at more than 100,000 molecules. They’re trying to find one that will successfully stop the communication between the enzyme and the calcium channel, thereby stopping the pain signal. Two viable molecules have already been identified as painkillers in animals.

    If these researchers are able to isolate the correct molecule to create the same effect in humans, it could potentially be turned into a drug. A drug like this could provide a new pain-relief option for people who suffer from all sorts of pain conditions, such as arthritis or neuropathic pain.

    A better understanding of how different populations experience pain can help physicians manage their patients’ pain more effectively.

    A few factors that decrease an individual’s pain tolerance have been identified. These include:

    There are also a few odd factors that influence an individual’s ability to tolerate pain. For example, one study suggested that right-handed people were more tolerant of pain than left-handed people. Some research also suggests that natural redheads may be more sensitive to pain.

    Additionally, gender has an effect on pain sensations. More women report pain than men, and women are generally believed to be more sensitive to pain. It’s been assumed that women may be more tolerant of pain, as well, but a new study challenges this assumption.

    First it’s important to understand the difference between pain sensitivity and pain tolerance. Pain sensitivity refers to the pain threshold, or when an individual begins to perceive stimulation as painful. Pain tolerance is the level of pain an individual is able to tolerate.

    Researchers at Malaga University have found that there is no difference in pain tolerance between men and women. Rather, the characteristics of each individual determine his or her ability to tolerate pain. Resilience was identified as the most important factor in determining pain tolerance. People who are resilient are more likely to accept their pain. Accepting the pain, rather than focusing on it to the exclusion of everything else, allows individuals to focus on increasing their quality of life instead. Resilient people generally feel less pain, stay more active, and have a better overall mood.

    In addition to acceptance of pain and individual resilience, fear of pain was identified as a central variable in people’s pain experiences. People who are afraid of pain experience more anxiety and depression. This ties into the only difference identified between men’s and women’s pain experiences: in men, a fear of pain also related to a greater degree of pain.

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    Another study has identified several specific genes that affect an individual’s pain tolerance.

    A group of researchers looked at 2,721 people who have been diagnosed with chronic pain. Participants rated their pain perception on a scale that was divided into low, moderate, and high pain groups. Researchers then checked the participants for specific genes, COMT, DRD2, DRD1, and OPRK1, and found the following statistics:

    • DRD1 variant was 33% more prevalent among the low pain group than the high pain group
    • COMT variant was 25% more prevalent among the moderate pain group than the high pain group
    • OPRK1 variant was 19% more prevalent among the moderate pain group than the high pain group
    • DRD2 variant was 25% more common among the high pain group than the moderate pain group

    According to Tobore Onojjighofia, MD, MPH, with Proove Biosciences and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, this research could have two major benefits for pain patients. First, finding out if an individual possesses these particular gene variants could provide his or her physician with a way to evaluate his or her perception of pain. This could help physicians manage patients’ pain according to each individual’s pain tolerance. In addition to this, the identification of genes that influence pain perception could play a role in developing new, targeted pain therapies.

    New brain imaging has identified a brain abnormality that may explain the overly sensitive response to stimuli in people with fibromyalgia.

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide detailed pictures of the body’s tissues. When an MRI scan is done on the brain, the result is series of images that allow physicians to visualize the anatomy of the brain. A functional MRI (fmri) maps the brain’s function by showing the amount of oxygen (and therefore the amount of oxygenated blood flow) in different areas of the brain. In other words, an MRI is similar to a very detailed snapshot, while an fmri is like a flipbook showing brain activity.

    A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology used fmri to study brain response to stimuli among people with fibromyalgia. The fmri showed reduced activation of certain areas of the brain, namely the primary and secondary visual and auditory areas. There was also increased activation in the sensory integration regions.

    These brain function abnormalities are responsible for the often painful hypersensitivity experienced by people with fibromyalgia. In fact, the researchers in this study believe these abnormalities might be part of the pathology, or key components, of fibromyalgia. This is significant because research in this area might eventually offer new neuro stimulation targets for fibromyalgia treatment.

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  • How we treat head pain

    How we treat head pain

    Nearly everyone will experience head pain at some point during their lives, but for some people, head pain can become chronic. Chronic migraines and headaches can range in severity from annoying to debilitating. Thankfully, a wide range of treatment options are available for head pain, providing lots of potential options to try when managing head pain.

    Oral medications are usually the first type of pain management attempted to treat head pain.

    The most common reason that people purchase over-the-counter pain medications is head pain. These medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter pain medications often fall short when it comes to treating severe or chronic head pain. For instance, nsaids are considered most effective for people who suffer episodic migraines ten or less days per month.

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    For more severe types of head pain, a physician may prescribe an opioid, such as oxycodone. Anticonvulsant drugs are also sometimes effective when treating head pain. Different medications may be indicated depending on the type of head pain being experienced. Explain what type of pain you’re experiencing as clearly as possible to your physician so he or she can prescribe the right medication.

    Oral medications generally provide short-term, as-needed pain relief. Some injected medications can provide short-term pain relief, as well. Sumatriptan in oral form is commonly used to treat migraines, but subcutaneous (injected) sumatriptan is used to provide short-term relief from cluster headaches.

    Other types of injected medications can potentially provide medium-term pain relief, or pain relief that’s not permanent but could last for several weeks to months.

    Nerve block injections can act both as pain management and as a diagnostic tool for head pain.

    These types of injections deliver medications directly to the inflamed nerves causing head pain. The injections will typically include a local anesthetic to block pain. Corticosteroids might also be included to reduce inflammation.

    The exact location of the injection will depend on which nerves are causing the head pain. To relieve chronic migraine or cluster headaches, for example, a nerve block injection will be applied to the trigeminal or occipital nerves.

    The physician will determine which nerve location is most likely to provide relief. If the injection is delivered to the nerve that’s causing the head pain, relief can occur fairly quickly and may last for weeks or months. If the injection is delivered to the incorrect nerve, it will have very little effect. In this way, the injection can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify exactly which nerve or nerves are to blame for the head pain.

    Once the nerves causing the head pain have been identified, other types of treatments can be applied directly to the nerves.

    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used on nerves that have been identified as causing head pain, but it can also be used as a potential treatment for severe, persistent headaches that don’t respond to nerve block injections.

    During RFA, a local anesthetic is applied. Then thin probes are passed through the skin until they reach the targeted nerve or nerve group. The probes emit radiofrequency, or electrothermal impulses, on the nerve or nerve group. This selectively damages the nerve, causing the formation of a lesion, which blocks the pain signals that the nerve conducts.

    Another type of nerve therapy is spinal cord stimulation (SCS). During SCS, flexible, thin devices are implanted next to the spinal cord, close to the nerves causing the head pain. The devices are attached to external leads, which are attached to a control device that allows the patient to operate it. When the devices are activated, a mild electrical impulse is emitted. This impulse interrupts the pain signals being transmitted along the nerves. When head pain occurs, the patient can then control his or her own pain relief.

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    Alternative and complementary therapies, used in conjunction with traditional therapies, may be effective in controlling head pain, too.

    Acupuncture originated in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the insertion of small, sterile needles into strategic places on the body. This is believed to cause the body to release endorphins, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture can be effective when used in conjunction with other pain management techniques. In fact, for some people, acupuncture is more effective than traditional pain management therapies.

    Chiropractic manipulation might also be an effective treatment for head pain. It involves the application of targeted force to correct the body’s spinal alignment. Massage therapy, which focuses on the release of muscle tension and stress, can potentially reduce head pain as well, especially when the myofascial muscles are massaged.

    Another technique called biofeedback might be particularly effective at teaching patients how to control their own head pain. Readings are taken of brain activity, muscle tension, and galvanic skin response, all of which are impacted by headache triggers like stress. People with head pain can then study these measurements to understand the physiological effects linked to their headaches. This understanding can then be applied toward relaxation techniques to enhance control over the physiological effects linked to head pain.

    Keeping a pain diary can also enhance understanding of the triggers behind head pain, as well as make it easier for a physician to decipher exactly which type of head pain is being experienced and how best to treat it.

    To track head pain with a migraine or headache diary, take note of all the factors surrounding the head pain, such as:

    Although tracking all of this information won’t necessarily reduce head pain, it can shed light on what causes the pain. For instance, it might suddenly become clear that headaches worsen after drinking caffeine, or that migraines occur more frequently after a short night’s sleep. This clearer understanding of what can lead to or worsen head pain can allow you to avoid the things that trigger head pain.

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  • Chiropractic care during pregnancy

    The miracle of life, the anticipation of a beautiful baby, and that expectant-mother glow may make pregnancy a magical time of life, but it’s not all a bed of roses. There’s morning sickness, acne, swollen feet, fatigue, and all sorts of aches and pains to deal with. Your physician may be able to help with morning sickness, and a few well-deserved spa days and afternoon naps could help with acne and fatigue. For the sore back that comes from pregnancy, some chiropractic care might help you immensely.

    Chiropractic care while pregnant, if performed by a full-licensed chiropractor, is completely safe.

    There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy. In fact, chiropractors are trained to safely and effectively treat pregnant women. In fact, some researchers suggest that musculoskeletal pain management, such as chiropractic care, ought to become a standard part of obstetric care. Specialized techniques are used to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Also, specialized tables or equipment might be used. These are also to avoid putting undue pressure on the abdomen.

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    However, few women receive the chiropractic care they need during pregnancy. One study found that 80% of women reported going without treatment for musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. Also, pain in the first pregnancy has been linked to pain during subsequent pregnancies, so undergoing chiropractic treatment sooner rather than later might have seriously lasting benefits.

    The back aches, leg pain, and loss of balance during pregnancy can be minimized by chiropractic care.

    In preparation for birth, the ligaments in the pelvis lose their rigidity, which can lead to the pelvis becoming unstable. The growing uterus can push and pull the parts of the pelvis and hips into different positions. These changes can both affect pelvic balance and cause low back pain. In fact, thebump.com, a website devoted to all pregnancy-related topics, states:

    “Not only is it safe to visit a chiropractor during your pregnancy, it’s also highly beneficial… Getting regularly adjusted while pregnant is a great way to relieve the added stress on your spine that comes along with the weight gain.”

    In addition to helping you control low back pain, chiropractic adjustment during pregnancy can prevent sciatica. Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of the legs and to the feet. When this nerve is inflamed or damaged, it causes radiating or shooting pain down the buttock, the back of the leg, and potentially all the way to the foot.

    Some medications that could help with the back and leg pain of pregnancy may be contraindicated during pregnancy. Your physician or OB/GYN should be able to provide medications that are completely safe to take while pregnant, but chiropractic care is a great drug-free pain management option for expectant mothers who prefer to use as few medications as possible. It’s still a good idea to discuss pain, medications, and chiropractic care with your physician or OB/GYN, though.

    Chiropractic care while pregnant might also facilitate better-quality sleep.

    Getting enough sleep is vitally important all the time, including during pregnancy. This is largely because once that new baby comes home, sleep will become a rare thing. However, sleep is important for other reasons, too. Researchers at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) compared the amount of sleep women got late in their pregnancies with their labor times and types of birth. It was found that women who got less than six hours of sleep per night during their final month of pregnancy averaged 29 hours of labor, compared to an average of 17.7 hours of labor for women who slept seven or more hours per night.

    Additionally, it was found that compared to women who reported poor sleep two or less nights per week about three weeks before delivery, women who reported poor sleep three to four nights per week were 4.2 times as likely to need a cesarean delivery. Women who reported poor sleep five or more nights per week were 5.3 times as likely to need a cesarean delivery.

    This means that it’s important to take the time to get a good night’s rest as often as possible while pregnant. If your back hurts, it’s hard to sleep; research has even shown that a pregnant woman’s quality of sleep is closely related to back pain. By undergoing chiropractic care during pregnancy, you can improve your sleep and, by extension, perhaps make sure that your labor experience is a little easier.

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    There are additional ways that chiropractic care during pregnancy can help you have an easier birth.

    When a baby is breech, it’s positioned to come out feet- or bottom-first. The delivery for a breech baby has a higher risk of complications, and most medical professionals recommend a cesarean delivery rather than a vaginal birth. Several options exist to encourage the baby to move into a cephalic (or head-first) position before delivery, and one of these is the Webster Technique. This is a chiropractic adjustment that’s used to encourage the baby to move into the head-first position by correcting the musculoskeletal causes of intrauterine contracture.

    In 2002, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published the results of a survey about the effectiveness of the Webster Technique. Chiropractors using the Webster Technique reported an 82% success rate at encouraging the baby to move into a cephalic position. This technique has the added benefit of being medication free, unlike some of the other potential ways to encourage a breech baby to move into a cephalic position.

    Chiropractic care while pregnant might also shorten labor time. Women who received chiropractic care during their first pregnancy will experience a labor time that is, on average, 25% shorter. During subsequent pregnancies with chiropractic care, the time spent in labor is reduced by 31% on average.

    There are several ways to find a chiropractor who can provide care during your pregnancy.

    Your OB/GYN or primary care physician might be able to provide recommendations. A local phone book or a quick online search might also yield results. While all chiropractors are trained to provide care to pregnant women, it’s always a good bet to find someone with experience treating pregnant women. Because of this, consider calling a few different chiropractic offices and enquiring about the practitioners’ experience with pregnant women.

    Additionally, online databases provide a quick, easy way to find chiropractors with specific specialties. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), for instance, includes a host of specialty options in its search criteria, including obstetrics and the Webster Technique. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) specializes in providing information about chiropractic care for children, but they also have a search available for Webster Certified Chiropractors.

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  • Does a pain diary work

    It has long been a common recommendation that chronic patients maintain a pain diary. The idea behind a pain diary is simple. Using either an electronic device or a paper journal, pain patients keep track of:

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    The theory behind the recommendation is that doctors and patients can gain a better understanding of certain chronic pain syndromes than they might with simple patient reporting at a visit. Keeping track of pain levels allows a patient to give a more accurate reporting than trying to remember them on the day of the visit, especially if the patient is feeling particularly good or bad on the day they see the doctor. In theory, this allows doctors and patients to identify triggers and potentially avert painful episodes by changing behaviors.

    But there is evidence that pain diaries might actually be making pain worse.

    A small-scale study by the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry found that keeping a pain diary actually lengthened the time of recovery for study participants who were recovering from lower back sprains. For four weeks, 58 patients in the study were divided into two equal groups, one of which was asked to keep a pain diary, documenting pain levels, and one of which did not. When patients were re-assessed at the four-month mark, the differences in the two groups were clear.

    Robert Ferrari, a clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Department of Medicine and a practicing physician in several Edmonton medical clinics explains the results:

    “What we found is that the group who kept the pain diary — even though we didn’t ask them to keep an extensive diary, and even though many of them didn’t keep a complete diary — had a much worse outcome. The self-reported recovery rates were 52% in the group that kept a pain diary and 79% recovery at three months in the group that did not keep a pain diary. That’s a fairly profound effect. There aren’t many things we do to patients in terms of treatment that affect the recovery for a group by 25%.”

    These results are mirrored in study by Luis F. Buenaver, phd, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This study included 214 patients suffering from jaw and face pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This condition can be acute or long-term but is very painful and can lead to sleep disturbances and other painful issues in the neck and upper back.

    Buenaver and his colleagues examined each patient and then distributed questionnaires to ascertain participants’ pain levels, quality of sleep, and emotional response to pain. They were trying to see if patients tended to dwell on pain or exaggerate it. Those patients who did dwell on the pain were unable to shift their focus away from it when winding down for sleep, their pain was rated as much more severe, and patients’ sleep was more disturbed than those patients who did not focus on their pain.

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    So why do pain specialists continue to recommend keeping a pain diary when it seems as if it may make pain worse?

    A pain diary can be a remarkable communication tool for you and your doctor. If you are living with chronic pain that has yet to be diagnosed, keeping a pain diary can help identify triggers or things that make pain worse. Keeping a pain diary can also identify times of day that pain is most prevalent, and it may be helpful in seeking reasonable work accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    There are many different ways to keep a pain diary. One of the easiest seems to be using apps for tracking chronic pain, widely available for free or a nominal fee for both iphones and Android operating systems. If you choose to keep a pain diary and want to make it positive and forward-thinking, try these four tips:

    1. Add gratitude: Make a list of five things you are grateful for at the end of every day.
    2. Don’t make pain the focus: Think of it more as a daily journal. When pain symptoms are tracked or specifics are added, circle them or highlight in another color for easy reference, but focus more on telling the whole story of the day.
    3. Think outside of the page: Frida Kahlo, a painter who lived her entire life in excruciating pain, often painted her experiences while lying down. Your pain diary doesn’t have to be just words. You can illustrate your day or create a collage. Add photographs or bits of flotsam from your day (e.g., a key you found on a walk, a ticket stub from a movie, or a note from your child).
    4. Make it totally you: You are not your chronic pain. Yes, pain is part of your daily experience, but it does not make up the entire person you are. Use your pain diary as a way to explore your inner self, not just document an experience from one to ten.

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  • How the brain experiences pain – brain experiences pHow the brain experiences pain

    Pain’s basic purpose is as a warning message for the body: that hurts, so stop it. When pain becomes chronic, though, it can seem utterly senseless, plaguing people for extended periods for no apparent reason. Researchers are constantly studying pain in hopes that a deeper understanding might lead to more effective prevention and treatment of pain.

    Research examines pain responses in infants

    Until recently, it was believed that babies didn’t experience pain in the same way as adults. Indeed, some people suggested that babies’ brains weren’t developed enough to experience pain, as explained in an article from the University of Oxford:

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    “As recently as the 1980s it was common practice for babies to be given neuromuscular blocks but no pain relief medication during surgery. In 2014 a review of neonatal pain management practice in intensive care highlighted that although such infants

    However, the researchers who published this article reevaluated this thinking. Babies, aged between one and six days, were allowed to fall asleep inside a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. The babies were then prodded on the bottom of the foot with a retractable rod. This produced a sensation similar to being prodded by a pencil – not quite painful, but enough to produce visible results in the brain’s pain response areas. Adults were then put through the same test.

    Not only did the babies’ brains display a similar pain response as the adults’ brains, but the results suggested that babies actually have a lower pain threshold than adults. This means that a baby will experience a sensation as pain more quickly than an adult will. This research will likely have far-reaching and profound effects, since it will lead to more babies being given the proper pain relief medications before painful procedures.

    The emotional side of pain 

    Anyone who’s experienced long-lasting or severe pain knows that it can easily elicit an emotional response. Now science has proven this as well. Researchers at the TUM School of Medicine gave painful heat stimuli to participants’ hands. The stimuli varied in intensity. Participants were asked to rate their pain on a scale of one to a hundred.

    After a few minutes, the participants began to experience changes in pain, even when the pain stimulus remained unchanged. The pain sensation became detached from the pain stimulus. This suggests that the pain sensation changed from a perception process to a more emotional process. In fact, the researchers watched the brain activity in participants experiencing longer-lasting pain, and the emotional areas of the brain became active.

    These same researchers conducted another experiment that showed anticipation, as well as duration, can affect pain perception. Participants in this experiment were given painful laser pulses on two areas of the back of the hand. Then the participants rated how strongly they’d perceived the pain stimuli. Creams were then applied to both areas of the back of the hand. Neither cream had pain-relieving properties, but the participants were told that one of the creams had a pain–relieving effect.

    After this, the participants rated the stimuli as significantly lower on the area with the allegedly pain-reliving cream. Not only were the participants’ verbal ratings affected, but the second run of this experiment (using the two creams) triggered a different brain activity pattern.

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    Pain relief may be related to emotions, too

    A study from Ohio State University examined the effects of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. College students viewed photos selected to elicit an emotion response. Each photo was rated on a scale of negative to positive, as well as on a scale of how much of an emotional response it elicited (no emotion to extreme emotion).

    The participants who had taken acetaminophen rated the photos less extremely, compared to participants who had taken placebos. In other words, acetaminophen caused positive photos to be seen in a less positive way, while negative photos were seen in a less negative way. The emotional response was dulled.

    A follow-up study was done, with an added element. Participants were asked to rate how much blue they saw in each photo, in case acetaminophen dulled all perception rather than dulling the emotions. The judgements of how much blue each photo had stayed constant, whether or not participants had taken acetaminophen. This suggests that the drug impacts pain and emotions, but not all perception, giving more credence to the idea that pain and emotion are closely linked.

    The effects of long-term pain on brain function

    York University researchers used eye-tracking technology to see how different people respond to “pain words,” such as ache, agony, distress, and pain. The eye-tracker measures eye-gaze patterns with extreme precision. Professor Joel Katz, Canada Research Chair in Health Psychology and co-author of this study, explained the results, stating:

    “We now know that people with and without chronic pain differ in terms of how, where and when they attend to pain-related words. This is a first step in identifying whether the attentional bias is involved in making pain more intense or more salient to the person in pain.”

    Additionally, scientists from the University of Berne have discovered a neuron modification in a specific area of the brain in mice with chronic pain. This, according to the researchers, is “pain memory.” The presence of this pain memory gave the mice more of an increased number of nerve impulses in these specific cells, which led to an increased pain perception. These researchers found a way to alter the modified pain memory cells in the mice. This makes them hopeful that, eventually, drugs might be developed to create the same change in humans, thereby lowering the increased pain–perception that results from chronic pain.

    As researchers and scientists study pain and its mechanisms, a deeper understanding of pain and its effects will, hopefully, lead to more effective pain management techniques in the future.

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  • Diagnosing Fibromyalgia: Past to Present

    The term “fibromyalgia” may be relatively new, but the condition itself has been around for quite a while. After several name changes, a definite set of diagnostic parameters are finally established for fibromyalgia.

    History of fibromyalgia

    The first known mention of fibromyalgia was in the 1800s, but at the time it was simply called “muscular rheumatism.”

    When “muscular rheumatism” was first written about, doctors noted that it caused stiffness, aches, pains, tiredness, and difficulty speaking. In 1824, a doctor in Scotland first described the tender points that characterize fibromyalgia.

    A psychiatrist in the United States described a condition called “neurasthenia” in 1880, which he believed was caused by stress. He ascribed the symptoms of widespread pain, fatigue, and psychological problems to neurasthenia.

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    The term “fibrositis” was introduced in 1904 by Sir William Gowers. “Fibro” refers to the body’s connective tissues. “Itis” indicated inflammation or swelling, so “fibritis” meant inflammation of the connective tissues. In 1913, a physician wrote more about fibritis, describing a worsening of symptoms as air pressure fell and rains came on. He also described temperature variations and fevers.

    In the 1970s, Hugh Smythe described fibritis in papers and medical textbooks. This was the clearest, most cohesive description of the disease and its symptoms so far. The name was changed from “fibritis” to “fibromyalgia” in 1976, since inflammation was no longer believed to be the cause. “Myo” means muscles and “algia” means pain, so “fibromyalgia” means pain in the muscles and connective tissues.

    Certain antidepressants were found to be effective in treating fibromyalgia in 1986. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an article about fibromyalgia in 1987. Also in that year, fibromyalgia was recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a defined disease and cause of illness and disability. The American College of Rheumatology first published diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia in 1990.

    Diagnosing fibromyalgia

    Diagnosing fibromyalgia today is still difficult.

    There is no definitive test for fibromyalgia, so it’s typically a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that a person can only be diagnosed with fibromyalgia when every other possibility has been excluded.

    The Mayo Clinic website explains why diagnosing fibromyalgia is so difficult, stating:

    “Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread body pain, fatigue, poor sleep and mood problems. But all of these symptoms are common to many other conditions. And because fibromyalgia symptoms can occur alone or along with other conditions, it can take time to tease out which symptom is caused by what problem. To make things even more confusing, fibromyalgia symptoms can come and go over time.”

    Tender points are still used by many specialists during diagnoses. There are 18 potential tender points on the body, and the physician must be able to elicit a response on at least 11 of these tender points. However, knowing precisely where the tender points are and how much pressure to apply can be tricky, so general doctors use a different set of diagnostic criteria.

    The criteria used by general doctors includes:

    • Widespread pain that’s lasted for at least three months
    • Presence of other symptoms, such as fatigue, waking up tired, or trouble thinking (often called “fibro fog”)
    • No other conditions that could be causing the symptoms

    Additionally, some physicians may score patients’ responses to a series of questions to judge the severity of the widespread pain being experienced. For instance, several symptoms are given a score as far as symptom severity. Zero means no problems at all, while three means severe, pervasive, or life-disturbing. Then the scores for all the symptoms are added together. If this score is above a certain level, it’s considered positive for fibromyalgia. This positive result, in addition to other positive results and the absence of any other conditions that could explain the symptoms, will usually lead to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

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    Fibromyalgia might also be accompanied by symptoms such as:

    Causes of fibromyalgia

    It’s still unclear what causes fibromyalgia.

    Gender, health condition, genetics, and trauma are all thought to play a role in fibromyalgia. However, it’s not known if all or any of these are the actual cause of the condition. It’s only known that these factors play a part in determining an individual’s risk for developing fibromyalgia.

    External triggers, such as viral infection or repetitive strain, and some preexisting conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may make people more likely to develop fibromyalgia. Depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or other mental illnesses are often found in people who have fibromyalgia. Additionally, being overweight, being inactive, or smoking might increase the risk for fibromyalgia. Women are also much more likely to develop fibromyalgia, although men and children can develop the condition, too.

    Studies have been conducted looking at the role of stress in triggering fibromyalgia. Employees in a stressful job environment tended to experience more pain. Also, women who’ve experienced relationships with violent abuse are at an increased risk for fibromyalgia. People who feel as though they have very little support or who had a poor psychological response to pain also seem to be an increased risk for fibromyalgia.

    Even though the cause behind fibromyalgia is still unknown, and diagnosing it remains a challenge, it’s thanks to the collective history of fibromyalgia that we have any understanding of it today. The symptoms and tender points described in the 1820s, the psychological (cognitive) problems acknowledged in the 1880s, and the issues with temperature regulation noted in the early 1900s all helped define the condition as it’s understood today.

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  • Finding round-the-clock pain relief at pain doctor

    Pain management is difficult, and if you’ve got a chronic pain condition, it can sometimes feel impossible to find just the right balance of medications to control your pain. Sometimes, though, pain management isn’t about treating your pain at all. Things like getting a good night’s rest, finding stress relief, and treating mental illnesses may not technically be pain management, but they still might be able to provide you with a lot of relief. This month at Pain Doctor, we tried to present with you as many round-the-clock pain management techniques as we could.

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    Sleep is a big part of life, so it’s no surprise that sleep can also play a big role in pain management.

    Scientists still aren’t quite sure why we need sleep, but it’s abundantly clear that sleep is essential for health. Even infants and children who get less than the recommended amount of sleep experience increased health risks – specifically, an increased risk of obesity and overall body fat.

    Adults who don’t get enough sleep are at an increased risk of obesity, too, along with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A reduced sex drive, impaired decision making, and increased risk for mental disorders also accompany sleep deprivation. We also noted the relationship between sleep and pain, stating:

    “Sleep deprivation lowers the pain threshold. This means that the more tired an individual is, the more likely he or she is to experience sensations as painful. The increased pain can make falling asleep and staying asleep difficult, which often leads to more sleep deprivation. This becomes a repeating cycle, until it’s difficult to tell which came first – the sleep deprivation or the pain.”

    To help you manage your pain by getting a better night’s rest, we put together seven ways to help you sleep better at Pain Doctor. Some of these tips, like avoiding caffeine and getting a comfy mattress, aren’t too surprising. A few, though, might be surprising, such as avoiding electronic screens before bed to sleep better. However, if you’ve tried it all and still can’t get a good night’s rest, talk to your physician. He or she should be able to help.

    Another potential way to both sleep better and find some pain relief is to find ways to manage your stress.

    Stress is insidious. Short-lived, acute stress might make your heart pound or your palms sweat, but it’s frequent bouts of acute stress and long-term chronic stress that can really have an impact. Unfortunately, it’s long-term chronic stress that tends to sneak up on people, becoming such a regular part of life that it’s eventually unnoticed. Digestive issues, headaches, and even more severe allergy flare-ups can all be attributed to stress. Additionally, pain and stress are closely linked, as we stated on the Pain Doctor blog:

    “Chronic stress causes changes in the brain. Over time, these changes can negatively impact the parts of the brain that manage pain, meaning that it can confuse the brain into thinking it’s experiencing new or worsened pain.”

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    If your stress feels overwhelming, talk to a physician or therapist. Along with your doctor’s recommendations, there are also ways to manage your stress levels yourself, though, check out our eight ways to reduce stress. Meditation, laughter, exercise, and lots of other at-home activities can help you get rid of your stress, which can help you lower your pain.

    The Pain Doctor post on self-care might help you out with this, too. Self-care is, for all intents and purposes, pampering yourself. It’s doing something that you find relaxing or enjoyable to reduce stress. Taking a short break during a stressful day and doing a self-care activity, such as reading a book or savoring a cup of tea, can cut back your stress before it gets too bad. Keeping up with regular self-care can lower your overall stress levels, which can in turn improve pain, sleep, and overall health.

    We also gave some of the best news ever to all the bookworms out there: reading and writing are scientifically proven to be good for you.

    For National Library Week, we broke down the many ways that the library can help you. There is, of course, the obvious: libraries have lots of books, and reading is a fantastic way to lower stress. Additionally, libraries give you the chance to learn about your chronic pain condition. Aside from books, libraries have reliable internet access, journal and newspaper archives, movies, and audiobooks, all waiting for you to explore so you can get to know your pain condition inside and out.

    The sense of empowerment from this knowledge might help to ease your stress a little, as well as make you better prepared to deal with your disease. Librarians, too, can be a big help with this. Ask for help, and a librarian will be able to direct you to the right book shelf, help you find and print off materials for yourself (and for friends or family, if you want), and find local support groups.

    Your librarian might also be able to direct you to a few books that can help you through difficult times. As we explained in our post about reading and writing, the written word can do wonders for stress. The rule of thumb when picking out a book to lower your stress is to pick a book that you’ll enjoy, so go ask your librarian about your favorite topic.

    Journaling can also lower stress. You may choose to write down your stressors, which can help you work through them, or you might prefer to keep a gratitude journal. Maybe you’d like to do both, or maybe you’d like to take up poetry or fiction writing. Writing can lower your stress no matter what it’s about, so long as it’s what makes you feel better. Keep in mind, though, that some types of writing – like keeping a stress-relief journal – might be difficult or upsetting at the time, but after a while you’ll likely start to feel better.

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    For a great example of how both knowledge and writing can make life a little easier, we introduced you to the chronicwoman this month on Pain Doctor. The Hurt Blogger has lived with chronic pain since childhood, but she’s learned as much as possible to help herself live with her pain. Hurt Blogger runs marathons and climbs mountains, and she also blogs about her life and the things that matter to her. She’s also got lots of tips, tricks, and information about living with chronic pain on her website.

    Finding some support when you’re struggling is always a good idea, so we did our best to help.

    Sometimes, no matter what you do, you may need help with your mental health. Taking the first step and reaching out for professional help is one of the most difficult and brave decisions that anyone can make, so we tried to break down the types of therapists and therapy for you in our Counseling Awareness Month post.

    Chronic pain can sometimes be a result of untreated mental illness. Other times chronic pain can be a symptom of mental illness. Whatever the case, struggling with pain on a regular basis can increase the risk for mental illnesses. If you’ve ever wondered if you might have a mental illness, err on the side of caution and speak to your physician. They can help.

    We also took a look at the use of antidepressants for pain patients on the Pain Doctor blog. Antidepressants are traditionally used to treat mental disorders, such as depression. However, there are a lot of pain conditions that can be relieved by antidepressants, too, such as:

    If you’re not taking an antidepressant already and you’re experiencing pain, despite taking pain medications, consider speaking to your physician about trying an antidepressant.

    As far as unusual pain management techniques, no one knows more than someone who’s lived with chronic pain. This is just one benefit of a support group; everyone there knows something that no one else knows. A support group can remove the isolation that often affects anyone with a pain condition. Both online and offline support groups have benefits, so we gave you tips on finding both.

    We also gave you some information on mental health in children and older adults. These populations aren’t the typical groups thought of when you discuss mental health, but problems are just as prevalent here as everywhere else. Hopefully the warning signs of mental illness, such as mood and appetite changes, will help you keep an eye on your loved ones and know when to ask for help.

    To top it off, we put together some general information we thought you might benefit from.

    A lot’s been happening in Colorado. Our post about the latest medical news covered the highlights. From Colorado’s single case of measles to changes in healthcare to the ongoing fight against hospital-acquired infections, we tried to touch on the topics that would matter most to you.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

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