Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: chronic pain

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

  • How to treat a herniated disc?

    A herniated disc is one of the most painful, debilitating lower back pain conditions. The pain caused by herniated disc is different for each person who experiences it and can even change as the condition progresses. Because this condition can be unpredictable, a herniated disc treatment that works can also vary from person to person. Here’s how to treat a herniated disc.

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    What is a herniated disc?

    The spine consists of 33 individual vertebrae, each stacked upon a fluid-filled sac that keeps the bones cushioned from rubbing against each other. This fluid-filled sac is called an intervertebral disc.

    The spine consists of individual vertebrae with a spongy cushion separating each. The discs have a gel-like substance in them (like the gel in the insoles you put in your shoes or the gel in an eye mask) called nucleus pulposas. These oval discs help the spine be more flexible because each vertebra isn’t locked into another, and they also contribute to the spine’s flexibility.

    When an intervertebral disc herniation occurs, the outer layer becomes weakened, allowing the nucleus pulposus to leak out. The cushion between the bones is gone, and the result can be very painful.

    Over time and left untreated, disc herniation can cause permanent nerve damage.

    Herniated disc causes

    A herniated disc can be caused by a number of different factors:

    • Time: The continued action and pressure of gravity as people age can begin to wear down the annulus fibrosis
    • Injury: If the spine is injured (i.e., as a result of a car accident or other trauma to the back), the intervertebral disc may be weakened and begin to leak
    • Improper use: A sudden, awkward movement such as lifting a heavy object improperly can cause a herniated disc

    There are also several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will experience a herniated disc. These include:

    • Age: Because herniated discs can be caused by bone deterioration, older adults have a higher incidence.
    • Genetics: There is a potential hereditary connection to disc herniation.
    • Weight: Being overweight or underweight increases an individual’s risk for developing herniated disc.
    • Lifestyle: Smoking contributes to bone density loss and can increase the spine’s vulnerability to fracture, either from injury or wear-and-tear. Excess consumption of alcohol and prolonged use of steroids can also contribute.
    • Occupation: Occupations that feature repetitive motion and twisting or bending increase a person’s risk of a herniated disc.

    Herniated disc symptoms 

    Symptoms of a herniated disc are as varied as the condition itself, and vary from person to person. Herniated disc symptoms may include:

    • Pain: Pain location varies depending on which disc is herniated. A herniated disc in the lower back can produce pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf (and possibly the foot). If the disc is herniated in the neck, pain may be shooting in the arm and shoulder area.
    • Tingling
    • Numbness
    • Weakness

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    Herniated discs vs. Bulging discs

    When your back is aching, especially along the spine, you may leap to the conclusion that you have a herniated or bulging disc. Many people use the words interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two conditions. How to treat a herniated disc may differ from how you treat a bulging one.

    Bulging discs–sometimes also called slipped discs–are “contained.” This means that there are no tears in the disc itself, just that the disc is protruding out from between the vertebrae.

    A herniated or ruptured disc has a tear or a rupture and is “uncontained.” The disc is not merely pushing out from between the vertebrae. It is torn, and some or all of the nucleus pulposas has leaked out. A herniated disc may be the second stage of a bulging disc. The vertebrae may have put so much pressure on the bulging disc that it ruptured.

    Whichever condition you are suffering from, the result can be tingling, muscle weakness, pain that ranges from moderate to severe, and numbness. Always talk to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

    How to treat a herniated disc

    Poor posture, age, repetitive motion, injury due to strain, and normal wear and tear all contribute to herniated discs. Sometimes a herniated disc does not cause pain, but it can be addressed generally with a combination of pain treatments, either natural or prescribed.

    What herniated disc treatment works varies widely depending on many different factors. These include:

    For some patients, a course of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) combined with targeted exercise and strengthening may be all that is necessary.

    Step 0: Get a diagnosis 

    Any treatments are only started after your doctor has diagnosed the cause of your pain. Always work closely with them to explain all of your symptoms so they can make the most accurate diagnosis.

    The Mayo Clinic has more information on the diagnostic tests for a herniated disc here.

    Step 1: Anti-inflammatory medications

    Whether over-the-counter or prescribed, a herniated disc treatment generally begins with a period of anti-inflammatory drugs used to control pain and inflammation. For some patients, this is enough to allow them to begin exercise or other activities to heal the herniated disc.

    Step 2: Injections

    Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks may be recommended for those patients who find no relief with nsaids. These injections target the affected nerves directly. Steroid injections are anti-inflammatory and offer pain relief but have only been proven effective for approximately 50% of patients. Nerve blocks numb the nerve so that other treatments can begin.

    The following video shows you what you can expect during an epidural steroid injection procedure. Overall, this is a safe and effective option for many people, especially while also undergoing physical therapy or chiropractic care.

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    Step 3: Physical therapy or chiropractic care

    Because a herniated disc can be the result of decreased space between the vertebrae, doctors may recommend chiropractic care to help lengthen the spine and physical therapy to strengthen the supporting muscles.

    Physical therapists may design an exercise plan, offer manual therapy, apply hot and cold treatments, or administer electrical stimulation. In combination with pain-relieving therapies, physical therapy can go a long way towards rebuilding the muscles around the spine.

    Step 4: Surgical options

    Surgery is an option that you should exercise only after you’ve attempted other treatments. If pain and numbness persists, a pain management specialist may recommend a surgical procedure called a discectomy. This procedure removes the herniated material that is pressing on the nerve and causing pain.

    For more serious and unresponsive pain due to a herniated disc, your doctor may recommend removing the entire disc. This is a rare procedure that includes inserting metal hardware to connect the remaining vertebrae for stability.

    If a patient experiences sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, this is considered a medical emergency that is often addressed with surgery. This condition can become very serious very quickly, and patients should go to the emergency room if this arises.

    How to prevent a herniated disc

    As with many lower back pain conditions, the best way to treat a herniated disc is to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. There are ways to keep your lower back safe and healthy. Here’s how.

    Exercise

    Regular exercise that focuses on strengthening the abdomen and lower back is the best way to prevent a herniated disc.

    Rather than spending hours doing crunches, exercises that focus on the whole body are just as valuable. Swimming, balancing poses in yoga (including planks), and targeted exercises for the back are excellent ways to help strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

    Eat well

    A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods helps maintain strong muscles to support the spine. A healthy diet also helps maintain an appropriate weight for your frame.

    Stop smoking

    Among other things, smoking contributes to a loss of bone density that can contribute to spinal fractures and herniated discs. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, with benefits that start just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. It may be difficult, but there are many resources out there to help.

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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

  • Fibromyalgia and Bruxism symptoms

    You may suffer from bruxism if you have an aching jaw, pounding headaches, and episodes of TMJ. It is easy to fix it but you need to understand the having bruxism symptoms and fibromyalgia together, as it will help you in having a better life.

    What bruxism is?

    It is a clinical term for gnashing and grinding of teeth. Usually, it occurs while you are sleeping at night, although there are some people who experience it in the day as well as habitual behavior. Bruxism is most common in adults and children. Tooth or jaw pain, TMJ, degraded teeth, and headaches are the symptoms of Bruxism. It can be determined whether you have bruxism or not by going to a dentist.

    How does bruxism relate to Fibromyalgia symptoms bunch?

    Usually, fibromyalgia and bruxism symptoms function together in two separate ways. In one way, bruxism may be the cause of headaches and jaw pain, instead of fibromyalgia. So, it has to be wiped out from the process of diagnosis. Bruxism may occur due to stress and chronic pain if you are having fibromyalgia.

    A better understanding of Fibromyalgia

    Science is moving forward and quickly getting more understanding of fibromyalgia. Still, no known cure or cause has been discovered yet. But there are some risk factors that have been identified as well as more treatments are available. If you are being educated about the numerous symptoms of fibromyalgia, it can help you in solving this mystery, as it will also help you in improving your quality of life.

    Why fibromyalgia occurs in people?

    The causes are still unknown. Many risk factors have been identified that can develop fibromyalgia. After the age of 18, men and women are likely to develop it, but according to the studies, women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia as compared to men. It is also considered that hormone levels have some role in this condition, as the symptoms tend to decrease but not disappear after menopause. You may also have higher chances of developing fibromyalgia if you have a family history of fibromyalgia. Having arthritis, traumatic brain injury, or immune disorders may also increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia.

    What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?

    It is not complicated to treat fibromyalgia. A lot of medications are there that help you in reducing pain and inflammation. Using pain medication for enabling you and then focusing on diet and changes in lifestyle is usually the recommended course of action. A lot of alternative treatments like acupuncture are also available that are considered to be effective for relieving the symptoms. When you get to know how to manage the pain, you are able to track those changes. So, until you know how to manage the symptoms without the medications, in the long run, it is recommended to use pain medication in the short run.

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    What is the treatment for bruxism?

    It is rare that bruxism gets treated with medication or surgery. You have often prescribed some muscle relaxant if your symptoms get severe, while you implement some other changes in life. You will be given the chance for using all the resources that you have to identify the cause of your bruxism. Even if fibromyalgia is the cause of bruxism, a course of action is preferred that doesn’t involve more medications. A night guard may be prescribed to you for protecting your teeth, while you are engaged in different waking positions for changing stress levels.

    Utilizing all resources that you have

    You have to take care of all your emotional needs while avoiding fibromyalgia flare-ups. Stress and stress reactions are induced in these needs. These can worsen your fibromyalgia and due to which the flare-ups of bruxism can be caused too. Living with chronic pain is very much stressful as well as the fibromyalgia flare-ups that cause stress, as they increase pressure on your personal and work relationships. You need to look for ways to reduce your stress and its effect on your health and life if you have a life with a lot of responsibilities. Keep in mind that not only pain and the bad things cause stress, the stress also arises when you start a new relationship, a new job, or a new project, and this stress is named “eustress”. Eustress usually indicates that this is positive stress and the stress that arises from negative things is named “distress”. Both forms of the stress produce a negative effect from the physical reaction to any form of stress.

    In simple words, the reaction towards stress doesn’t change and your body creates the same reaction, as it can’t tell the difference either you are being asked out by your crush or have to cancel your work due to flare up. Usually, bruxism is related to the high levels of stress in anyone’s life. Stress can be reduced by some changes in diet, with more exercise and seeking support.

    New treatment options

    Open yourself to new treatments and changes in lifestyle, as this is another way to keep your stress under control, so you can reduce the occurrence of bruxism and fibromyalgia. Every day, more and more research has been made in this field. Try new things to find which one suits you the best.

    Focusing on getting the lead

    Your lead is to prevent fibromyalgia from affecting life negatively. Preventing bruxism is the thing that you may control. Don’t think that things will get even worse if you suffer from both fibromyalgia and bruxism. Consult your doctor and find more ways and check which way suits you in a better way.

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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

  • Managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia by Walking

    Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes a lot of symptoms, but the major symptom is widespread pain. Some other symptoms include:

    No doubt, you are unable to perform any kind of physical activity due to pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. You may even find it difficult to walk. However, if you do exercise properly without any overexertion, it is a very effective treatment to manage fibromyalgia symptoms.

    Treatments to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia

    There are various things for managing signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. You may be recommended for one or several treatments of the following:

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    Exercise

    Exercise is considered to be a very effective treatment for managing the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. It also includes pain and sleeps problems. Various other benefits are also offered by exercise like:

    • Decreasing muscle stiffness
    • Boosting the energy
    • Increasing deep and soothing sleep
    • Muscle strengthening
    • Improvements in mood
    • Support of healthy immune system
    • Maintaining the healthy weight

    How to start an exercise plan for treating fibromyalgia symptoms

    If you participate in a low-intensity and regular exercise program, it is one of the best ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms and signs. You will have to talk to your physician, therapist, or certified trainer for other fibromyalgia treatments. He will guide you through an exercise plan that is made just for you. It will be according to your needs and abilities to do such things. It will be the one on which you can stick in the long run.

    It is important to start your exercise plan slowly. You can increase the level of physical activities over time. Don’t try to rush into anything. If you haven’t participated in any physical activity haven’t been physically active for a while, it will give you benefit then. You need some time to build up your stamina and strength.

    When you start doing your exercise program for treating fibromyalgia, keep in mind that at first, you will experience more pain and soreness. This is a normal thing. As time passes, all the exercise-related pain starts to diminish.

    Over time, you will get to know that the exercise plan for treating fibromyalgia is very much effective and have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. The level of endorphins in the brain which helps in reducing pain and depression will start to boost up due to the exercise program.

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    Managing fibromyalgia symptoms by doing some exercises

    It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that adults should get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week such as you can do walking or swimming.  Moreover, muscle strengthening exercises should also be done for 2 or more days every week like light weight lifting or push-ups. In addition to this, some exercises that promote flexibility should be done such as gentle yoga, Pilates, or stretching.

    Of course, you have to pay more focus on your body keeping in mind the CDC goals. It is completely fine if you can’t do 150 minutes of exercise every week. Exercise is something that you can try and build up stamina.

    If you are participating in a new exercise program in treating signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should try doing a mix of three: aerobic, strengthening exercises, and flexibility.

    Exercising for helping to succeed with fibromyalgia

    It is really not necessary to spend hours in the gym for managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Just keep in mind that getting into more exercise will give you more benefits.

    Your physician may also suggest you some other things along with the exercise to manage the symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia. However, it is like regular exercise. Yes, there may be some side effects of exercise as well as you will feel tired but of course, you will get to sleep. Keep this thing in mind that just listen to your body and then do whatever you want to. If your body says to stop the exercise, just stop it. Don’t burden yourself and get a fibromyalgia flare-up. It will be useless then.

    Consult your physician to start an exercise program in your personal fibromyalgia treatment plan.

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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

  • Can I Get a Tattoo Even Though I Have Fibromyalgia?

    Question: I really want to get a tattoo, but I’m worried that it’d be a really bad idea because I have fibromyalgia. That makes me really afraid of how painful it might be. I’ve never had one before. Is this a really stupid idea or can I have the tattoo I really want in spite of my condition? Will it make me worse for a long time?

    Answer: It’s smart to think about this before just going in and having some ink done.

    The first thing you should know is that, yes, fibromyalgia will make the tattooing process more painful. Our bodies don’t respond to pain signals as other people’s do; our brains and our nerves overreact and amplify the signals so that we feel more pain than we should. That’s called hyperalgesia, and it’s one of the central features of this illness.

    Beyond the pain, though, is the question of aggravation. Some people say the vibration and noise of a tattoo machine, combined with the pain, can really set their nerves on edge. If you get anxiety attacks and have problems with sensory overload because of your fibromyalgia, you need to be aware that tattooing may trigger those symptoms as well.

    Then again, you can find plenty of people with fibromyalgia who get tattoos. Some even say that it’s soothing to them and distracts them from their typical pains. In fact, a Google search turns up a lot of fibromyalgia-themed tattoos.

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    So, really, it’s a very individual thing.

    You can also find reports that our skin takes longer to heal.

    It might be a good idea to talk to a reputable tattoo artist about your concerns. Also talk to him or her about the placement, because where you get the work done has a lot to do with how much it hurts.

    Ask about body position, as well. You’ll have to hold still for a long time, and if it’s a painful position for you, it’ll be a lot harder.

    Keep in mind that a small, simple design will be a lot easier on you than a large and/or complex one. Be sure to ask if your condition(s) require a doctor’s note. Some do.

    As you research artists, try to ask around about which ones have an especially light or heavy touch. Some artists cause more pain than others! You want to find someone who is empathetic and patient, as well, since you may need to take extra breaks.

    Also, consider the timing. The average person can have a tattoo and go to work just fine the next day, but we are not average people! You might want to make sure you have a few low-key days afterward in case you need some recovery time.

    If you do decide to go through with it, you might need to schedule shorter sessions than other people and make sure you’ve got plenty of pain medication. Ask your artist about the cancellation policy as well, in case you’re having a flare and can’t make a session.

    Be sure you have a ride home, too, in case you have a symptom flare or need pain meds and it’s not safe for you to drive.

    Tattoo artists recommend certain things for anyone getting a tattoo, such as:

    • stay hydrated, before and after
    • don’t drink alcohol for two days ahead of time
    • be well rested
    • don’t come in sick
    • eat a meal before going in
    • don’t take aspirin or consume a lot of caffeine before going in (it can thin the blood)
    • communicate about how you’re feeling throughout the process, and before it becomes a problem
    • plan to get extra rest afterward

    Make sure you follow the artist’s instructions for preparation and recovery and that you get prompt treatment for any problems, such as infection, that may come up afterward.

    You know your symptoms best, so in the end, you’re the only one who can decide whether a tattoo is worth the possible consequences.

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

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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

  • Fibromyalgia Pain | 48-Pain Full Hours Recovery Period in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Have you ever noticed it takes you a couple of days to recover from a stressful event or over-exertion? A 48-hour recovery period is something you commonly hear about from people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

    We don’t yet know why we need a couple of days to recover from … well, just about anything, but a lot of chronic fatigue syndrome research is focusing on post-exertional malaise—the intensified fatigue and flare of other symptoms following exercise.

    Several research groups have identified genetic and blood abnormalities in the following exercise and have documented participants’ inability to perform as well on the second day.

    What we do know about this recovery period is that we’re stuck with it. For many of us, it means taking it really easy for a couple of days after anything big, such as a holiday, a vacation, or an unexpected stressful event.

    It can be a real problem for people who work or go to school full time. Just getting through a day can drain you enough to need recovery time, yet you have to get up the next morning and do it all over again. So while you may feel pretty decent on Monday, especially if you rested the whole weekend, Tuesday will be a little hard, Wednesday a little harder still. By Friday? It’s not pretty.

    When your routine is enough to drag you down, you don’t have the reserves to deal with anything else on top of it. Who hasn’t been there?

    Halfway through the week, you have to deal with some kind of crisis that gets your adrenaline pumping. Now you have more to recover from.

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    Any of our symptoms can flare up after a stressful or strenuous event. The most common ones include:

    • pain
    • fatigue
    • fibro fog/brain fog
    • anxiety
    • depression
    • flu-like symptoms (in chronic fatigue syndrome)

    Setting Aside Recovery Time

    It’s likely not realistic for you to just go to bed for two days after every workday, or every stressful event in your personal life.

    What we can do, though, is recognize what circumstances are likely to trigger a need for recovery and plan accordingly. For instance, don’t do anything for the two days after Christmas. When possible, schedule time off after big events you know are coming.

    If you have some flexibility in your work schedule, you might want to consider a day off in the middle of the week so you can do some recovering before jumping back in. Taking more breaks may also prevent you from needing as much recovery time.

    When you can’t schedule an actual recovery period or rearrange your life around your chronic illness, make sure to pare down as much as you can. Order groceries online rather than trying to shop near the end of your workweek. Can someone else get your kids to soccer? Can your kids help more around the house? What jobs can you delegate to someone else? Call in the reinforcements!

    You may also benefit from getting extra rest before a big event. That could help your body get through whatever is coming a little better, which might speed up your recovery time.

    Life doesn’t always work out how we want. You’ll probably have to go to work or school with a symptom flare or try to get laundry done on your days off instead of resting, because when else are you going to do it, right? When that’s your reality, it becomes all about pacing yourself so you can keep moving forward.

    Also, learn to be patient with yourself. At times, you’re like a car that runs out of gas but keeps going anyway. Don’t be too hard on yourself when it’s difficult to keep push, or when you have to take some time off in order to feel better and be a better employee or student.

    Be sure to talk to your doctor about this symptom, especially if it’s becoming a big part of your life.

    He/she may have ideas about treatments or lifestyle changes that might be able to help you.

    You may also benefit, in general, and when it comes to recovering if you build better habits when it comes to sleep and your diet.

    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

  • My mom has fibromyalgia. Reading this made me cry for her

    Chronic pain is increasingly rampant today.
    However, chronic pain and chronic diseases are often invisible. In many cases, there are no plasters, visible rashes, or nasal discharge involved.
    Those who suffer from chronic pain often appear “normal”, perhaps a little more fragile or sad than average.
    I suffered from chronic headaches for four and a half years and chronic hip pain for two and a half years.
    He often seemed depressed, disinterested and angry, when I was simply in pain.
    There were many days that I could not get out of bed. After a conversation, it became difficult at times.
    I lost a job because of my pain. I canceled plans and ignored friends.
    I felt misunderstood and alone. I was suffering. I know the answer was there and finally, I cured myself.
    However, at the moment I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs all the things that all chronic pain sufferers want me to know:
    1. Just because you can not see it, does not mean that I am not in pain.
    2. It’s not all in my head.
    3. It’s not just the flu. It will not disappear in a week.
    4. Please, never say, “Just do not think about it.” Being in constant pain is impossible.
    5. Hugs can do magic. So they are good messages. I need to know you’re here for me.
    6. Thank you for sharing the “magic cure” you have read online. Trust me, I’ve heard about it, and if it was relevant, I’ve tried it.

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    7. I am trying very hard to live a normal life.
    8. I try my damned best not to cancel plans and never cancel plans if I had a choice.
    9. I can not get out of it.
    10. Some days are better, some days are worse. Some days I can even feel close to normal, other days I can not even get out of bed.
    11. I worry about you. I want to know about your life and dreams. I want you to be happy and healthy.
    12. My chronic pain is different from other people’s chronic pain. All diseases and pain symptoms are unique. Our experiences may differ, but we are all in pain and can relate to each other.
    13. Please do not try to convince me to drink and “live a little”. All I want is to live a little, in fact, live a lot. A drink, however, is the last thing on my mind.
    14. If I look depressed or bored, it means that I am really in tremendous pain and doing everything possible to look happy and normal.
    15. I can not explain how chronic pain feels. However, I can not say, “You will know once you have it” because I would never want someone to feel so much suffering.
    16. I need a lot of sleep. But sleep can be difficult with so much pain and often it still leaves me exhausted.
    17. Just because I have chronic pain does not mean that I know how to handle it or live with it.
    18. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a prison, living someone else’s life.
    19. I still have interests, passions, goals, and dreams.
    20. I do not want you to forget me. I do not want you to give up on me.
    21. I have not given up on healing yet. Deep down I know there is (or will be) an answer out there.

    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

  • The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Anger

    The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Anger

    Anger is a very common emotion, particularly for people suffering from fibromyalgia. It is a natural, human reaction and yet it doesn’t get an awful lot of attention as a side effect to chronic pain.

    It’s one thing to accept our anger, but it’s another to let that anger consume us and let it impact our lives and the lives of others. It can be difficult to draw that line when you feel enraged by what you have lost and what has emerged in its place; you’ve been given a life that you didn’t plan and wouldn’t choose.

    But, there are things you can do to keep your anger at bay and prevent it from encroaching on your life.

    Ranting vs. Anger

    A friend of mine once told me I was the angriest person he knew. It became a bit of a running joke – we would meet up for drinks and before long I was ranting and he was mocking my anger. It was just the way it was.

    A year later I was talking to a psychiatrist after yet another unsuccessful referral following a fibro flare–up, and I told him about my anger. He asked me to give him some examples of what made me angry.

    As I went through the list he quietly listened, then asked: “What makes you think this is anger? You sound like an intelligent girl who’s ranting about the things that are important to her. What’s wrong with that?”

    I suddenly felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I wasn’t weird and angry, I was normal and healthy. I’m sharing this story because there is a big difference between feeling angry and being an angry person. Don’t let the label consume you; recognize that you’re allowed a good rant from time to time. It’s necessary.

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    Understand Why You’re Angry

    This might seem quite simple at first, but I think it’s important to get a good understanding of what makes you angry in the first place so that you can look at ways to control or avoid it in the future.

    I’m not a doctor, but experience has taught me that there are often small triggers that can cause you to feel more angry than usual, and identifying these triggers can be a key step to overcoming negative emotions.

    You can start by making notes or lists whenever you feel your anger developing, which will help you find patterns in your behavior. For example, you might think your anger stems from something broad, like having fibromyalgia, but as you start to take notes you will start to see the smaller triggers.

    Perhaps it’s the patronizing way your partner talks to you when what you really need is strength and support, or perhaps it’s the fact telemarketers call you three times a day and you just can’t cope with another phone call. These small occurrences are part of a bigger issue, but they’re still a valid contributor to the anger you feel.

    Making Changes

    I’m a firm believer that if you don’t like something the way it is, you should make a change. Obviously, this has restrictions; I don’t like the fact I have fibromyalgia but I can’t change it. However, what I can change is the way I think about it and the way I choose to cope with it.

    Having made notes and identified the things that trigger your anger, it’s time to start finding ways to address and avoid it. Taking the examples from above, if your partner’s behavior is causing your anger then you should tell them how you prefer to feel supported.

    Taking control over your triggers can be a way of reducing the amount of anger you feel or the frequency with which you feel it.

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    Find Your Inner Calm

    As a person who is prone to ranting and raving, I don’t find it easy to connect to my inner calm. However, I know that it’s an essential coping strategy for fibromyalgia patients because it doesn’t just ease anger; it eases anxiety and depression and often reduces the frequency of flare-ups too.

    The trick here is to make sure you find YOUR inner calm, not the calm that works for someone else. Annoyingly, this takes time and it means you have to put in some work, but it’s totally worth it. I spent a long time thinking that my inner calm could be found at the back of a meditation class or in the depths of a yoga retreat.

    After three yoga classes and two attempts at meditation, I realized they were frustratingly slow and making me angry. Oh, the irony! I am sarcastic and impatient so meditation – try as I might – was just not for me. Some find their calm in a bath with relaxing candles, but I’m really more a shower girl so that didn’t work for me either.

    It takes time to work out where to find your inner calm, but it’s a journey well worth taking because when you start to recognize the signs of anger you need to know there is somewhere you can go.

    Ask for Help

    This is yet another common coping strategy for fibromyalgia sufferers in general, but it’s really important when it comes to managing your anger.

    Often, when we get angry, we shout and become aggressive and intimidating. People stop listening to the words and just see the rage, so you need to make sure that you explain what makes you angry and what you’re doing to overcome it. This could be as easy as talking to your family, but if you really struggle to control your emotions then it may be helpful for you to seek professional help.

    This could mean talking to your doctor or attending anger management classes, but there are also a number of mental health support groups and online forums that might give you the outlet you need to talk about your anger.

    The important thing is to address your anger. Don’t push it away; the rage monster will lurk in the background and come back twice as angry.

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

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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

  • I am in pain and I can’t sleep: Fibromyalgia and Sleeping Disorders

    Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is thought to be the result of overactive nerves. It is a condition that results in chronic widespread pain and tenderness all over the body.  So what exactly does that mean?“Chronic” means that the pain lasts a long time, at least 3 months. Many people experience fibromyalgia pain for years before being diagnosed.

    “Widespread” means that it is all over the body. However, many people with fibromyalgia feel their pain in specific areas of their body, such as the lower back, neck, and shoulders.

    “Tenderness” means that even a small amount of pressure can cause a lot of pain.

    Who does fibromyalgia affect?

    FMS affects more than 5 million people in the United States. That’s nearly 1 in every 60 Americans.  Around 80-90% of those affected with FMS are women.  These women are primarily between the ages of 35 and 55.

    Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

    In addition to constant pain, some of the other common symptoms of FMS are:

    Fibromyalgia and Sleep Issues

    Research has shown that disordered sleep is a very prominent symptom in patients who have FMS. Around 75% of patients with FMS complain about their sleep.  Studies show that treatment of sleep disturbances has had a positive effect on their FMS pain and symptoms during the day.

    Even though sleep recording is not part of the routine evaluation, polysomnography may disclose primary sleep disorders in patients with FMS including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.

    Fibromyalgia and Insomnia (pain and sleep)

    Insomnia is defined as the inability to get enough sleep to feel rested. Lack of sleep produces more pain and increased pain contributes to lack of sleep. FMS pain can make it difficult to go to sleep at night, cause frequent awakenings from sleep during the night, or make a person wake earlier than planned without being able to return to sleep. In this regard, the pain has both an effect on the quantity of sleep as well as the quality.

    People experiencing pain are also much more sensitive to stress, which is another major perpetrator of sleep loss.

    People in pain are also more likely to worry about getting enough sleep. They feel like they have less control over the amount and quality of sleep they get each night.

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    Fibromyalgia and sleep apnea

    Sleep apnea is a potentially deadly sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

    The incidence of sleep apnea in FMS patients was found to be 61% in men and 32% in women, according to a 2013 study published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. A particular variant of sleep apnea called upper airway resistance syndrome is very common in women with fibromyalgia. Treating sleep-disordered breathing improves both pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients.

    Fibromyalgia and Restless Leg Syndrome

    Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by throbbing, pulling, creeping, or other unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable, and sometimes overwhelming, urge to move them.

    The incidence of restless leg syndrome has been found to be in excess of 50% of those with FMS, as opposed to 7% of the general population. FMS patients experience improvement in their symptoms of fatigue and sleepiness when restless leg syndrome is treated.

    Medical Options

    If you believe that you may be suffering from FMS and have sleep-related issues, discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider or contact a sleep clinic for a sleep study.

    At the Alaska Sleep Clinic, we help diagnose and treat hundreds of Alaskans every year with sleep disorders. Regular, quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of leading a healthy and happy life. Having an untreated sleep disorder such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or sleep apnea can not only hamper the quality of your daily life, it can worsen your FMS  pain over time.

    If you live in Alaska and want to receive a free sleep assessment from one of our certified sleep educators, click the link below and get on your way to sleeping restfully through the night.

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

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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

  • What is RSDS? How it is connected with Fibromyalgia

    Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) and fibromyalgia are two very closely related disorders that often get mistaken for each other. RSDS is more commonly known as “complex regional pain syndrome.

    When the two disorders meet in one person, life can become very difficult and painful. While there are treatments for both disorders, understanding their differences is important in helping you make sure that the source of your pain is diagnosed correctly as the treatments for each are radically different.

    What is RSDS?

    Regional Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome is a very rare disorder of the sympathetic nervous system. The symptom cluster for RSDS includes joint pain, nerve pain, muscle stiffness, difficulty sleeping, disorientation, changes in hair and nail growth, and discoloration of skin in patches.

    It is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. There is no known cause for RSDS, although there is a recognized genetic component that has just been discovered. The treatment for RSDS included medication, pain management, nerve blocks, and disruptive surgery to kill nerves in a specific region of the body.

    Who is at risk?

    Anyone can develop RSDS, although it is more common in those who have had a family member who has had the disorder as well. It is thought that severe physical trauma and traumatic brain injury can also raise your risk of developing the syndrome. There is some slight evidence that those with fibromyalgia also may be at risk for developing the syndrome as well.

    What is fibromyalgia?

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is characterized by a cluster of symptoms that are most recognizable by the presence of pervasive muscle and joint pain, plus muscle stiffness.

    Other symptoms may include sleep disturbances, IBS, depression, recurrent yeast infections, chronic cold and flu susceptibility, and cervical stenosis. It is a progressive disorder, but not a terminal disease.

    It can develop any time after the age of 18, although there are some cases where children have developed fibromyalgia. It can occur in both men and women, although it is more frequently diagnosed in women. Symptoms are lifelong but tend to abate after menopause.

    Why is it so hard to diagnose these disorders?

    Diagnosing fibromyalgia has been very controversial over the years because it has lacked definitive tests and was based on patient reporting of symptoms.

    Recently, two new findings may be leading to a series of tests – a blood test for fibromyalgia and a brain image scan for it too – that could wind up making diagnosis much easier.

    Diagnosing RSDS has many of the same issues as fibromyalgia, but there are some extensive neuro-testing and observational symptoms that are unique to the disorder that can make it easier to spot.

    That said, one of the difficulties in diagnosing RSDS is that many physicians are not familiar with the syndrome and therefore are less likely to perform the diagnostic tests.

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    Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and fibromyalgia

    There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that those with fibromyalgia may also be at a higher risk for reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS).

    It is thought that the stress of chronic pain and recurring instances of inflammation may lead to the type of sympathetic nervous system disruption that is experienced by those with RSDS.

    Just having fibromyalgia does not mean that you will also acquire RSDS. The diet and lifestyle treatments, plus pain and anti-inflammatory medications used to treat fibromyalgia can very well help prevent the disorder-related trauma to the nerve system that would cause the syndrome to develop.

    If you are diagnosed with both, you must talk to your doctor about possible courses of treatment.

    What to do if your doctor says you have both?

    If your doctor returns a diagnosis of both reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) and fibromyalgia you have to become very proactive in your care and treatment.

    You and your physician are going to have to engage in a process of identifying which symptoms belong with which diagnosis in your disorders, and which are shared. This is essential in making sure that you are trying what will be the most effective form of treatment possible for relief.

    Some of the more aggressive treatments for RSDS, such as nerve disabling, are not appropriate for handling pain related to fibromyalgia. While you are figuring out the best approach, it is known that for both diagnoses being proactive with lifestyle changes can help greatly.

    Being proactive with diet and lifestyle changes

    Choose to learn more about the foods you should and should not eat to help control inflammation and other symptoms associated with both RSDS and fibromyalgia. Avoiding foods like the nightshade plants, and additives such as NutraSweet and aspartame are known to help reduce inflammation.

    You also need to explore alternative treatments. Some of the treatments such as acupuncture have successfully relieved pain and inflammation for both conditions. Also, getting active is a must.

    The more the joints and muscles move the more the body can heal itself and help you to manage pain by releasing appropriate pain-controlling hormones. You may need to go on prescribed pain medication in order to begin to build the habit of exercise.

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    Understanding the goal of pain medications

    Pain medication isn’t meant to take away your pain, it is meant to help lower your pain to a more tolerable level. Too much pain medication can cause even worse problems than the original disorder.

    The best course of action is to take enough medication to make pain manageable so you can begin to get active again. Physical activity remains the best way to manage muscle, joint, and nerve pain.

    Finding ways to improve your quality of life

    Whether you have both reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) and fibromyalgia, or just one – you have to also be proactive in making sure you are still engaging with life.

    Chronic pain, depression, and isolation are common triad. Make an effort to stay connected. Join support groups. Never give up. Chronic pain is something you can learn to live with and return to enjoying life too.

    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

  • Physicians Recommend Cannabis As An Effective Treatment of Chronic Pain

    What Is Chronic Pain?

    Pain is a complex phenomenon made up of physical, mental, and social components. At a basic level, the ability to perceive pain has helped people survive throughout the ages. Without feeling the uncomfortable sensation when you touch a stove, which causes you to remove your hand, the heat from the stove would end up causing far more damage to the cells in your hand, than it did before you felt the pain.

    In essence, pain is the body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. However, it is when pain fails to subside, despite removing the initial cause, that it becomes pathologic, and known as chronic pain.

    “The origins of chronic pain can be categorized into visceral (internal organs), somatic (skin and deep tissue), and neurogenic (nerves).”

    Chronic pain can have a wide range of causes and can be associated with a number of different disease processes, thus the ability to diagnose chronic pain syndromes has been a widely debated topic within the medical community for many years.

    Earlier this year, the American Pain Society, released a framework that attempts to account for all of the various factors that encompass chronic pain syndromes: physical, pathological, neurobiological, psychological, and social. Broadly speaking, however, the origins of chronic pain can be categorized into visceral (internal organs), somatic (skin and deep tissue), and neurogenic (nerves).

    The Institute of Medicine reports that common chronic pain affects approximately 100 million American adults at a cost of $560-635 billion in direct medical treatment cost and lost productivity. However, while the impact of chronic pain is wide-reaching across the population, its effect on the individual person is unique; there is variation in the source(s), severity, duration, response to treatment, and psychological impact from person to person.

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    Conventional Therapies For Chronic Pain

    Given the variety in the spectrum of chronic pain, it is no wonder why clinicians at times find difficulty in helping patients manage their chronic pain. This difficulty in management has contributed in part to the wide range of therapies that are used to treat chronic pain, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other drugs which are classified broadly as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can be purchased over over the counter.

    These medications may work well for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, but they can create side effects such as ulcers and potentially damage the liver when used continuously, such as in a chronic pain scenario. It is for these reasons that most clinicians avoid relying on this type of medication for long-term pain relief.

    A more powerful alternative to NSAIDs is the opiates, such as morphine, oxycodone, codeine, and hydromorphone. The drugs have been well described in the scientific literature, and work by affecting the body’s natural opioid receptors to prevent the nerves responsible for sending pain signals from firing.

    These medications have the ability to provide tremendous pain relief and provide clinicians the opportunity to perform life-saving therapies which would otherwise be impossible (e.g. surgery). However, in the treatment of chronic pain, opioid therapy by itself can become problematic for patients – the body begins to develop a tolerance to these medications, thus the dose required in order to get symptomatic relief continues to increase over time.

    Additionally, the side effects of taking opioids (sedation, nausea, constipation, and potential respiratory depression and death) make physicians reluctant to continue to raise dosages for patients out of fear of causing dependence. This fear is not ill-conceived either; in 2007, the US Substance and Mental Health Services Administration declared that the dependence on and abuse of pharmaceutical medications is the fastest growing form of problematic substance use in America.

    Recently, the argument has been made that the growing rate of prescription drug abuse in the first decade of the 21 century, has been the foundation for the emerging heroin epidemic which characterizes this decade. Due to the issue of tolerance and dependence on opioids, many physicians, supplement the therapy with anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, and additional interventions when treating patients with chronic pain in an attempt to provide relief.

    Cannabis And Chronic Pain

    The use of cannabis to treat chronic pain has had a long history, with written references of its use dating back to around 2700 B.C.E. The first records in the nineteenth century were recorded by the Irish doctor William B. O’Shaughnessy, who described the use of cannabis in the treatment of cholera, rabies, tetanus, menstrual cramps, and delirium tremens.

    In modern times, significant research has been done around cannabis therapy in the treatment of chronic pain with very promising results.

    “Medical cannabis is a very effective therapy for chronic pain patients because it affects people’s perception of pain, has the ability to mitigate the inflammatory process, and has been shown to affect voltage-gated sodium channels in nerves in a way similar to lidocaine.” – Dr. Mark Rabe

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    “Medical cannabis is a very effective therapy for chronic pain patients because it affects people’s perception of pain, has the ability to mitigate the inflammatory process, and has been shown to affect voltage-gated sodium channels in nerves in a way similar to lidocaine,” reports Dr. Mark Rabe, Medical Director of Centric Wellness, am integrative holistic healthcare practice in San Diego CA and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board at Medical Marijuana Sciences, Inc.

    The ability of cannabis therapy to help relieve chronic pain on multiple fronts rests squarely in the cannabinoid receptors – cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) and type-2 (CB2). Studies have shown that CB1 receptors are located all over the body, however, they have a particularly high concentration in the central nervous system in areas that control pain perception. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are primarily located in areas of the body that control immune function, such as the spleen, white blood cells, and tonsils.

    The fact that these receptors are found in the two major body systems responsible for producing the sensation of pain, the immune system and the nervous system is what gives cannabis its therapeutic relevance in the chronic pain space. Additionally, and importantly, there is a lack of cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem region, the area of the brain responsible for controlling breathing, thus the dangerous side effect of respiratory depression found with high dose opioid use is not a factor in cannabis therapy.

    In practical application, cannabis therapy can be used in conjunction with other chronic pain therapies. In his clinical practice, Dr. Rabe reports, “We have many patients who come in on higher doses of opioid medications. Through using cannabis, in conjunction with other therapies, they are able to lower their daily opioid requirement.”

    Numerous studies support these findings, including a 2011 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics which showed that vaporizing cannabis increased the patient-reported analgesic effect of opioids, without altering plasma opioid levels. Moreover, there is an emerging body of research whose findings suggest cannabis can be used as an effective substitution therapy for patients with opiate abuse issues.

    Overall, we are just at the beginning of our understanding of the possible therapeutic benefits associated with cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain. In addition to the wide range of possibilities in targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors, scientists are beginning to look at targets within the body’s endocannabinoid metabolic life cycle for potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Given the growing need for clinicians to transition away from an opiate–dependent treatment protocol for chronic pain, hopefully, these breakthroughs happen sooner rather than later. Naturally, the relaxation of government prohibition would go a long way towards supporting these efforts.

    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