Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: Fibromyalgia

An in-depth guide on Fibromyalgia, covering its symptoms, causes, treatments, and tips for managing this chronic condition effectively.

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome & Brain Fog

    Confused, mixing up words, forgetful, severe short-term memory problems, even complete loss of speech – many people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) experience cognitive difficulties, alongside their painful symptoms.

    Commonly referred to as ‘Brain fog’, sufferers say the benign symptom is one of the most debilitating and embarrassing side-effects of the chronic condition. Brain fog is a very common complaint amongst patients with CRPS. In this blog, we look at why and how it occurs and highlight some positive steps to cope with it.

    Imagine your Brain is filled with marshmallows. Every idea, every action, every thought, and every nerve impulse must find its way through that marshmallow before it can go anywhere else. That’s how many CRPS sufferers describe Brain fog.

    Although there is no conclusive evidence as to why it occurs, studies have confirmed that cognitive function – or how well the Brain works – has a direct link to high pain levels. There is also a connection to chronic fatigue, which many CRPS patients also suffer from. Unsurprisingly, concentration is difficult when you are also experiencing severe pain, unable to sleep, and experiencing sensory overload.

    Many CRPS sufferers think they are losing their minds when they experience the first distressing signs of Brain fog; symptoms can range from mild to severe, frequently vary from day to day, and affect different people in different ways.

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    Brain fog can include:

    That ‘marshmallow’ slows thought processes, blocks memory retrieval and formation, and even interferes with coordination and fine motor movement. However, all that said, there are positive steps and various coping mechanisms that sufferers can adopt to help ease the symptoms. These include:

    • Supplements – Citicoline, Ginkgo Biloba, salmon oil, krill oil, vitamin B complex, and magnesium- support Brain function.
    • Relaxing activities – yoga, tai-chi, and meditation can improve problems with sleep, fatigue, poor memory, and anxiety, all of which are linked to Brain fog.
    • Avoiding over–stimulation – chronic pain patients are sensitive to noise, light, and sensory input coming from more than one source at the same time.
    • Writing things down – making notes can help ease the pressure to try and remember.
    • Getting out – studies revealed people who walked through a wooded park for 15 minutes significantly improved their performance on an attention test.
    • Picking your moment – carry out tasks that require concentration and mental clarity during the hours you are sharpest.
    • Organize your life and surroundings – chaos makes Brain fog worse.
    • Try and eat regularly and more healthily – for some people, Brain fog may be triggered by a lack of nutrition.
    • Train your Brain– the natural healing ability of the Brain can be encouraged by Brain training activities available in books or downloaded on phones and computers.

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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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  • 5 Errors Patients Make When Selecting a Fibromyalgia Doctor

    Having the right fibromyalgia doctor can make the difference between struggling silently in pain or managing your disease confidently. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or feel overwhelmed by your massive list of prescriptions that seem to not do much, it’s never too late to do your research and change your fibromyalgia doctor.

    The five mistakes fibromyalgia patients make when choosing their doctor:

    1. Choosing a general practitioner

    While a general practitioner is great to go to for your yearly checkup or for a quick test and prescription when you’ve got strep throat, they’re not the best for handling complex chronic health conditions. That’s why they usually refer fibromyalgia patients out to a specialist, like a rheumatologist.

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    2. Only considering a rheumatologist

    Your primary care doctor might refer you to the wrong specialist, especially if they don’t know too much about fibromyalgia. Take your provider’s recommendation with a grain of salt, and do your due diligence (get to those Yelp reviews!).

    Your doctor might refer you to a rheumatologist because they specialize in painful autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Fibromyalgia is not considered an autoimmune disorder (although some research suggests the immune system plays a role), and some rheumatologists don’t even take fibromyalgia patients.

    Other specialists that take fibromyalgia patients include neurologists, pain management doctors, chiropractors, and functional medicine doctors. Each will have a different primary mode of treating you, and you should think about what is the best fit for you.

    Some patients feel their doctors are just pushing 10 different types of pills on them, without offering any insight into other types of treatments. Others suggest treatments that aren’t covered by insurance and are out of their budget. Learn what typical fibromyalgia spends per year with the doctor to get a feel for what’s right for you.

    3. Choosing a doctor with little experience with fibromyalgia

    No matter what type of doctor you do choose, make sure that they have extensive experience in treating fibromyalgia patients. This condition is notoriously hard to treat, with a wide variety of symptoms and many patients not responding to medications.

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    Working with an inexperienced doctor could mean that your doctor gives up on you because they don’t know all the options available, or worse, doesn’t understand the level of pain you’re in and downplays it. You need a compassionate doctor who understands you and your disease.

    4. Not adding a health coach to your team

    A doctor can prescribe medications, but if you’re looking for a more natural, holistic approach that includes changing your diet and using herbal supplements, a doctor is not the right fit. Your doctor can tell you to eat healthily but doesn’t have the time to tell you how to do it or follow up with you to make sure it’s happening.

    Knowledge is NOT power. Knowledge is only potential power. Action is power.

    – Tony Robbins

    Health coaches turn information into action and provide the emotional support to help you implement and maintain long-term lifestyle changes that will transform your health in a short amount of time.

    Health coaches usually specialize in a condition or a treatment that they have personal experience with. For example, there are cannabis coaches that support new medical marijuana patients and there are fibromyalgia coaches that support patients through functional medicine.

    I happen to be one of the few health coaches that specializes in fibromyalgia and cannabis, helping clients reduce their dependence on toxic prescriptions and heal naturally.

    5. Choosing a doctor who doesn’t support medical marijuana

    A recent research study found that 81% of fibromyalgia patients improved their symptoms with medical marijuana, also known as cannabis. However, many conservative doctors still believe cannabis is a drug of abuse and has no medical benefit. If your doctor isn’t open to the massive amount of research and testimonials supporting cannabis for fibromyalgia, you should pick another physician.

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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

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  • The difference between Type 1 & Type 2 CRPS

    Complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS) affects approximately 5% of all injuries that occur yet remains poorly understood.

    Characterized by severe, debilitating pain, the chronic condition most often affects a person’s limbs and can get progressively worse over time. There are two forms of CRPS, known simply as Type 1 CRPS and Type 2 CRPS. In this blog, we look at the characteristics of each and compare differences. Read on to find out more.

    Complex regional pain syndrome usually occurs after an injury or trauma and most typically affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet. CRPS is thought to be the result of damage or malfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system.

    There are many misconceptions about CRPS, which often makes diagnosis difficult. According to the Royal College of Physicians Guidelines, it can be said that CRPS is:

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    A debilitating, painful chronic condition in a limb or extremity
    It is associated with sensory, motor, autonomic, skin, and bone abnormalities
    Pain is the leading symptom and is usually out of proportion to the original or inciting event
    It is often associated with limb dysfunction
    It causes psychological distress – CRPS is not caused by psychological issues or mental health problems
    It often arises after an injury to a limb

    Complex regional pain syndrome occurs in two types, each of which has similar signs and symptoms but different causes.

    CRPS Type 1, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS), occurs after an injury or an illness that did not directly damage a nerve in the affected limb. It usually follows minor or major tissue injury to the extremities. According to the complex regional pain syndrome section on the Mayo Clinic website, around 90% of CRPS sufferers have Type 1.

    Symptoms of CRPS Type 1:

    The pain from CRPS Type 1 is unusually severe and may continue after the injury has healed. The injured limb of a patient with CRPS Type 1 may swell or sweat. Temperature changes and altered skin tone may also become evident. The skin may become thin and the sufferer is prone to infections and sores.

    CRPS Type 2, once referred to as causalgia, has similar symptoms to Type 1 but occurs after a distinct nerve injury. One distinguishable characteristic is that CRPS Type 2 does not migrate from the original site of injury like CRPS Type 1.

    Symptoms of CRPS Type 2:

    Skin and nails are amongst the areas that may become damaged by CRPS Type 2, with a distinct change in the rate of hair and nail growth. Pain from CRPS Type 2 is manageable at first, however, it generally develops resistance to pain medicines. The joints of the affected area are likely to stiffen and dysfunctional.

    Burning Nights, a support network for CRPS sufferers, carers, and families, refer to the third subtype of complex regional pain syndrome known as CRPS Not Otherwise Specified or CRPS NOS. This is related to patients who do not fully meet the criteria of complex regional pain syndrome but whose signs and symptoms cannot be explained better by another diagnosis.

    Many complex regional pain syndrome cases occur after a forceful trauma to an arm or leg. This can include a crushing injury, fracture, or amputation. Other major and minor traumas — such as surgery, heart attacks, infections, and even sprained ankles — can also lead to complex regional pain syndrome. If you believe you have CRPS because of an accident or injury that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. As leading CRPS solicitors, the friendly team here at Ronty Rhodeshave has vast experience in handling complex cases and can offer supportive, confidential advice.

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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 Fatigue: A Constant Feeling Of Tiredness

    Fibromyalgia fatigue feels like a constant state of weariness that diminishes your energy and mental capacity. Fatigue is the second most prominent symptom of fibromyalgia and can be even more debilitating than the pain.

    The overwhelming tiredness makes our bodies feel heavy and weak. It contributes to brain fog increasing memory loss and forgetfulness.

    Studies have shown that the amount of fatigue a person with fibromyalgia experiences directly impacts the amount of pain they have. Fatigue also has an impact on your emotions and is linked to depression.

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    The fatigue associated with fibromyalgia is similar to that of chronic fatigue syndrome (renamed “systemic exertion intolerance disease”). In fact, many people who have fibromyalgia may also have CFS/SEID as well. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 50 to 70 percent of people with fibromyalgia also fit the criteria of chronic fatigue syndrome.

    Why Are We So Exhausted?

    For people with fibromyalgia and/or CFS, the conditions themselves cause fatigue. Other factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, lifestyle, and medications can make the fatigue worse.

    Below are a few reasons you may feel exhausted:

    • Sleep Disorders – Lack of good quality sleep is a big part of the problem. Sleep problems are so common in fibromyalgia that symptoms such as waking un-refreshed, fatigue, tiredness, and insomnia are included in the diagnostic criteria for FMS.
    • Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial inside our cells convert nutrients and oxygen to energy. With fibromyalgia, the mitochondria of many cells in the body have been shown to be impaired. This means we do not have enough energy to power our body.
    • Stress – One symptom of long-term stress is fatigue. Some experts believe chronic stress is a strong contributing factor for developing fibromyalgia. Many of us with fibro know that stress will trigger a symptom flare-up very quickly. Chronic stress is also a precursor to anxiety and depression.
    • Anxiety or Depression – Anxiety and depression can both cause fatigue and leave you feeling drained. People suffering from depression are 4 times more likely to suffer from fatigue. People who suffer from fatigue are 3 times more likely to become depressed. People with fibromyalgia are likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression. It all becomes a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
    • Poor Nutrition – Experts say poor nutrition is a big culprit when it comes to fatigue in general. We know there are several nutritional deficiencies involved with fibromyalgia so eating healthy and getting the proper nutrients is extremely important.
    • Medications – Many prescription and nonprescription medications can cause weariness and fatigue. A few examples are anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications and statin medications for high cholesterol. The more medications you take the more likely you are to feel fatigued.

    Studies published earlier this year, help explain why individuals dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and Fibromyalgia have a poor response to physical activity and poor energy production.

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    Ways To Fight Fibromyalgia Fatigue

    Fibromyalgia fatigue is not that easy to treat. On good days, the fatigue can be tolerable. However, on bad days ordinary activities seem virtually impossible.

    Here are some tips that can help deal with fatigue:

    • Use Your Energy Wisely – Take breaks and pace yourself. Even if you are having a good day don’t try to do too much, it will only cause a setback. So keep your schedule simple, know your limitations and rest when you need to.
    • Exercise – I know the thought of exercising can be overwhelming, but the lack of exercise can make your muscles stiff and more painful, which also contributes to feeling fatigued. Start slow and pick a time of day that works best for you.
    • Eat Well – Eating a nutritious diet is good for your overall well-being. Avoid sugary, fried and processed food which can leave you feeling bogged down. Cooking can make me feel exhausted. On days I have more energy, I either make meals ahead or at least do some of the prep work to make it easier.
    • Reduce Stress – Fibromyalgia can be stressful and stress can leave you more fatigued. If you can learn to manage your stress, you will have more energy. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga and listening to music are a few stress management techniques that help me.
    • Prioritize Sleep – Sleep disturbances are common with fibromyalgia. The lack of quality sleep can cause fatigue and worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Some experts believe that disordered sleep is the most important symptom to treat when you have fibromyalgia. I know that when I sleep well I feel better. When I can’t sleep I feel worse all the way around.
    • Talk To Your Doctor – If your medications are making you even more tired, talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe an alternative, lower your dosage, or have you try taking your medicine at a different time of day.
    • Energy Boosting Supplements – Four supplements that help your body produce more energy are Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ), D-Ribose , Magnesium and Vitamin B . It is important to keep in mind that supplements can negatively affect certain health conditions and interact with certain medications. Please do your research and check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they are safe for you to take.

    Conclusion

    Fibromyalgia fatigue can be crippling. It’s physically and emotionally exhausting. On bad days, you can barely drag yourself out of bed. You feel drained. The overwhelming tiredness will not go away. You can’t concentrate, remember things or stay focused. Believe me, I know how it feels. I can’t remember the last time I felt full of energy or haven’t felt exhausted at some point in the day.

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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 happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?

    A major risk of leaving fibromyalgia untreated is that symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, and depression can become excruciatingly worse over time. Fibromyalgia also has a huge impact on mental health and anxiety and mood disorders can also worsen if you don’t treat fibromyalgia.

    How to Treat Fibromyalgia

    The treatment of fibromyalgia varies considerably from patient to patient depending on individual symptoms. No single treatment works for the condition and most sufferers find themselves handling a range of medications and treatments. Medication is most commonly teamed with lifestyle changes to help alleviate the worst symptoms.

    Medication for Fibromyalgia

    Many fibromyalgia sufferers take a range of different medications, which are looked at in more depth below. All medication should be prescribed by your doctor. You should not be tempted to self-prescribe medications as this could lead to serious health problems.

    • Painkillers – Simple painkillers such as paracetamol can be effective in relieving some degree of the pain of fibromyalgia. This is not the case for everyone and therefore a GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller such as codeine or tramadol but intake of these painkillers is often closely monitored due to the risk of addiction
    • Antidepressants – Antidepressant medication is often used to help relieve pain as they boost the levels of chemicals that carry messages to and from the Brain. Low levels of these chemicals are known to be a potential factor in the cause of fibromyalgia so combatting it can make a huge difference to the widespread pain associated with the syndrome. There are different types of antidepressant medication and most GPs will offer a choice of three main types: tricycle antidepressants, SNRIs, or SSRIs to fibromyalgia sufferers
    • Sleeping Medication – Sleep problems are commonly associated with fibromyalgia and can exacerbate the condition. Some GPs will prescribe medication to help with sleep but they may prefer to offer advice and tips for good sleeping techniques
    • Muscle Relaxants – Many fibromyalgia sufferers live with muscle stiffness and pain, which can be eased with a muscle relaxant medication. Many muscle relaxants also have sedative qualities which can cancel out the need for the previous type of medication

    Some GPs will also consider adding anticonvulsant or antipsychotic medication to prescriptions as they can help manage pain in different ways. With the causes of fibromyalgia still a mystery, many patients will try a range of different treatments before finding the one that works for them.

    Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia

    In addition to traditionally prescribed medication from doctors, many people with fibromyalgia try other methods to help treat the condition. Hydrotherapy is becoming more popular as well as gentle exercise and swimming, often tailored by an expert in the field. Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy have been known to ease the psychological symptoms of the condition which can in turn exacerbate some of the physical pain. Self-help groups and support communities are also heralded as very successful by some individuals.

    From an alternative therapies perspective, it is possible to use acupuncture, massage, and reflexology in treating fibromyalgia although there is no evidence to suggest these therapies help in the long term. You should seek medical advice before taking part in any of these activities or treatments so as not to worsen any symptoms.

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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

  • How to Explain Fibromyalgia Pain to a Doctor

    Fibromyalgia ranks among the most puzzling and common chronic pain conditions. Fibromyalgia pain moves around from one area of the body to another or it seems to be everywhere at once. We experience several different types of pain. The intensity of the pain also changes. It can be very difficult to describe fibromyalgia pain to others. We often feel misunderstood and disbelieved.

    It is hard for people who do not have chronic pain to understand how it is for us to live with it. Even those closest to us can not fully understand. They cannot and do not know the painful life we experience.

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    It can be just as difficult to describe how your pain feels to your doctor. Many doctors use a 0-to-10 pain rating scale, which has its limitations. Each of us experiences our pain differently. One person 8 may be another person’s 4. I often feel that because I always have pain, I under-rate my pain on the pain scale.

    Describing Your Pain To Your Doctor

    We have to rely on our words to communicate our pain to our doctor. The better we can describe our pain, the easier it may be for our doctor to help. Your doctor needs to know not just how much the pain hurts, but how the pain hurts and how it impacts your life.

    Those of us with fibromyalgia suffer from different types of pain. Some words that can help you describe the way your pain feels include:

    • Dull, deep aching pain
    • Sharp, stabbing pain
    • Radiating or shooting pain
    • Stinging pain that feel like a sunburn or pins and needles
    • Strange sensations that feel like crawling, tingling, burning, itching or numbness
    • Shocking pain, it can feel like electricity zinging along the nerve and explodes in a certain area

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    Keeping a pain diary is a good way to track your pain over time and will help you be more specific at your doctor appointments. You can also use the American Pain foundations LOCATES memory aid. It is a good way to remember how to describe your pain. Each letter of LOCATES stands for the information you should tell your doctor:

    Location of the pain and whether it travels to other body parts.
    Other associated symptoms such as nausea, numbness, or weakness.
    Character of the pain, whether it’s throbbing, sharp, dull, or burning.
    Aggravating and alleviating factors. What makes the pain better or worse?
    Timing of the pain, how long it lasts, is it constant or intermittent?
    Environment where the pain occurs, for example, while working or at home.
    Severity of the pain. Use a 0-to-10 pain scale from no pain to worst ever.

    If you want your pain to be taken seriously, don’t ever rate your pain at a 10! Unless you actually look as if your pain is a 10, your doctor will think you are exaggerating.

    Dealing with fibromyalgia pain is a process. The more specific and detailed you can be when describing your pain, the more likely your doctor will be able to help you manage your pain.

    Chronic pain not only makes us feel helpless, sometimes it makes doctors feel helpless, too.

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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

  • How do you prove you have fibromyalgia?

    What is fibromyalgia?

    Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, thought to be caused by abnormalities in the pain pathways in the central nervous system.

    Fibromyalgia specifically means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, generally all the softer, more fibrous tissues in the body. There is a sense, according to most patients, of ‘aching all over, with the related symptoms of a chronic case of flu. Muscles often feel as if they have been pulled or worked too hard and there are instances where muscles may twitch or feel like they’re burning. Cognitive abilities can also be affected with many patients reporting having ‘Ronty-fog’, where they find functions such as concentration and memory to be impaired.

    Fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but it is seven times more likely to be diagnosed in women than in men. The condition tends to develop between the ages of 30 and 50, however, it is not uncommon for it to occur in people of all ages – from the very young to the elderly.

    It may be caused or exacerbated by, physical traumas, such as car accidents and falls, often due to no fault of the patient or simply developing without a specific trigger.

    How to diagnose fibromyalgia

    Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult as there is no specific test to diagnose it and symptoms can be similar to other conditions. It is what we call a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that doctors must run numerous tests (blood, MRI, etc.) to rule out various other conditions before fibromyalgia can be diagnosed. This also explains why it can sometimes seem like an eternity before a formal diagnosis is made.

    Doctors tend to use the following criteria for diagnosis:

    • you either have severe pain in 3 to 6 different areas of your body, or you have milder pain in 7 or more different areas
    • your symptoms have stayed at a similar level for at least 3 months
    • no other reason for your symptoms has been found.

    Lab tests cannot prove fibromyalgia and therefore fibromyalgia can often be confused with other autoimmune diseases because the symptoms often overlap, such as:

    People with fibromyalgia have a reduced threshold to pain and ‘tender points’ tend to include:

    • Lower neck in front
    • Edge of upper breast
    • Arm near the elbow
    • Knee
    • The base of the skull in the back of the head
    • Hip bone
    • Upper outer buttock
    • Back of the neck
    • Back of the shoulders

    What type of doctor can help with fibromyalgia?

    Fibromyalgia pain can fluctuate in location and intensity from day to day, but if you have been experiencing the above symptoms for some time then speak to your GP in the first instance. Even if they’re familiar with the condition, it can be hard to diagnose so you are likely to be referred to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who’s an expert in problems with joints, muscles, and bones.

    Fibromyalgia diary

    The process for diagnosis can be long, therefore It can be worthwhile keeping a diary with a detailed record of where and when you hurt, what type of pain it is (dull or sharp), and how long it lasts. Additionally, you should note any other associated symptoms such as fatigue, Brain fog, depression and anxiety, bellyaches, taste changes, numbness, and dizziness.

    Your specialist may take blood samples and x-rays to rule out any other conditions.

    Once you have your diagnosis, the next step is a plan to manage it. With the right treatment, most people who have fibromyalgia live a normal, active 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

  • Allodynia: Fibromyalgia Skin Pain

    Do you experience pain from a simple touch? Do you cringe when someone goes to give you a hug? Do these simple gestures result in excruciating pain? Skin pain is another one of those fibromyalgia symptoms that just doesn’t seem to make sense. This type of pain is called Allodynia and is usually felt as a burning sensation.

    Allodynia is believed to be a hypersensitivity to stimuli that would normally not cause pain. The pain can be provoked by a light touch to the skin, pressure from clothing, showering, combing, or brushing your hair. Even a light breeze blowing across your skin can feel like agony.

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    What Causes Allodynia?

    Allodynia is considered to be the result of a process called central sensitization. The pain comes from a malfunction of specialized nerves, called nociceptors. These nociceptors sense information about things like temperature and painful stimuli right at the skin. For some reason, our nociceptors become chronically activated and send persistent pain signals. Any sensation felt by the skin becomes painful.

    Allodynia is a fairly rare type of pain. It is only associated with a handful of conditions. These conditions include fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (shingles), and migraine. Allodynia is also linked to the lack of restorative sleep.

    There are three sub-types:

    • Tactile Allodynia: pain caused from something touching your skin.
    • Mechanical Allodynia: pain caused by movement such as your clothing brushing against your skin or the breeze from a fan or the wind blowing across your skin.
    • Thermal Allodynia: pain caused from mild heat or cold temperatures.

    Allodynia often overlaps with hyperalgesia (abnormally heightened sensitivity to pain), which seems to be the case with fibromyalgia. So not only are we experiencing pain from stimuli that should not cause pain, the pain is amplified.

    Treating Allodynia

    The skin pain comes from a malfunction of specialized nerves. It is also related to a lack of restorative sleep. Standard treatments for fibromyalgia can also help ease allodynia. This includes eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, and improving your sleep.

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    Medications that work for some people include:

    Some people also get relief from topical pain creams. You may have to be careful about the way you dress, as well. Loose-fitting clothing made from soft natural fibers is recommended.

    If your skin itches, burns, tingles or you have numbness, it could be a condition called Paresthesia. It’s also seen in Fibromyalgia and migraine patients. The sensations are usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body.

    Painful skin is a new symptom for me. It seems to be triggered by temperature. It doesn’t even have to be hot. When I feel a little warm, my skin starts stinging and burning, then anything touching or moving across my skin intensifies the pain. Being exposed to the sun makes it worse.

    My doctor increased my dosage of amitriptyline and said if that doesn’t help we would try gabapentin. It’s been three weeks since the dosage increase and so far it hasn’t helped. Since summer is almost over, I am wondering if the skin pain will lessen when the weather gets cooler.

    Or is that just wishful thinking?

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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

  • Working with Fibromyalgia – What Are My Rights?

    Chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can often make working very difficult. Whether you are expected to be on your feet all day or are tied to a desk, musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, as well as the impact that fibromyalgia can have on cognitive abilities, can have a huge bearing on a ‘normal’ working life. However, with prescribed medication as well as pain management which can help control daily stress, many people with fibromyalgia can continue to work.

    The Government recognizes fibromyalgia and other chronic fatigue syndromes as real and potentially disabling conditions. It is important and helpful to be open with your employer about your fibromyalgia diagnosis. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities are not substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.

    It is normal for people newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia to want to ‘hide’ any disabilities at first, however, employers need to be aware of your condition so that they can make any relevant modifications to your workplace that will allow you to continue working.

    What adjustments should my workplace make to help with my fibromyalgia diagnosis?

    Some things to discuss with your employer to enable you to manage your fibromyalgia diagnosis include:

    • Flexi working and home working – to avoid rush hour and so that you can take time off if you are feeling fatigued and make up for it at another point
    • Facilities within the workplace to take a quiet nap at lunchtime
    • Managing workload in order to minimize stress and combat flare-ups
    • Ergonomic tools and furniture
    • Provision of written job instructions and memory aids functions of concentration and memory are impaired.

    Talking to colleagues and your employer about fibromyalgia will also give them an understanding and appreciation of your good and bad days. It may also help to make you feel less alone.

    In addition to employers providing added help and support in the workplace, individuals with fibromyalgia also often require time off work to attend medical appointments which can cause them a loss of earnings.

    While some individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia can continue to work, for many others, unfortunately, the condition is debilitating, often forcing them to either quit their job or reduce their working hours. Whilst this is undoubtedly an undesirable situation, a successful fibromyalgia claim will provide compensation for any financial losses experience as a result of the condition, such as loss of earnings.

    Therefore, to help financially, whether one is able to work or not, a sufferer of fibromyalgia may be entitled to a range of welfare benefits such as Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
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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

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Fight or Flight Response Overactive In Fibromyalgia

    Fight or Flight Response Overactive In Fibromyalgia

    An overactive sympathetic nervous system, also known as the body’s fight or flight response is closely linked to fibromyalgia. The fight or flight response is designed to help us function in emergency situations. It is meant to be a response that only lasts a short time and then turns itself off. With fibromyalgia, the fight or flight response gets stuck in the “on” position playing havoc with our body, our emotions, and our ability to think clearly.

    Increased activation of the fight or flight response is associated with poor sleep, fatigue, poor cognitive function (brain fog ), anxiety, and depression. Recently researchers have also found a direct correlation between our fight or flight response and fibromyalgia pain.

    The overactive fight or flight response in fibromyalgia is linked to a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system.

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    Autonomic Nervous System

    The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the part of the nervous system which controls involuntary functions. These functions include breathing, blood pressure, digestion, heartbeat, bladder function, and narrowing or widening of the blood vessels.

    The ANS contains two branches, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Both of these systems control the same group of body functions, but they have opposite effects on the functions that they regulate.

    Sympathetic Nervous System

    The sympathetic nervous system is the one that controls the “fight or flight” response, also known as the acute stress response. It is our body’s automatic response that prepares the body to “fight” or “flee” from perceived harm or threat to our survival.

    When activated, the fight or flight response causes a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones to pump through our bodies. It increases our heart rate and blood pressure, dilates pupils, restricts circulation, slows down digestion, relaxes the bladder, and makes us more alert. It also provides a boost in energy so that we are capable of dealing with stressful situations effectively.

    While the stress response can be lifesaving in emergency situations where you need to act quickly, it wears your body down when constantly activated by the stresses of everyday life.

    Parasympathetic Nervous System

    The parasympathetic nervous system has almost the exact opposite effect. It counteracts the stress response. The PNS brings the heart rate and blood pressure back to normal, constricts pupils, improves circulation, enhances digestion, calms us down, contracts the bladder, and puts us into a state of rest and relaxation. It conserves energy and can be summarized by the phrase “rest and digest”.

    When the autonomic nervous system is functioning as it should, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system work in harmony to maintain balance in the body. The sympathetic nervous system helps us respond to stress and then the parasympathetic nervous system restores us to our normal state.

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    In fibromyalgia and many other chronic illnesses, this autonomic balance is impaired with an excessive sympathetic nervous system response and underactive parasympathetic nervous system response. So now the question is, how do we turn off our fight or flight response? Is it even possible?

    Can We Turn Off The Fight or Flight Response?

    Most of us have heard of the fight or flight response, but have you heard of the “relaxation response”? The relaxation response is a term coined in 1975 by a pioneer of mind-body medicine, Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School. The relaxation response is a state of deep rest that is the polar opposite of the fight or flight response.

    The relaxation response is a mentally active process that leaves the body relaxed, calm, and focused. When the relaxation response is activated:

    • Your heart rate decreases
    • Breathing becomes slower and deeper
    • Blood pressure drops or stabilizes
    • Your muscles relax
    • Your body begins to heal

    In addition to its calming effects, the relaxation response increases energy and focus, relieves aches and pain, heightens problem-solving abilities, and boosts motivation and productivity.

    We can turn “OFF” the fight or flight response by turning the relaxation response “ON”.

    A variety of different relaxation techniques can help bring your nervous system back into balance by producing a relaxation response. Many of these techniques can be incorporated into your regular daily schedule. There is no single technique that works for everyone. Read about the relaxation response next and you will find tips on how to find the right technique for you to turn off your fight or flight response.

    Do you practice any relaxation techniques? If so, what have you found works for you? If not, are you thinking about it?

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    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