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

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis | How to Prove You Have a Fibromyalgia as “Medically Determinable Impairment” for SSDI?

Social Security has published a ruling that helps define when applicants with fibromyalgia should be granted disability benefits.

A lot of candidates for Social Security disability benefits the ones who apply based on fibromyalgia get rejected. The part of the motive was that Social Security does not have a disability “listing” for the condition. (Social Security’s disability listings offer the conditions needed for numerous different impairments to be sanctioned as disabilities.) The Social Security Administration (SSA) printed a ruling in 2012 to address the issue, providing directions to disability claims surveyors and administrative law judges (ALJs) regarding how to evaluate fibromyalgia circumstances. This ruling ought to help reduce the number of fibromyalgia applicants who are rejected at the preliminary application phase and go on to file an appeal and ultimately win disability welfares.

Despite that, a lot of fibromyalgia patients will continue to be denied welfares. If you are applying for disability constructed on fibromyalgia, it just benefits to know that how the SSA views this specific impairment (known as fibromyositis).

How Does Social Security View Fibromyalgia?

Usually, when a disability claims examiner got a situation where the motive for disability was just fibromyalgia, the point of view for an initial endorsement was poor. Disability examiners usually presented slight weight to an entitlement of fibromyalgia unless there was one more condition involved, for instance, degenerative disc disease or arthritis, the one that was more possible to come with objective proof of the disease just like x-rays. Why was it? Part of the problem has to do with the nature of fibromyalgia—its signs are mostly particular and its causes are not understood. Since its symptoms differ from person to person, and for the reason that the medical career had not figured out fibromyalgia’s reasons, disability examiners were by no means certain how to categorize such circumstances. As the medical profession has started to recognize fibromyalgia better, Social Security has established new standards for evaluating fibromyalgia.

How Can You Verify You Have a Medically Determinable Impairment?

As to be selected for disability welfares, you need to have an impairment recognized by medical proof for instance medical “signs” of the disease or illness and lab tests. In other words, your impairment cannot be established merely by your reports of your symptoms. This is known as the necessity of having a “medically determinable impairment” (MDI)—the SSA has to understand medical signs of an impairment that might more likely be expected to produce your symptoms. Verifying this can be challenging with fibromyalgia, as the illness is generally categorized by subjective reports of extensive pain, dizziness, tenderness in the muscles, joints, and soft tissues, fibro fog, and fatigue.

Luckily, in July 2012, Social Security allotted a ruling clarifying when fibromyalgia would bring into being as a medically determinable impairment. The ruling directs statements examiners and judges to count on conditions allotted by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to define whether a candidate has fibromyalgia, and so has an MDI.

To be considered an MDI first, the patient would have proof of chronic extensive pain, with pain in the back, chest, or neck and the doctor must have governed out other diseases (hypothyroidism, such as lupus, and multiple sclerosis) over the procedure of lab tests or x-rays. Also, the patient must have one of the following:

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1. Tender arguments in at least 11 of 18 tender argument regions of the body, with tender arguments befalling on both sides of the body and both above and beneath the waist. You can get a list of the tender arguments in the SSA’s latest ruling on fibromyalgia.

2. Repetitive manifestations of six or additional fibromyalgia symptoms, mainly cognitive, fatigue, or memory issues (fibro fog), anxiety, non-restorative sleep, depression, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other likely symptoms consist of abdominal pain, headache, muscle weakness, seizures, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and dizziness.

The claims examiner will evaluate your medical records to see if they comprise proof of the above criteria. The examiner will read the doctor’s notes on your complaints of fatigue, pain, and possible cognitive complications. To evaluate the reliability of your complaints, the claims examiner can ask your doctor to offer information about the amount and time period of your impairments, his or her judgment of how well you are capable to function, what treatments were done, and whether they were supportive and had side effects, and how long the doctor believes your capability to function to be restricted. The longer your medical record contains proof of fibromyalgia symptoms and treatment, the better.

What Happens If Your Fibromyalgia Is Found to Be an MDI

In case SSA defines that you have the medically determinable impairment of fibromyalgia, Social Security’s assessment is not done; actually, it has just started. The SSA will possibly create a “residual functional capacity” (RFC) assessment for you to decide if there is any work you can do, with your past work. RFC assessment is an estimation of your capability to perform numerous exertional stages of work; let’s say, if you can’t lift more than ten pounds, you will be provided a sedentary RFC. The SSA bases your RFC on your medical records, views from specialists and doctors, and statements from you and from your family members. In evaluating your RFC, the SSA will be dependent on your doctor’s view as to your abilities, just like how long you can stand, walk, and sit, how much you can lift, and how well you can focus and remember guidelines. These practical restrictions are the key to showing the SSA why you can’t work.

When making your RFC, the SSA will match it to the kinds of jobs vacant for somebody with your RFC level and restrictions. If the RFC rules out every job, though sedentary work, you will be considered disabled.

Get Help from Specialists

More likely in other cases, hiring a lawyer to request a rejection of welfares for fibromyalgia can surely benefit, as disability lawyers are aware of the Social Security decision on fibromyalgia (SSR 12-2p) and the modern court verdicts on when disability would be approved for fibromyalgia. This information can assist disability attorneys to find errors that were made by the judge or claims examiner in the disability determination and use them to your benefit.

Also, if just a primary care internist or physician gives you a fibromyalgia diagnosis, then try to make an appointment with a specialist; and a diagnosis made by a rheumatologist will be more reliable to a judge or disability examiner and will help your Social Security disability request or claim.

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11/04/2023
Why Fibromyalgia Pain Feels Different. Is This True For You?

Why Fibromyalgia Pain Feels Different For Amy Mullholand, simple chores like washing the dishes or making breakfast can be incredibly challenging. “On a good day, I can get through the cups and the silverware, then I must sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Then I tackle the bowls. Then I sit and rest,” said Mullholand. “On a bad day, I have literally cried from the pain of standing long enough to fry an egg.

”Before she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Pain two years ago, Mullholand — like a lot of people — thought the disorder’s symptoms were mild aches and pains. “How could I be in so much pain and have it just be Fibromyalgia Pain?” The main symptom is chronic, widespread pain, but it can also cause headaches, sleeping problems, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Mullholand, 42, has severe pain in her shoulders, neck, back, and hips. She constantly feels like she doesn’t have any energy. “I wish people knew more about the day-to-day life that people with Fibromyalgia Pain have to live, and understood the real pain and sickness that we feel,” she said. As many as 12 million Americans know what it means to live with Fibromyalgia Pain, according to the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA).

Doctors don’t know what causes it, though stress, infection, or physical trauma can sometimes trigger symptoms. The fact that 9 out of 10 people with Fibromyalgia Pain are women suggests that female hormones may be a contributing factor. Research points to changes in the pain pathways throughout the body of patients with Fibromyalgia Pain. An August study in the journal Pain found that half of a group of 27 Fibromyalgia Pain patients had damage to nerve fibers in their skin.

“This provides some of the first objective evidence of a mechanism behind some cases of Fibromyalgia Pain, and identifying an underlying cause is the first step towards finding better treatments,” said study author Anne Louise Oaklander, MD, PhD, director of the Nerve Injury Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Fibromyalgia Pain Diagnosing it can be tricky because symptoms often come and go and resemble other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. An ACPA survey found that 77 percent of cases take three years or more to be properly diagnosed. Mullholand’s primary care doctor at first suspected she had the autoimmune condition lupus.

Why Fibromyalgia Pain Feels Different

To diagnose Fibromyalgia Pain, doctors typically rely on certain guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology: The total number of tender points on the body that hurt when pressed. There are 18 (or 9 pairs of) points, such as the elbows and knees, that doctors examine. At least 11 of the 18 points must be painful to diagnose Fibromyalgia Pain. The level of fatigue a patient is feeling if they’re waking up feeling tired or having cognitive problems. If the symptoms persist for at least three months. Whether another health condition may be causing the symptoms

Being able to spot differences in symptoms and ruling out other possible diseases is key to diagnosis, according to Dr. Danehower. For example, someone with rheumatoid arthritis will have trouble moving their joints and have swelling in the hand and wrist, whereas Fibromyalgia Pain has a good range of motion. Osteoarthritis patients feel more pain exercising, while Fibromyalgia Pain patients feel worse when they’re at rest.

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People with lupus also typically have shortness of breath, chest pain, and a butterfly-shaped rash over the bridge of their nose.“There’s a misconception among some patients that Fibromyalgia Pain is a phony disease. It goes back to the idea that so much of the diagnosis is subjective,” said Danehower. “Some patients will get to me and say their original doctor doesn’t think it exists, and they’re glad to get a diagnosis and understand it.”

Once diagnosed, Fibromyalgia Pain can’t be cured. But there are medications that can help lessen its symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs, and recommend over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the pain.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia Pain relaxation techniques such as yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture may help. Mullholand found that hot water eases her pain, so she takes frequent baths. There isn’t much research to support many of these methods’ effectiveness, and patients should discuss any treatment options with their doctor.

“For many people with Fibromyalgia Pain, they will exercise for a week or two and then start hurting and think that exercise is aggravating their pain, so they stop exercising,” said senior author Dennis Ang, MD, associate professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist. “We hope that our findings will help reduce patients’ fear and reassure them that sustained exercise will improve their overall health and reduce their symptoms without worsening their pain.

”Even with treatment, Fibromyalgia Pain is a reality that people like Mullholand have to face every day.“The most misunderstood thing about Fibromyalgia Pain is that it’s real, it isn’t in our heads,” said Mullholand. “We may not look sick on the outside, but we are sick on the inside.”

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11/03/2023
Main Fibromyalgia Causes In Women That No One Knows Yet
Women are far more likely than men to get Fibromyalgia Causes —a disease that causes pain and tender points throughout the body. Between 80 and 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with this condition are women, according to the National Institutes of Health. The reason for this gender inequality may have to do with hormones, immune system differences, or genes. But researchers still aren’t exactly sure why women get Fibromyalgia Causes in much greater numbers than men.

Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia Causes a very specific kind of pain. Women often describe it as a dull ache that starts in the muscles. To be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Causes, the pain must be on both sides of your body. And, it must affect both the upper and lower parts of your body. The pain may come and go. It can be worse on some days than on others, which can make it hard to plan for daily activities.

Main Fibromyalgia Causes In Women

Fibromyalgia Tender Points Fibromyalgia Causes: In addition to more widespread pain, causes fibromyalgia tender points around the body. They’re called fibromyalgia tender points because when you press on them, they hurt. There are 18 possible fibromyalgia tender points. You may have pain in some or all of these places:
- back of the head
- area between the shoulders
Main Fibromyalgia Causes In Women
- front of the neck
- top of the chest
- outside of the elbows
- top and sides of the hips
- insides of the knees
Fatigue

Fibromyalgia Causes: The pain from fibromyalgia can make it very hard to sleep. Conditions that often occur with Fibromyalgia Causes—such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea—can also keep you awake at night. A lack of sleep night after night can make you feel tired and cause you to have trouble concentrating during the day. In a vicious cycle, a lack of sleep can also make your pain worse.

Fibro Fog

Fibromyalgia Causes in Women who may start to notice that they have trouble remembering and concentrating. They may mix up words when they speak, or get confused more easily than they used to. These thinking problems are sometimes called “fibro fog” because the mind feels foggy. Although doctors aren’t sure what’s behind “fibro fog,” it may be caused by a lack of sleep or by the effects of fibromyalgia pain on the brain.

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Headaches

About half of fibromyalgia Causes in women develop headaches, according to a study in the journal Clinical Rheumatology. Many women get migraines—a throbbing type of headache that can cause nausea, vomiting, and flashes of light. Why fibromyalgia women are more likely to get headaches isn’t clear. But experts think fibromyalgia Causes in women and headaches may stem from the imbalance of chemicals like serotonin and epinephrine in the brain.

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Painful Periods

fibromyalgia Causes in women: In general, menstrual period cramps can be mild or painful, depending on the woman. But women with fibromyalgia report having more painful periods than usual. Some women with fibromyalgia also have endometriosis. In this condition, tissue from the uterus grows in other parts of the pelvis. Endometriosis can cause uncomfortable periods too. Women with fibromyalgia Causes may also find that sexual intercourse becomes more painful.

Irritable Bowel and Bladder (IBS)

Main Fibromyalgia Causes In Women: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another health condition that is more common in women, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And women with fibromyalgia are more likely to have IBS. Researchers don’t know the reason why IBS and Fibromyalgia Causes are connected. IBS causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, which can also have a big impact on a woman’s life.

Restless Legs

Many women with fibromyalgia get a creepy, crawly feeling in their legs that wakes them from sleep. This condition is known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS is much more common in people with fibromyalgia. About 33 percent of people with Fibromyalgia Causes have RLS, compared to only 3 percent of those who don’t have fibromyalgia. RLS disturbs sleep, and it can lead to daytime drowsiness.

Sensitivity

Fibromyalgia Causes If you have fibromyalgia, you might notice that you have to put on a sweater every time the temperature drops, or that you break into a sweat whenever the mercury rises. Temperature sensitivity is very common in women with this condition. Some women with fibromyalgia are also more sensitive than usual to other things, such as loud noises or bright lights.

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11/02/2023
Cannabis Oil Capsules May Be Best Treatment For Fibromyalgia

Treatment For Fibromyalgia

Treatment For Fibromyalgia is much like treatments for any and all diseases. often starts with the management of symptoms. With this disorder, the symptoms create a string of tender points along the body. Coupling this with extreme fatigue and an inability to sleep and you have a concoction for the drastically poor quality of life riddled with pain and discomfort.

Medical Cannabis Treatment for Fibromyalgia

The prevalence of Treatment For Fibromyalgia goes up as a person ages, yet 80-90% of all cases are women. The symptoms are known to worsen with persistence as it progresses and it is worsened by the weather, illness, and stress. One cannabinoid profile that is well suited for this disorder patients has been identified as CBD. It is suggested patients obtain CBD-rich medicine. Synergistically coupling a CBD-rich oil with one that contains Low THC, there is additional relief provided to patients.

According to a report conducted by the National Pain Foundation and National Pain Report, medical cannabis has been rated as one of the most effective treatments in reducing pain from Fibromyalgia. Many of the 1,300 fibromyalgia patients who responded to the survey said they had tried all 3 of the FDA-approved drugs. One patient explained there were far more negative side effects to the FDA-approved drugs than there were positive attributes.

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When asked about the effectiveness of Cymbalta (Duloxetine), 60% of those who tried the medication stated that it did not work for them, whilst 8% reported it to be very effective. 32% reported Cymbalta helped slightly. Of those in the study who tried Pfizer’s Lyrica (Pregabalin) a whopping 61% reported that there was no relief. 10% reported Lyrica to be very effective whilst 29% said it helped slightly.

Rating Forest Laboratories’ Savella (Milnacipran), 68% of those trailing the drug stated that it didn’t work. 10% reported that it was very effective and 22% reported slight relief.

Comparing the study findings against those who had tried medical cannabis for their this disorder symptoms 62% said it was very effective. Another 33% said it helped slightly whilst only 5% reported no relief.

When asked about the effectiveness of Cymbalta (Duloxetine), 60% of those who tried the medication stated that it did not work for them, whilst 8% reported it to be very effective. 32% reported Cymbalta helped slightly. Of those in the study who tried Pfizer’s Lyrica (Pregabalin) a whopping 61% reported that there was no relief. 10% reported Lyrica to be very effective whilst 29% said it helped slightly.

Rating Forest Laboratories’ Savella (Milnacipran), 68% of those trailing the drug stated that it didn’t work. 10% reported that it was very effective and 22% reported slight relief.

Comparing the study findings against those who had tried medical cannabis for their this disorder symptoms 62% said it was very effective. Another 33% said it helped slightly whilst only 5% reported no relief.

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11/01/2023
Researchers Find Main Source Of Pain In Blood Vessels

Are you experiencing constant muscle pain and fatigue? There is a good chance that you are suffering from fibromyalgia. As many as 5 million Americans that are aged 18 or older are affected by it. Women are the primary targets of this chronic disease, affecting up to 90% of them, and it’s very hard to treat.

For many years, research has pointed to this pain and fatigue just being “in the patient’s head.” It’s been characterized as a psychosomatic disorder, which means that it’s caused by mental factors that attribute to a person’s imagination.

Many people complain about pain in their neck, shoulders, back, and legs. But no research has been able to pinpoint what is causing this pain. Until now! Recent research has finally determined that this pain is in fact not just an imagination, but actually caused by a sensory nerve in blood vessels found in the palms!

Scientists at Integrated Tissue Dynamics were responsible for the study. They found that the fibres that were supposed to be only responsible for the blood flow in the skin are also responsible for sensing touch and pain.

In order to be sure about their findings, the team conducted a second study to see if they could locate any pathology in the blood vessels that could also contribute. After analyzing skin samples they collected from women who suffered from fibromyalgia, they discovered that there was a large increase in sensory fibres at certain sites within blood vessels of the skin.

These nerves are part of the arteriole-venule shunts, which are responsible for heat regulation in our body by controlling the blood flow in our blood vessels. In warm conditions, the shunts shut down which forces blood into the skin surface so it can be released.

In cold conditions, the shunts open up and allow the veins to conserve heat, thus our hands and feet become cold.

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The lead scientist on the study, Dr. Albrecht, explains that this excess sensory innovation may be because of painful hands that fibromyalgia patients experience.

“Since the sensory fibres are responsible for opening the shunts, they would become particularly active during cold conditions, which are very bothersome times for fibromyalgia patients.”

The research team also came to another conclusion; they explain that our hands and feet usually contain more blood than they needed, so they’re used as reservoirs for blood which can be delivered throughout the body. Because of the pathology that occurs in these shuts, the blood flow is usually mismanaged.

President of Integrated Tissue Dynamics, Dr. Rice, elaborated on their findings, “The pathology discovered among these shunts in the hands could be interfering with blood flow to the muscles throughout the body. This mismanaged blood flow could be the root cause of muscle pain and achiness and the sense of fatigue that fibromyalgia patients experience.”

These findings are a step in the right direction for those suffering from fibromyalgia; it offers a proper treatment instead of the usual painkillers and antidepressants.

So if you’re suffering from fibromyalgia, or know someone that is, it’s good to finally know that you’re not crazy, and you can certainly be sure that fibromyalgia is real!

Causes of Fibromyalgia: Doctors are not completely sure of what actually causes a person to get fibromyalgia, a variety of factors may work together.

Genetics: In most cases, fibromyalgia runs in the family, so there could be a certain genetic mutation that can cause you to be more susceptible to the disorder.

Infections: Certain illnesses have the ability to trigger fibromyalgia.

Physical or Emotional Trauma: Fibromyalgia can sometimes be triggered by physical trauma, like a severe car accident. Psychological stress can also be a triggering factor as well.

Just because there is a new breakthrough that has discovered what might cause the pain for fibromyalgia patients, doesn’t mean that they should stop doing certain things that keep it from acting up. You need to continue taking care of yourself and layout a program that helps with that.

You should first try and reduce the amount of stress in your life. This could mean putting some time aside to just relax. Getting enough sleep is another key point. Since fatigue is one of the main characteristics, getting enough sleep is essential. Also, you should try and exercise regularly. It may hurt at first but it will eventually reduce the pain significantly.

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10/31/2023
Cannabis Gum For Fibromyalgia Pain Relief: Would You Try This?

The company cites the unique properties of the gum for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief, allowing equal parts CBD and THC to be digested directly in the mouth. According to Dr. George E. Anastassoy, MD, DDS, MBA, chief executive officer of AXIM Biotechnology, by bypassing the liver, MedChewRx gives: The gum for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief contains 5mg of CBD and 5mg of THC, both of which deliver potent therapeutic capabilities.

Professor John Zajicek notes that by chewing, rather than breathing or ingesting, some side effects are reported, and the medicine displays a lack of the “peak” associated with more traditional cannabis medicine. Professor Zajicek runs the trials for AXIM testing the Fibromyalgia Pain Relief gum for spasticity of MS. He also states that chewing gum is more socially acceptable than smoking or ingestion.

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Benefits of chewing by itself: According to the company, the act of chewing delivers benefits of its own, compounded by cannabinoids. Chewing itself provides “neuroprotective and neurostimulator benefits” on the mind. Chewing relieves stress, stimulates the cardiovascular system, and helps with loss of cognition due to aging.

The benefits they ascribe to the act of chewing are all benefits of cannabis itself on a greater scale. But by attributing them to mastication, they gain more validity. Why? Because everyday people who don’t understand cannabis simply can’t wrap their heads around the fact that it is a unique medicine with many benefits.

A reality check: Apparently, AXIM owns the patent on chewing gum for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief as a delivery method for cannabinoids and already have one CBD-only product, Can chew gum, marketed as a dietary supplement and sold everywhere CBD products can sit on shelves. AXIM also started trials for a patent-pending CBG topical for eczema and psoriasis.

In addition, there are even oral care and cosmetics in their arsenal. Medical Marijuana, Inc. owns about 46% of AXIM and plans on many more cannabis-related products. They are the Swiss Army knife of cannabis companies, with their hands in everything from international markets to security services. If only it were so simple for the little guys.

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10/30/2023
Wearable Tech Emerging For Chronic Pain Relief

The opioid crisis has revealed another real ongoing problem: a lot of people have chronic pain. For example, Lady Gaga recently revealed that she suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says afflicts 4 million people (or 2% of the adult population). This number may actually be an underestimate because determining the real number of people that have fibromyalgia can be a pain.

Fibromyalgia is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Many people, including doctors, are not fully aware of the condition. People may try to maintain a “Poker Face” when afflicted with the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain and stiffness throughout their body, fatigue, depression, anxiety, difficulties sleeping, memory problems, and headaches. Or they may attribute the symptoms to something else. Also, until the FM/a Test was approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, no simple test for fibromyalgia was available.

The Netflix documentary ‘Gaga: Five Foot Two‘ revealed Lady Gag’s struggles with fibromyalgia. Here Lady Gaga is pictured during the premiere during the film’s premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.

While fibromyalgia is certainly not the only reason someone may be started on opioids, a publication in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology discussed how fibromyalgia has contributed to the increase in opioid medication prescriptions since 2004. Opioid medications, if you haven’t heard, can be quite addictive and lead to the use of other drugs like heroin. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more alternatives to opioid medications to help manage chronic pain.

Enter the wearable movement. While some wearables may seem unnecessary (e.g., the No More Woof headset supposedly translates dog barks into English so that you can know when your dog is saying “what an idiot”), wearable technology for pain relief is an intriguing emerging area.

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It may sound a bit like a late-night infomercial or something from a mystical healer: wear this band around your leg to decrease the pain throughout your whole body. But there is real scientific reasoning behind devices such as NeuroMetrix’s Quell that received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for over-the-counter use in July 2014.

The Quell device is a band that looks a bit like a blood pressure cuff that you wear around your upper calf. The device does not utilize any medications but instead generates electric signals that stimulate your body to produce naturally occurring substances (endogenous opioids) that can then inhibit nerve signals that lead to feeling pain. In other words, the device helps activate your body’s natural system for regulating pain.

Shai N. Gozani, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and CEO of NeuroMetrix, Inc. explained that “fibromyalgia is believed to result from problems with the central nervous system. There is no injury per se in the peripheral nerves. The balance between positive and negative signals regulating the pain neurons may be off. The nerve signals that inhibit pain signals may be decreased. The Quell device can help boost this part of the system.”

Of course, you don’t just put on the band and presto your pain disappears. As Dr. Gozani related, you typically have to wear the device for a week or two before noticing the reduction in pain. Typically, people will wear the band for 6 to 8 hours a day. The device periodically cycles on and off and can also collect information on your activity and pain levels to help you adjust the device and manage your pain. The device offers the option of tapping into the Quell Health Cloud, which stores data on the usage, sleep, pain levels, and activity for many different users and thus can provide analysis that can in turn help with pain management.

Neurometrix reported that Quell contributed $3.0M out of NeuroMetrix’s $4.3M in revenue in the second quarter of 2017 and that they shipped their 100,000th Quell device in July 2017. Quell device shipments in the second quarter of this year were almost ten times what they were in the second quarter two years prior.

There are certainly many advantages of replacing medications with wearables. For example, addiction is less of an issue (e.g., wearing many bands all over your body probably won’t help). Finding and using ways to stimulate and modulate your body’s pain regulating mechanisms is certainly not a new approach to pain control. This is the basis of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and some physical therapy and alternative medicine approaches such as needling.

But developing wearables so that you can go about your daily activities while receiving non-medication pain treatments is new and opens up a whole new avenue of potential ways to manage pain. Furthermore, having such devices interface with digital platforms could help better track pain management, combine treatments, generate data to provide scientific insights, and interface with other types of wearables. Who knows, someday maybe your dog can help you more with your pain management.

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10/29/2023
Dyskinesia And Fibromyalgia: Causes and Treatment

We still don’t know what causes fibromyalgia. But we often treat it with a class of drugs that are usually used to treat disorders like seizures. While these drugs can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, they can also cause a range of side effects, including dyskinesia.

Dyskinesia is a condition that causes frequent, uncontrollable movements of the limbs. And it can become very difficult to manage if you suffer from it for a long time. So what exactly is dyskinesia, what’s the link to fibromyalgia, and what can you do to treat it?

What Is Dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia, or TD, is a common side effect of drugs used to treat seizures. One in particular that we should look at when it comes to fibromyalgia is Gabapentin. Gabapentin works by calming the interaction between nerves in the brain. This is effective for treating seizures which are caused by rapid-firing interactions between these nerves. But it’s also frequently used to treat fibromyalgia.

Gabapentin can work to manage many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Interestingly, in addition to the pain, it’s often prescribed to treat some of the chronic itchings that come along with fibromyalgia. It’s a symptom we don’t often think of when it comes to fibromyalgia, but chronic itching can be one of the worst elements of the condition if you suffer from it.

Because chronic itching seems to be the result of interactions between the nerves, Gabapentin can help to treat the itching.

But it can also lead to dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is basically an uncontrollable tendency to jerk your legs or arms. But it can also include other less obvious things like a tendency to purse or smack your lips together. The condition is usually worse when you have been resting, which can make the sleep issues caused by fibromyalgia even worse. But in addition, TD can cause you to jerk your head, blink your eyes, or even stick out your tongue without really realizing that you are doing it.

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Dyskinesia And Fibromyalgia

It’s believed that TD is caused by low levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Low levels of dopamine are actually quite common in people with fibromyalgia, though we don’t know why. But TD seems to be more of a side effect of medications used to treat fibromyalgia than a complication of fibromyalgia itself.

The most likely reason that someone would develop TD is if they’ve been taking a drug like an SSRI or anti-seizure medication for at least three months. And we know that the majority of people who suffer from both TD and fibromyalgia tend to be older women.

So, people who have fibromyalgia currently being treated with these kinds of drugs have an elevated risk of developing it. And there are many anecdotal accounts of people who have developed it as a result of their fibromyalgia medication. If you’re interested, you can likely ask around within the fibromyalgia community and find people who have had a similar experience.

How Is It Treated?

The best way to cure TD is to simply stop taking the medications that cause it. Of course, this isn’t always an option. Many people depend on those medications to keep their fibromyalgia symptoms in check. And you should never stop taking a medication on your own without first consulting a doctor.

If you think you’re suffering from TD, you can go to a doctor for a test. The doctor will determine if you’re suffering from involuntary movements. They may decide that it is the result of your medication, or it’s possible that you’re suffering from another condition that causes involuntary movements. There are a number of these conditions including cerebral palsy, brain tumors, or Parkinson’s disease. Going to a doctor is a good way to eliminate some of these other possibilities.

There’s no medication that’s currently approved by the FDA to treat TD, but some psychiatric drugs might help. Others have reported success with treating the condition with dietary supplements like Gingko, but the scientific evidence for this is somewhat limited.

If the TD is really debilitating, you may have to judge with your doctor whether the benefits you get from the medication are worth the side effects. It’s an unfortunate position to be in, but we don’t really have any other good alternatives at the moment.

So, let us know. Do you suffer from TD? Is it related to your fibromyalgia medication? How did you decide what you needed to do? Did any supplements help you? Tell us in the comments.

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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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10/27/2023
Link Between Achalasia and Fibromyalgia. Have a Look.

Achalasia is a rare disease. So rare in fact, that you may never have heard of it. But for people who suffer from the condition, it’s very real and often extremely painful. And it actually has a fair amount of relevance for people with fibromyalgia.

That’s because people with fibromyalgia often deal with persistent heartburn. and achalasia can mimic many of the symptoms of that condition. So it’s possible that if you have fibromyalgia and you’re dealing with frequent chest pains, you may actually have achalasia. And learning to recognize the signs can help prevent misdiagnoses and help you get effective treatment.

So, what is Achalasia? Why is it a concern for people with fibromyalgia? And what can you do to treat it?

What Is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a condition where the muscles in the lower esophagus lose the ability to relax and contract. The ability of the esophagus to relax and contract is important in the process of digestion. When you swallow food, the esophagus expands to allow it to pass into the stomach. When you have achalasia, this normal process stops functioning correctly. And food can essentially get stuck in the esophagus. Obviously, this is often quite painful.

We don’t fully understand what causes the condition, but it probably has something to do with damage to the nerves that control the muscles in the esophagus.

The condition leads to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. There’s the obvious difficulty swallowing food or liquids. And when food gets trapped in the esophagus, your body may naturally regurgitate it. If this regurgitation occurs when you are lying down, the food may actually travel into the lungs, which can be dangerous.

And achalasia can also lead to sharp chest pains with no clear cause. This pain is a little different from heartburn, but people with the condition can have heartburn as well. That fact can sometimes make it difficult to diagnose the condition.

Achalasia is quite rare, but heartburn is very common. So, if you’re experiencing pain in the chest, a doctor will likely assume that you’re suffering from acid reflux. Luckily, there are a few tests that can determine if you have Achalasia. The doctor can take X-rays of the esophagus to look for contractions, or use an endoscopy tube to visually examine the esophagus.

People with fibromyalgia also have a higher risk of heartburn, which means that you may experience symptoms similar to achalasia.

Achalasia And Fibromyalgia

Having fibromyalgia makes you more likely to develop heartburn. The most likely explanation for this link is that having fibromyalgia makes it difficult to exercise. A condition that causes chronic fatigue and constant pain obviously makes getting regular cardio a challenge.

As a result, people with fibromyalgia often struggle with obesity. Those extra pounds put pressure on the stomach and esophagus, which can lead to acid reflux. Acid reflux causes chronic chest pain, which can sometimes be quite sharp. And these symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from achalasia.

If you’re experiencing chest pain, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor. It may even be a symptom of a more serious condition like heart problems.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Your treatment will depend on which condition you have. If you have achalasia, there are a few options. Your doctor may perform a procedure where a balloon is inserted into the esophagus and inflated, forcing it to open. This procedure may need to be repeated several times if the condition reoccurs.

In addition, the doctor can inject muscle relaxants directly into the esophagus. This procedure may also need to be repeated regularly for best results.

There are also more permanent surgical procedures. The most common procedure is called a Heller myotomy and involves cutting away a portion of the esophagus, expanding the space for food to pass through. But this procedure can increase your risk of developing acid reflux. So, it may need to be combined with a procedure where a portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus, tightening the muscles to prevent reflux.

If you’re just suffering from acid reflux, your best bet is to lose weight. Losing just a few pounds can significantly improve your symptoms. But there are also a number of effective medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid you produce. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best treatment program for you.

So, do you suffer from heartburn? Do you think it’s related to your fibromyalgia? Have you ever had achalasia? What did you do to treat it? Let us know in the comments.

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

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

10/26/2023
7 Rules for Living With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is not just about chronic pain and fatigue, although if you spoke to the majority of general practitioners, you would think those were the only symptoms people get. FMS is a complex, multifactorial condition and is a condition of exclusion. In other words, many, many conditions have to be excluded before a diagnosis can be made. It can, and in my case, it has, affected almost every system of my body from my skin and gastrointestinal tract to joints and muscles and not forgetting my brain. It has had a catastrophic effect on my career, which I loved. It has devastated my social life and family life will never be the same again.

This may all sound defeatist but the best thing I have done is to accept and adapt to the changes in my life. With this in mind, I have come up with a list of rules for myself. I haven’t just made them up from thin air, they have really just evolved organically over the years.

1. Understand your family and friends’ perspectives.

Living with FMS is tricky because it is such a complex condition. As well as living with this condition, I have researched it a lot! It’s difficult to understand, it’s difficult to explain and it’s difficult to describe.

There’s a famous saying, “If you can’t explain it to a 6-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.”

If I can’t explain it, describe it and much less understand it, how can I expect other people to? Be patient with people — they will say things that hurt, they will expect more from you than you can achieve. They may think you are lazy and you will have to keep explaining yourself, but most of all, chances are they just want you to get better. They don’t understand it, because you don’t fully understand it yourself. I find the best way is to just be honest. Tell them if you can’t do something but also what you can do. Tell them when you are having a bad day or a flare-up, but also when your day is “good.” Tell them your symptoms, even on a good day, but don’t expect them to understand until you do!

2. Make it your new normal.

You have a chronic illness, it is not going to get better or go away. You may be lucky enough to have a recession, but the majority of us don’t. Learn to live with it, learn to manage it. Become self-aware and understand your symptoms. You may not fully understand the condition, but get to know the symptoms you have before a flare–up, for instance. I know if I get swollen glands, a fever, and a loss of appetite, there will be a flare-up in the next 48 hours. Most importantly, plan your day around your symptoms. I tend to have more energy after a shower in the morning. I generally need a nap in the middle of the day and my pain is at its worst in the evenings. This is my pattern generally, but I have to accept changes as they come and new symptoms as they arise. This is normal for me now. It’s all part of living with a chronic illness.

3. Treat yourself holistically.

Not only do I have fibromyalgia, I also have migraines, cluster headaches, and vertigo. I try not to keep them separate from each other. Treat yourself as a whole and not as a list of conditions. Your symptoms are part of you whether they come from one condition or another.

4. Create a new standard for yourself and be proud of your achievements.

Adjust your measuring stick. If you can’t do something like you used to, make what you can do your new standard and be proud of it. I know, if I tried to do a five-mile hike with the dog, not only would I be wiped out, the dog probably would, too. But, if we go for our 20-minute stroll in the park and we both feel good, even on a bad day. It may sound trivial to some, but every day, I am proud of myself for getting up and doing that walk. Don’t beat yourself up if you can no longer do the things you once used to.

Think about the boom and bust theory. We all do this, without realizing or without intention. On a good day, you do everything you can because you don’t know when your next good day will be. Then, the next day you are in pain and severely fatigued, so you do nothing in order to recover and hope for another good day soon. The theory is, do less on good days and more on bad days. The idea is to become time-focused instead of task-focused. In other words, set a time for activity instead of just your normal full task.

5. Plan for the crap to happen and accept that you will have horrible symptoms.

Life is not perfect. Sometimes you can plan and pace yourself meticulously but there will always be something that disrupts your life. Don’t let it faze you. Crap happens to everyone. We just have to accept what happens and expect that there will be bad days and flare-ups, it’s just part of having the condition. Make sure you have a well-equipped flare-up box. This should always be part of the plan.

6. Ask for help and accept help.

You can’t do it alone, you have to ask for help. This is one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned. You may think it’s a sign of weakness in asking for help, and that it has always been quicker and easier to just do it yourself. Unfortunately, this may no longer be the case. Asking is now obligatory. Accepting help can be equally difficult but it’s time for someone else to take the strain. Life with FMS is not easy. It isn’t often that people will ask you if you need help, so when they do, be gracious. Your loved ones will not want to see you struggling, they will want to help, so let them and show gratitude with a smile and a thank you. That’s all they want in return.

7. Don’t be afraid to let it define you.

I don’t mean go to bed and let it take over your life. I just think we shouldn’t be afraid to let people know we have a condition that impacts our life. Life is difficult enough without making it harder by ignoring issues that can bite. You should be able to tell others that there are things you can and cannot do because of the symptoms you have.

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

10/25/2023