A debilitating disease

In the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, music icon and actress Lady Gaga  admits that it has been difficult dealing with the widespread muscular pain of fibromyalgia for the past few years.

But what exactly is fibromyalgia? It is a condition in which people feel chronic pain in their muscles and tendons, often along with other symptoms like sleep problems, headaches or mood disorders.

This affects other systems like the brain, impacting a person’s ability to concentrate and remember things. “It is a disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals,” says a senior orthopedic & joint replacement surgeon.

“There are 18 tender points we use to help with a diagnosis of this condition. We will apply pressure on these points to see if it causes pain for the patients. People with this issue can feel like their muscles are sore a lot. Think about a time when one overdid it with exercise routine and felt stiff and painful muscles the next day. That’s what some sufferers say it feels like,” explains a Dr.

Fibromyalgia affects people physically, mentally and socially. “Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression,” says a Dr.

“The lack of sleep is one reason for the overwhelming sense of flu-like fatigue many have with this condition. It can be hard to fall asleep or stay asleep,” adds a Dr.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms — exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures may also help.

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Seek physical therapy to avoid opioid abuse during neck, back pain

Are you suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If so, visiting a physical therapist early can reduce the consumption of opioids that can lead to their abuse as well as other health complications, suggests a study. According to researchers, physical therapy can be a useful, non-pharmacologic approach for managing severe musculoskeletal pain. 

The study found that patients who had undergone early physical therapy used 10.3 per cent less opioid medication for knee pain; 9.7 per cent less for shoulder pain; and 5.1 per cent less for back pain in the period three months to a year after their diagnosis. 

"This is not a world where there are magic bullets. But many guidelines suggest that physical therapy is an important component of pain management, and there is little downside to trying it," said an Assistant Prof. 

"What our study found was that if you can get these patients on physical therapy reasonably quickly, that reduces the probability that they will be using opioids in the longer term," he said. For the study, researchers included 88,985 patients.

Findings, showed that if a patient sought out physical therapy within the first 90 days of their diagnosis, he or she, on average, were less likely to fill an opioid prescription three months to a year after being diagnosed. 

The results could be helpful to clinicians in search of pain-management options that carry fewer health risks than opioids, reduces pain and improves function for some musculoskeletal conditions, he noted.

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5 Things You Shouldn't Do If You Have Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. According to the doctors, fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms usually come about after a physical trauma, surgery, infection, or psychological stress. There are cases, however, where symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. So, what is the best way to manage fibromyalgia?

 

1. Exercising too much or too little

Fibromyalgia reflects an energy crisis in the body, which means that you can only exercise up to a certain point. Symptoms also extend to what is known as postexertional fatigue where you feel completely wiped out the next day. It's therefore essential that you avoid this, as it can discourage you from the moderate exercise that is vital to healing fibromyalgia.

Yet while too much exercise is not recommended, insufficient exercise results in deconditioning and may worsen your ability to function. If you feel tired, but good afterwards, and better the next day then take this as a sign that you have exercised the right amount. Where should you begin? A light walking program is an ideal place to start. You can also wear a pedometer to test your progress and try to build up your walking regime over time to 10,000 steps by adding a minute each day. 

2. Not knowing your limits or when to say no Being too agreeable to do things you don't really want to do can create major stress on your body aggravating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Allow yourself to say 'no' more often when what is being asked of you doesn't feel good. 

3. Not listening to your body when you are in pain

One of the most dominant symptoms associated with fibromyalgia is widespread muscular pain. Whenever you feel pain remember that it is your body's protective system signaling for your attention. Instead of 'playing it through' learn how to manage fibromyalgia-related pain using a comprehensive approach. 

4. Eating too much sugar Excessive sugar, especially the type found in sodas or fruit juices can severely aggravate symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, worsening adrenal exhaustion and Candida/yeast overgrowth.

Opt for a high-protein diet instead and substitute stevia or saccharin for sugar instead. Sugar-free ice cream with splenda and sugar-free chocolates with maltitol are a suitable substitute, though only in small amounts. Dark chocolate, however, is a good substitute to have and can actually improve fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. 

5. Not getting enough sleep

While it may seem counter-intuitive, people with fatigue-related illnesses, like fibromyalgia, often do not get enough sleep. Getting eight to nine hours of good quality deep sleep each night is critical to eliminating fatigue and pain. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/  

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Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by sleep, memory, fatigue, and mood issues. Researchers now believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way pain signals are processed by your brain.

 

The symptoms sometimes start after physical trauma, infection, surgery, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men are. While there is no cure for this condition, a variety of medications are available that can help to manage the symptoms. Exercise, stress-reduction, and relaxation measures can also help.

 

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Fatigue – People who suffer from fibromyalgia often wake up tired, even though they have slept for a long period of time. Their sleep is often disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia also have other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
• Cognitive difficulties – A symptom, commonly known as “fibro fog” impairs the ability to pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.
• Widespread pain – The pain that is associated with this condition is often described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain has to occur on both sides of the body and above and below your waist. 

Many people who have fibromyalgia also suffer from tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Causes
Doctors still don’t know what causes this condition, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:
• Genetics – Since fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that may make you more susceptible to developing this condition.
• Infections – Some illnesses seem to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
• Physical or emotional trauma – This disorder can sometimes be triggered by physical trauma, such as a bad car accident. Psychological stress might also trigger fibromyalgia. 

Why Does It Hurt?

Researchers think that repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain. Furthermore, the brain’s pain receptors seem to develop a memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for this condition include:
• Your sex – Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than in men.
• Family history – You might be more likely to develop this painful disorder if a relative also has it.
• Other disorders – If you happen to have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lupus, you could be more likely to develop fibromyalgia. 
Complications
The pain and lack of sleep that arises due to fibromyalgia can interfere with your ability to function at home or at work. The frustration of dealing with this often-misunderstood condition can also result in depression and other health-related anxiety issues.
Diagnosis
In the past, doctors would have to check 18 specific points on a person’s body to see how many of them were painful when pressed. However, new guidelines mean that a tender point exam is no longer required.
Instead, a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be made if a person has had widespread pain for more than three months – with no other underlying condition that could cause the pain.

Blood Tests

While there is currently no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor might want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. Blood tests may include:

• Complete blood count
• Rheumatoid factor
• Thyroid function test
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Cyclic citrulinated peptide test

Treatment
In general, treatments for this condition include both medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health. No one treatment will work for all symptoms.
Medications
Medications can help to decrease the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. Common choices include:
• Pain relievers – Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may be helpful. Your doctor might even suggest a prescription pain reliever such as tramadol. Narcotics are not advised as they can lead to dependence and may even worsen the pain over time.
• Antidepressants – Duloxetine and milnacipran may help to reduce the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Your doctor might also prescribe amitriptyline or the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine to help you sleep.
• Anti-seizure drugs – Medications designed to treat epilepsy are often useful when it comes to reducing certain types of pain. Gabapentin is sometimes helpful in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, while pregabalin was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat this condition. 
Therapy
A number of different therapies can help to decrease the effect that fibromyalgia has on your body and life. Examples include:
• Physical therapy – A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will help to improve your flexibility, strength, and stamina. Water-based exercises might be particularly useful.
• Occupational therapy – An occupational therapist can help you to make adjustments to your work area or the way you perform certain tasks that will cause less stress on your body.
• Counseling – Talking with a counselor can help to strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach you strategies for dealing with stressful situations. 

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Self-care is absolutely critical in the management of fibromyalgia.

• Reduce stress – Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time to relax each day. This may mean learning how to say no without feeling guilty. However, try not to change your routine completely. Those who quit work or drop all activities tend to do worse than those who remain active. You can try stress-reducing techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.
• Get enough sleep – Since fatigue is one of the main characteristics of fibromyalgia, getting sufficient sleep is vital. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, you should practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day to limit daytime napping.
• Exercise regularly – In the beginning, exercising may increase your pain, but doing it regularly will help to decrease your symptoms. Appropriate exercises may include swimming, walking, biking, and aerobic exercises. A physical therapist can help you develop a home exercise program.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Eat healthy foods and limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling each day. 

Alternative Medicine
Complementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren’t new. Some, such as yoga and meditation, have been practiced for thousands of years. However, they have become more popular in recent years, especially with people who have chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia.
The treatments below do appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, and some are gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine.
• Acupuncture – This is a Chinese medical system based on restoring normal balance of life forces by inserting very fine needles through the skin to various depths. According to Western theories of acupuncture, the needles cause changes in blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord.
• Massage Therapy – This is one of the oldest methods of healthcare still in practice. It involves the use of different manipulative techniques to move your body’s soft tissues and muscles. Massage can decrease your heart rate, improve the range of motion in your joints, relax your muscles, and increase the production of your body’s natural painkillers. It can also help to relieve anxiety and stress.
• Yoga and tai chi – These practices combine meditation, deep breathing, slow movements, and relaxation. Both have been found to be useful in controlling the symptoms of fibromyalgia. 
Preparing for Your Appointment
Since many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other disorders, you might have to see several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Your family physician might refer you to a doctor that specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other similar conditions.
What You Can Do
Before your appointment, you might want to write a list that includes:
• A detailed description of your symptoms
• Information about medical problems that you have had in the past
• Information about the medical problems of your parents and siblings
• All the medications and dietary supplements that you take
• Questions you want to ask the doctor 
 

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Hyper-sensitive brain network responsible for chronic headaches

A new study has found that brain networks of patients with fibromyalgia primes for rapid and global, responses to minor changes. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by memory issues, sleep, fatigue, and memory issues.

It is believed that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. The new research states that hyper-reactive brain networks could play a part in the hypersensitivity of fibromyalgia.

This abnormal hyper-sensitivity of brain networks, called Explosive Synchronization (ES), can be observed in other network phenomena as well across nature.

The research details only the second study about ES in the human brain.Main researchers report the evidence of ES in the brains of people with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread chronic pain.An associate professor of anesthesiology was the senior co-author of the study.

He said, "For the first time, this research shows that the hypersensitivity experienced by chronic pain patients may result from hypersensitive brain networks. The subjects had conditions similar to other networks that undergo explosive synchronisation".It was found that in ES, a small stimulus can lead to a dramatic synchronised reaction in the network, as can happen with a power grid failure (that rapidly turns things off) or a seizure (that rapidly turns things on).

Until recently, this phenomenon was studied in physics rather than coming in focus in medicine.
Researchers claimed it as a promising avenue to explore in the continued quest to determine how fibromyalgia is developed in a person.The first author of research paper said, "As opposed to the normal process of gradually linking up different centers in the brain after a stimulus, chronic pain patients have conditions that predispose them to link up in an abrupt, explosive manner".

He added that these conditions were similar to other networks that undergo ES, including power grids."The research was conducted on ten female participants with fibromyalgia.

They recorded electrical activities in the brains which showed baseline EEG results indicating hyper-active and unstable brain networks, the author added.Notably, there was a strong correlation between the degree of ES conditions and the self-reported intensity of chronic pain reported by the patients at the time of EEG testing.

Computer models were then used to monitor brain activity to compare stimulus responses of fibromyalgia patients to the normal condition. As expected, the fibromyalgia model was more sensitive to electrical stimulation than the model without ES characteristics, he noted."We again see the chronic pain brain is electrically unstable and sensitive".

He added that this type of modeling could help guide future treatments for fibromyalgia."Since ES can be modeled essentially outside of the brain or in a computer, researchers could exhaustively test for influential regions that transform a hypersensitive network into a more stable one. These regions could then be targeted in living humans using noninvasive brain modulation therapies.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    
 
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