Why are people with fibromyalgia always in pain?
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Here is a study that explains why people with Fibromyalgia are always in pain.\nFibromyalgia pain, isn't all in patients' heads new brain study finds.\nJune 7, 2002 fMRI scans give first objective measure of mysterious ailment, provide road map for future study\n\n\n\nANN ARBOR, MI - A new brain-scan study confirms scientifically what fibromyalgia patients have been telling a skeptical medical community for years: They're really in pain.\n\nIn fact, the study finds, people with fibromyalgia say they feel severe pain, and have measurable pain signals in their brains, from a gentle finger squeeze that barely feels unpleasant to people without the disease. The squeeze's force must be doubled to cause healthy people to feel the same level of pain - and their pain signals show up in different brain areas.\n\nThe results, published in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the journal of the American College of Rheumatology, may offer the proof of fibromyalgia's physical roots that many doubtful physicians have sought. It may also open doors for further research on the still-unknown causes of the disease, which affects more than 2 percent of Americans, mainly women.\n\nLead authors Richard Gracely, Ph.D., and Daniel Clauw, M.D., did the study at Georgetown University Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health, but are now continuing the work at the University of Michigan Health System. In an editorial in the same issue, Clauw and U-M rheumatologist Leslie Crofford, M.D., stress the importance of fibromyalgia research and care.\n\nTo correlate subjective pain sensation with objective views of brain signals, the researchers used a super-fast form of MRI brain imaging, called functional MRI or fMRI, on 16 fibromyalgia patients and 16 people without the disease. As a result, they say, the study offers the first objective method for corroborating what fibromyalgia patients report they feel, and what's going on in their brains at the precise moment they feel it. And, it gives researchers a road map of the areas of the brain that are most - and least - active when patients feel pain.\n\n"The fMRI technology gave us a unique opportunity to look at the neurobiology underlying tenderness, which is a hallmark of fibromyalgia," says Clauw. "These results, combined with other work done by our group and others, have convinced us that some pathologic process is making these patients more sensitive. For some reason, still unknown, there's a neurobiological amplification of their pain signals."\n\nFurther results from the study were presented last year at the ACR annual meeting. The project will continue later this year at UMHS, joining other fMRI fibromyalgia research now under way.\n\nFor decades, patients and physicians have built a case that fibromyalgia is a specific, diagnosable chronic disease, characterized by tenderness and stiffness all over the body as well as fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal problems and depression. Many patients with the disease find it interferes with their work, family and personal life. Statistics show that far more women than men are affected, and that it occurs mostly during the childbearing years.\n\nThe ACR released classification criteria for fibromyalgia in 1990, to help doctors diagnose it and rule out other chronic pain conditions. Clauw and Crofford's editorial looks at the current state of research, and calls for rheumatologists to take the lead in fibromyalgia care and science.\n\nBut many skeptics have debated the very existence of fibromyalgia as a clearly distinct disorder, saying it seemed to be rooted more in psychological and social factors than in physical, biological causes. Their argument has been bolstered by the failure of research to find a clear cause, an effective treatment, or a non-subjective way of assessing patients.\n\nWhile the debate has raged, neuroscientists have begun to use brain scan technology to identify the are
238581
I have had fibro for twenty years now and I can tell you from my personal experience, pain medications do not work. I have tried everything up to Fentynl patches with Actiq suckers. The amount of pain medication that I require is too toxic to my system. After being on pain meds my liver function was consistent with Hepatitis induced from drugs, I had Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, rotting teeth, and terrible bowel problems from the pain meds shutting down my gut. I awoke one day with paramedics looking over me with my husband. I had come out of a seizure (which I'd never had before) and a temp of 107.5. Scary. Moral of the story, pain medication is not effective in Fibro pain treatment because if increasing resistance to the medication it builds up to toxic levels. You are really better off taking a good muscle relaxant (I am on Zanaflex)\n\nAs far as insomnia, first have a Sleep Study performed. Mine was ordered by a Neurologist This will tell you what is happening when and if you sleep. For instance I found out that I had three types of insomnia: chronic, initial (can't fall asleep), and maintenance can't stay asleep). I also get no REM sleep which explains the extreme fatigue. You can then work with your doctor to address your problems. \n\nThe fibro fog can be from medication side effects &/or the bodies concentration on the pain signals it is constantly receiving. I believe the fog is a combination of both and it is genuine. Sometimes I can't find words to say that I speak all the time. Or I forget things a lot. My computer calendar has helped tremendously. A study was performed to explain why we feel so much pain. You can find it at http://www.fibrohugs.com/article.php?story=20040301120311535\nThe increased pain response kicks our bodies into the "fight or flight response". Medscape explains that pain alerts the central nervous system to the presence of a major stressor to the body; one that demands a response. Pain experiences are typically accompanied by systemic responses similar to those that characterize the "fight or flight" dynamic. These responses are caused by the involuntary release of norepinephrine and adrenaline, which causes increased mental alertness, muscle tone, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Facilitated clotting factor, shunting of blood from the viscera to skeletal muscles, increased visual acuity, and sweating also occur when catecholamines are released. The "flight or fight" response, although clearly beneficial to the endangered organism, can be a threat to the individual with chronic pain. Further, the level of high acuity and anxiety commonly associated with the "flight or fight" response is often caused by the anticipation of a painful event rather than the actual "experience" of one.\n\nTry taking warm baths in Epson Salt. It contains Magnesium Magnesium allows oxygen into your muscles, reducing cramping and spasms. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist to have your Magnesuim level checked- it is a simpe mouth swab and not painful. If you have a low level, which most people with Fibro do have, take Magnesium and Malic Acid supplements. There are a few studies listed below that explain the rationale of using the combination in treatment of Fibro. \n\nTry eliminating Monsodium Glutamate from your diet. I did and some of my symptoms (chronic headaches and nausea) went away. It is in everything from Doritos to chicken soup. A few key finding's of an FDA study found MSG to cause a "burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest". \n\nIf you need adjustments try to see a D.O. that is familiar with Firbro instead of a chiropractor. In my opinion Chiropractors tend to be a little more violent in their adjustments and can cause more pain in your soft tissue. D.O.s do a more passive adjustment.\n\nBefore you exercise make sure you really stretch out and breathe de
16247
The right answer depends on why you have the pain - is it a nerve, a muscle, a disc, etc.  If it is a muscular pain, the answer is probably stretching,  particularly the hamstrings.  Your musculature is all connected, and if one large muscle is wound tight, it will impact your entire body.  THis happens to me a lot, and stretching is always the answer.
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It is usual for us to get pains most anywhere.  The important thing is that it usual will go away afer time, sometimes even after a couple of days.  What is in our control is how we eat and exercise.  So instead of giving in to pain, be sure that you are eating reasonably and doing something physical every day, like walking for example.\n\nWe are made to be healthy.  So most of the time our pains will work themselves out.  Again, if it persists, then you will need medical attention.  Otherwise, hang in there.
1170289
Wouldn't you rather have fibromyalgia pain relief?
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Fibromyalgia is a syndrom with symptoms of all over pain, fatigue, irritable bowel, mood shifts, and more.  \n\nIt does not go away.  It is made worse by stress and environmental factors.\n\nYou may email me if you would like more info.
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The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread, diffuse pain, often including heightened sensitivity of the skin (Allodynia), achiness around joints, and nerve pain. Chronic sleep disturbances are also characteristic of fibromyalgia, and some studies suggest that these sleep disturbances are the result of a sleep disorder called alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern, a condition in which deep sleep is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness. Many patients experience "brain fog," which is objectively proven abnormally slow brain waves and objectively proven cognitive deficits. Many experts feel that "brain fog" is directly related to the sleep disturbances experienced by sufferers of fibromyalgia. Other symptoms often attributed to fibromyalgia (possibly due to another comorbid disorder) are physical fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, genitourinary symptoms such as those associated with the chronic bladder condition interstitial cystitis, dermatological disorders, headaches, myoclonic twitches, and symptomatic hypoglycemia. Although it is common in people with fibromyalgia for pain to be widespread, it may also be localized in areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, hips, or other areas. Not all patients have all symptoms.\n\nFibromyalgia can start as a result of some trauma (such as a traffic accident) or illness, but there is no strong correlation between any specific type of trigger and the subsequent initiation of fibromyalgia. Symptoms can have a slow onset, and many patients have mild symptoms beginning in childhood, such as growing pains. Symptoms are often aggravated by unrelated illness or changes in the weather. They can become more tolerable or less tolerable throughout daily or yearly cycles; however, many people with fibromyalgia find that, at least some of the time, the condition prevents them from performing normal activities such as driving a car or walking up stairs. The syndrome does not cause inflammation as is presented in arthritis; nor are there any diagnostically abnormal laboratory findings. Symptoms may be present periodically or may be continual.
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FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. \n\nMost patients with Fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with this disorder, and it shows up in people of all ages. \n\nThe cause of FMS remains elusive, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that is already present.\n\nSynmptoms can include pain, fatigue, chronic headaches, sleep disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, joint problems, painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffnes, numbness, tingling, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination.  People are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications that they are prescribed.\n\nChanges in weather, cold or drafty environments, infections, allergies, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion may all contribute to symptom flare-ups. \n\nLong term follow-up studies on fibromyalgia have shown that it is chronic, but the symptoms may come and go. The impact that it has on daily living activities, including the ability to work a full-time job, differs among patients. Overall, studies show that it may be equally as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.\n\nI have included some websites that should be helpful.
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I have had Fibro since I was 16 and am now almost 36. I have the same diagnosises as you including Myofascial Pain Syndrome and others. Actually, MPS should be a given. In my experience pain medications do not work. I have also tried biofeedback, steroid shots, trigger point injections, nerve blocks, accupuncture, foot braces, wrist braces, carpal tunnel release surguries, and so much more. All just torture and I felt like a guinea pig.\nMy best advise is make sure to get plenty of sleep, take a multiple vitamin, keep active in at least low impact sports, and consider Magnesium and Malic Acid supplements (consult the doctor or a nutritionist to have your Magnesuim level checked- it is a simpe mouth swab and not painful), meditation does help some in keeping the pain back if you can seperate your mind from the pain, and try to take 2-3 warm Epson Salt baths a week (Epson salt contains Magnesium and soaking in a warm tub of it helps to get the mineral into the body. Magnesium aids the muscles in using oxygen and when the level is low which is typical in Fibro it can cause are cramps, spasms, and pain.) \nAlso, Fibromyalgia is a neurotransmitter disorder certain foods can trigger similiar symptoms to Fibro. Try eliminating Monsodium Glutamate from your diet. I did and some of my symptoms (chronic headaches and nausea) went away. It is in everything from Doritos to chicken soup. A few key finding's of an FDA study found MSG to cause a "burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest". Otherwise, learn your limits and pace yourself.\nGood luck!
790922
Yes, definitely for over 7 years. It is the most unrelenting disease that most doctors don't understand. I have been blessed with a fabulous doctor who understands my pain and doesn't think  I am faking it like some others think. This is a real uncurable disease with many men and women suffer everyday. You are not alone. I don't know what you are asking? Just remember, you are not alone. There are many web sites available for fibros. There is one, fibrohugs.com, which is a very, very good forum. Try it out. Good Luck and Good Health. Fibrohug to you!!
488549
If you applied for SSI you would get it. There are medications that you need to be on and you need to be seeing a Dr. Besides you will need to have a Dr to help with your SSI. I am 46 and suffer from several ailments including fibromyalgia, so I understand your problem.  There is help out there. It seems like once we hit 40 we start falling apart. Good luck to you and I hope I was helpful.
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I have had Fibro since I was 16 and am now almost 36. I have seen more doctors over the years than I can count from Neurologists to Rhuematologists to Chiropractors to Psychiatrists to Pain Specialists. In my experience pain medications do not work. A muscle relaxant is much more helpful. I have also tried biofeedback, steroid shots, trigger point injections, two sleep studies, nerve blocks, accupuncture, foot braces, wrist braces, carpal tunnel release surguries, and so much more. All just torture and I felt like a guinea pig.\n\nMy best advise is to get as much rest as she can. Nap if she needs to and sleep when she can. Try delegating some responsibilities to others whether it's at work or at home. \n\nTaking a muscle relaxant (I take Zanaflex) is more helpful than pain killers. Have her take a good multiple vitamin, a B Complex supplement (helps in dealing with stress), keep active in at least low impact sports, and consider Magnesium and Malic Acid supplements (consult the doctor or a nutritionist to have her Magnesium level checked- it is a simple mouth swab and not painful), meditation does help some in keeping the pain back if you can seperate your mind from the pain. You may want to learn some home massage techniques for people with Fibro.\n\nHave her try to take at least 2-3 warm Epson Salt baths a week (Epson salt contains Magnesium and soaking in a warm tub of it helps to get the mineral into the body. Magnesium aids the muscles in using oxygen and when the level is low which is typical in Fibro it can cause are cramps, spasms, and pain.) \n\nAlso, Fibromyalgia is a neurotransmitter disorder and certain foods can trigger similiar symptoms to Fibro. Try eliminating Monsodium Glutamate from herr diet. I did and some of my symptoms (chronic headaches and nausea) went away. It is in everything from Doritos to chicken soup. A few key finding's of an FDA study found MSG to cause a "burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest". Otherwise, help her learn herr limits and pace herself.\n\nThe last source below is a study that shows how Fibromites differ from "normal" people in their reaction to pain. I found it very interesting and it helped me verify that this is all real and not just "in my head".\n\nGood luck!
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You can find a great deal of information on our office website dealing with Fibromyalgia.  Check it out at\n\npiedmontpmr.com\n\nHope this helps.
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Yes, I sometimes have pain as you described and I have Fibromyalgia. Let's face it, Fibromyalgia is a real PAIN! I have had it for 30 plus years. I am sorry you are experiencing it. Worry and Stress does not help us so try to calm down, okay? I don't think there is a place on my body that hasn't had pain. I would like to ask you if you have a lot of trouble sleeping with your pain and if you are always tired?  Let me know, Okay? Best of luck!
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Hey. Im a MA at a pain management clinic and you're right. All this basically is, is that you pulled something in your lower back. If you have a primary care physician ( PCP ), get a referal to see a pain managment dr.. If this pain does come and go, then you wouldn't want it to be anything major in the long run by keep putting it off. A pain management doc she be called in for this. We have alot of patients come into the clinic with this type of problem and the dr orders physical therapy to work the kink out. By this being only a problem from exercise and not fibromyalgia, you should be fine with a little light back work-out to work it out. But, still, go see a pain management doc to give you direct orders.
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There is no cure for Fibromyalgia although there are treatments available through physicians and clinics to aid those who have Fibromyalgia.  Many chronic fatigue and chronic pain centers also offer varying degrees of treatments also that are geared more to the individual patient rather than the illness.
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Most likely because your body is still growing, and that growth causes pain in muscles and all over at times. There are times I remember when I would have all kinds of pain even though I had not done any exercise, and when I visited the doctor she said it was growth.