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Fibromyalgia research links 2010

fibro1I am a fibromyalgia sufferer who relies on alternative and complementary medicine, rather than pharmaceuticals.  This is because I have multiple food, chemical and drug allergies and decided years ago that suffering through side effects was not for me. I keep watch on all the research that’s done every year and when treatment options don’t include pharmaceuticals I try them to see if they will provide relief from the inflammation and pain.  I also keep watch for alternative and complementary medicine research pertaining to the many associated conditions.

Causes of fibromyalgia are not known

The condition produces vague symptoms that may be associated with diminished blood flow to certain parts of the brain and increased amounts of substance P, which is thought to be a sensory neurotransmitter involved in the communication of pain, touch, and temperature from the body to the brain. Researchers have identified several other possible fibromyalgia causes, including the following:

  • Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
  • Chronic sleep disorders
  • Emotional stress or trauma
  • Immune or endocrine system dysfunction
  • Upper spinal cord injury
  • Viral or bacterial infection

Alternative therapies and treatments work to heal your total being, which is why some fibromyalgia patients opt for them in treating their widespread symptoms. A variety of alternative options may ease your fibromyalgia pain—from acupuncture and biofeedback to herbal supplements and massage to yoga and meditation.

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from fibromyalgia, you should be aware of the new research developments involving your disorder. The more you know about fibromyalgia, the better equipped you’ll be to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Fibromyalgia research links 2010

High Rate of Restless Legs Syndrome Found in Adults With Fibromyalgia
October 15, 2010:  A new study finds that adults with fibromyalgia had a much higher prevalence and risk of restless legs syndrome than healthy controls. The study suggests that treating RLS may improve sleep and may improve sleep and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

Yoga Can Counteract Fibromyalgia, Study Suggests
October 14, 2010 — Yoga exercises may have the power to combat the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia — a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain. The research is being published in the November 10 online edition of the journal Pain and will appear online on Oct. 14.

Adolescents With Fibromyalgia Who Are Physically Active Report Lower Levels of Pain and Disability
September 19, 2010: Adolescents with fibromyalgia who are physically active report lower levels of pain and disability,

How Badly Does It Hurt? Research Examines the Biomedical Diagnosis of Pain
August 28, 2010:  Sociology research investigates the challenges of patients experiencing pain symptoms that don’t visibly turn up on any tests. Research out of the University of Cincinnati is examining the diagnosis of pain that evades scientific testing, and the additional emotional suffering that can result for the patient.

New Principle Discovered for How Muscle Pain Is Signaled
July 19, 2010:  Chronic muscular pain may be linked to a previously unknown principle for how pain signals are transmitted in the human body.

Obesity Associated With Increased Risk of Fibromyalgia
May 4, 2010:  Researchers in Norway have found an association between the level of leisure time physical exercise and a future risk of developing fibromyalgia. The research team also identified BMI as an independent risk factor for fibromyalgia.

New Reliable Method Based on Patients’ Gait Helps to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
April 30, 2010:  A researcher from Spain has designed a reliable method that — combined with the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Reumathology — helps to diagnose fibromyalgia on the basis of of patients’ walk parameters, i.e. their gait.

Study Highlights New Way to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
May 27, 2010: To test the new criteria, the researchers conducted a multi-center study of 829 people who had fibromyalgia and a control group of people who had other pain disorders. The researchers found that the combination of the pain index, number of symptoms, and severity of symptoms provided the most accurate fibromyalgia diagnosis. The researchers reported that the new criteria will correctly diagnose more than 88% of people with fibromyalgia—and that’s without a tender point examination. — The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity

Fibromyalgia Affects Mental Health of Those Diagnosed and Their Spouses, Study Finds
April 30, 2010 — Researchers are examining how the diagnosis of fibromyalgia can affect marriages. Initial findings reveal that diagnosed spouses have considerably higher levels of depressive symptoms and pain and report more marital instability and anger than their spouses. For both spouses, the symptoms can trigger increased emotional withdrawal and mental strain.

Exercise Reduces Pain Perceptions in Fibromyalgia Patients
April 1, 2010:  People with fibromyalgia can experience debilitating pain—and that can erase any motivation to exercise. But what this study shows is that 30 minutes a day of moderate activity can make a difference in how you perceive pain. –  Effects of lifestyle physical activity on perceived symptoms and physical function in adults with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized trial

Cannabis-based Drug Improves Sleep in Fibromyalgia Patients
February 24, 2010: Sleep problems are common in people with chronic pain disorders—and fibromyalgia is no exception. There are a number of medications that may treat sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia, and anti-depressants are among the most common. But new study findings may change that—a synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone (marketed as Cesamet) relieved sleep disturbances better than the anti-depressant amitriptyline (Elavil).  – The Effects of Nabilone on Sleep in Fibromyalgia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Savella Gets Good Marks for Treating Fibromyalgia
February 22, 2010: In both studies, 52% of patients taking 100 mg of Savella and 56% of those taking 200 mg of Savella reported a reduction in pain. This is compared with 40% to 42% of the participants taking a placebo. Overall, the patients in the Savella group experienced better pain control, compared to the placebo group.–  AAPM: Drug for Fibromyalgia Boosts Multiple Outcomes

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief: Is It All in Your Lungs?
February 1, 2010: This is important because it highlights the link between emotional pain and physical pain. Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from depression and anxiety, which only exacerbates their physical pain. On the other hand, this study also shows that a positive mental state helps stave off physical pain. — The effects of slow breathing on affective responses to pain stimuli: An experimental study

About timethief

A down to earth woman, a passionate wordpress blogging tips blogger, a meditator, and a conscious living and self improvement blogger.

9 Comments on “Fibromyalgia research links 2010

  1. Sandra Lee
    November 27, 2010

    timethief ~ What a useful list. Thank you. This one draw my attention in particular: Fibromyalgia Pain Relief: Is It All in Your Lungs? Wishing you well.

    • timethief
      December 6, 2010

      @Sandra
      Thanks for being so patient waiting for me to get back online and get to this blog. I appreciate it. These last two weeks have been well — crazymaking is the only word that fits.

      I was also surprised by the very same article. It validates the healing effects of deep breathing and the Buddhist breathing practices I use.

  2. Funkkeejooce
    November 29, 2010

    Hi TT! I knew a person that have Fibromyalgia with multiple sclerosis but never really understood it. She did explain it but she went on to tell me that every person who has Fibromyalgia suffers different symptoms. It is never pleasant to have a health disorder but i also believe that a positive attitude in life is a battle half won. Thank you for sharing this information TT and I do hope that there will be a break through in the Fibromyalgia research.

    Hugs to you and I guess I need not worry about you because I feel you’re a very strong person. :)

  3. Nancy
    December 2, 2010

    Timethief,

    This is a beautiful site. You’ve done a great job with it. Your post is well-researched and put together and I learned a few things.

    I also have Fibromyalgia. I control the pain with exercise, yoga, rest, massage, and light medication. I do not have sleep problems or RLS. I take very good care of my health, eat a well balanced diet…low fat…no junk food. I get 8 hours of sleep every night, don’t smoke, don’t drink. I take naps every day and rest frequently.

    I don’t like taking medicine. But have taken ocassional tylenol or celebrex if the pain is very bad, usually due to stress, from running my bed and breakfast or over-exertion.

    Thanks for a great article. I have written articles on the subject too, published on other sites.

    • timethief
      December 13, 2010

      Hi Nancy,
      I’m so sorry I was unable to reply right after I got your comment. I have computer problems. I’m currently using my friends’ computers when they aren’t in while my own computer is being repaired.

      It seems we are on a parallel path when it comes to coping with fibromylagia with the exception of pharmaceuticals.

      I’m glad to hear your found the article to be useful. Best wishes to you in all you do. :)

  4. Phil
    December 26, 2010

    I knew someone once who had it and again I didnt understand what it was. Thanks for the info!

    • timethief
      December 26, 2010

      Hi Phil,
      It’s good to meet you. :)

  5. gharlow
    April 10, 2011

    My mother has fibromyalga and she is in pain and thank you for this I am going to direct her to this site and may be she can get some help with it, it breaks my heart to see her in pain and I can’t do any thing about it God Bless you and thank you for the education on it.

    • timethief
      April 11, 2011

      Hello there,
      Thanks for the visit but I make no claims about reducing anyone else’s pain. I simply share what I do to imporve my own life. We are our own healers. Until we choose to take control of our health that process cannot begin.

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This entry was posted on November 26, 2010 by in Alternative Medicine, Fibromyalgia and tagged , .
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