Category Archives: Fibromyalgia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a form of psychotherapy based on the belief that our thoughts influence how our body feels.  It has been shown that CBT produces results in less time than traditional therapy. Research shows that taking control of your own self-care improves symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Limiting drinking [...]

Quality sleep is a big issue for people with fibromyalgia.  Persistent pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments can flare up randomly, even when you’re asleep or trying to sleep.    Lack of sleep is known to increase pain sensitivity — which can cause a whole cycle of sleeplessness, pain, and more [...]

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat, and mind-body therapies have been shown to be more effective than traditional treatments.  Reducing the stress that causes pain by relaxation and meditation are among the best mind-body options.  Other options include:  Biofeedback, hypnosis, breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi and guided imagery. For more information [...]

If you suffer from body-wide pain and suspect you might have fibromyalgia, you should visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.  To get the most from your doctor’s appointment you need to be prepared ahead of time. How to Prepare for Your Visit to the Doctor Create a timeline outlining the [...]

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, not a disease, triggered by over-activation of nerves.  It doesn’t damage your muscles, tendons and joints, but it may cause pain, stiffness and tenderness resulting in less physical activity.  Without physical activity muscles become weak and can’t provide enough protection to your joints, which become sore and [...]

People with fibromyalgia often have trouble getting a normal night’s sleep.  The sharp and severe or dull and monotonous pain makes it hard to fall asleep or the pain often will wake you up after you have dozed off.  Sleep deprivation decreases the ability to tolerate pain and may actually increase [...]

As a physician specializing in the treatment and diagnoses of arthritis and diseases of the joints, muscles, tendons and bones, a Rheumatologist treats chronic pain, including the pain associated with Fibromyalgia.  You can choose to see a Rheumatologist, but ultimately, you may get the best results from a team of doctors [...]

Stress affects the symptoms of people suffering from fibromyalgia and make it worse.  There are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce stress, such as biofeedback, practicing breathing exercises, regular physical exercise, yoga and meditation.  A healthy diet and quality sleep are also recommended.  Making positive changes to your lifestyle will [...]

The supplement 5-HTP is said to elevate the level of serotonin in the brain reducing the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor to see if 5-HTP is right for you. *Video: 5 htp and fm pain   This video was created by Healthguru.com and Dr. Betty Keller; [...]

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose.  It is considered as a syndrome, not a disease. A syndrome means it is a cluster of symptoms appearing together.  It is not caused by depression or a psychological disorder. Fibromyalgia is a real neurological condition.  Don’t let anyone try to convince you the pain and fatigue [...]

Insomnia triggered by the pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia often becomes chronic.  There have been reports that people suffering from fatigue due to lack of sleep has cost them their jobs.  Often people are misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, instead of being properly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Schedule an appointment with your [...]

A common symptom of fibromyalgia is headaches.  Many people suffering with fibromyalgia have headaches regularly every day.  There are many reasons for this, such as muscle spasms, sleep apnea or TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder – all triggers for chronic tension headaches.  Low levels of magnesium, which is common in people suffering [...]

There are currently only three drugs approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia. They are Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella. Lyrica Lyrica was created to treat epilepsy. Lyrica calms down accelerated nerve signals associated with fibromyalgia and decreases pain messages that produce discomfort common with fibromyalgia. Cymbalta Cymbalta is an anti-depressant known [...]

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose.  It is recognized as a syndrome, not a disease, by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Rheumatology, the Arthritis Foundation and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.  Describing fibromyalgia as a syndrome means [...]

If you are experiencing chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, relief can be found by seeking professional counseling and help.  There are pain medications and steps you can take to control your pain and live your life again.  Start by acknowledging your feelings, eating healthy, getting restful, quality sleep, adopting a [...]

The relationship between fibromyalgia and depression runs deep.  Fibromyalgia patients are thought to have low levels of the mood and pain moderating brain chemicals such as Serotonin, Norepinephrine and Dopamine and chronic surges in Cortisol, the stress hormone. These low levels of brain chemicals are triggers for increased sensitivity to chronic [...]

In order to get a restful night’s sleep, we must experience cycles of light sleep, deep sleep and RIM (rapid eye movement).  Chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia interferes with the needed cycles of sleep causing the body to remain in the light sleep stage.  If deep sleep is never reached, we [...]

Fibromyalgia triggers pain radiating throughout the body from the neck to the toes.  Muscles feel stiff and achy.  These pains leave you feeling overly sensitive to the slightest touch. How do you know if your pain is from fibromyalgia?  It is found with fibromyalgia that there are tender spots where pain [...]

How does Psychotherapy treat chronic pain?  There is a link between pain and the brain.  Our thoughts, moods and behavior respond to chronic pain.  A person suffering from chronic pain is three times more likely to develop mood or anxiety disorders than someone who doesn’t suffer from chronic pain.  Also, a [...]

The FDA has approved three medications to treat and manage fibromyalgia.  Those medications are Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella.  Each of these medications work for some people and can cause side effects. Common side effects of each medication are: Lyrica Mild to moderate dizziness; Sleepiness; Blurred vision Dry mouth; and Swelling of [...]

While some patients go into remission with the help of lifestyle changes and medical treatments, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia.  There are many different ways to manage and control the pain, but fibromyalgia is considered a chronic condition.  An occupational therapist and a physical therapist provide different ways of [...]

Characteristics of Fibromyalgia The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and is difficult to treat.  It is characterized by chronic pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Of those people with fibromyalgia, most are women.  Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, but women are seven times more likely than men to suffer from the [...]

If pain killers don’t provide pain relief for managing your fibromyalgia, discuss with your doctor what other options are available to you.  There are three FDA-approved drugs on the market now.  They are the anti-convulsant, Lyrica, and Serotonin and Norepinephrine, reuptake inhibitors or SNRI’s like Cymbalta and Savella.  Making certain lifestyle [...]

Could Sam-E be Beneficial to You? Research has found Sam-E relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis and depression.  How it benefits fibromyalgia is mixed.  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests benefits could be tied to the anti-depressant effects of Sam-E.  Studies show people using an injectable form of Sam-E experienced [...]

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, full-body pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissue.  Researchers aren’t clear what causes it and there is no known cure for the condition.  A few possible triggers have been uncovered and thought to aggravate fibromyalgia in those suffering with [...]

Could supplements help treat symptoms of fibromyalgia?  Research organizations list supplements as a complimentary treatment providing benefits to patients with fibromyalgia, but there is no conclusive research to support the benefits:  Three supplements might help manage the pain: Sam-E, 5-HTP, and capsaicin.  There are no FDA regulations for supplements and there [...]

In addition to the medications recommended by your physician, there are many alternative treatments for control of fibromyalgia pain.  Here are a few examples of alternative treatments you might want to try: Acupuncture to reduce muscle pain; A nice massage to reduce stress and depression; Physical exercise – very important in [...]

Medications relieve the pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia, but it will not go away on its own.  There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. By following treatment set out by a physician, adopting healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding stress, remission has been known to occur.  Remission can last as long as 2 [...]

Regular exercise is important in managing fibromyalgia.  A physical therapist will create and implement an exercise routine that targets your symptoms using special body therapies and special stretches to relieve tension.  A physical therapist will also help you correct those lifelong bad habits contributing to your pain. See your doctor to [...]

It’s critical to discuss your pain symptoms with your doctor, no matter how small, to obtain a proper diagnosis.  A fibromyalgia diagnosis is based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Use this checklist at your next doctor’s appointment: Exact location of pain: Neck, shoulders, elbows or knees – common tender [...]

*Video: what kind of doctor treats fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat, and not all doctors may understand it. You need to find a physician who listens to you, who has treated many cases of fibromyagia, and who has an interest and knowledge in treating it. General practitioners, neurologists, rheumatologists [...]