Foam Rolling for Fibromyalgia

The first thing to know about foam rolling is that there are a lot of nonsensical and made up claims for it with a lot of pseudoscience. The warning is be careful what you read about the use of foam rolling by the gurus and pseudo experts. The claims that get made for the use of foam rolling are not backed up by the scientific research on it. Having said that, it is useful. Athletes use it as part of a warm-up and recovery routines. It can help for some specific conditions such as self-massage for plantar fasciitis.

It does not loosen fascia, that is impossible. Its does not release toxins – that is a claim often made by the scientifically illiterate…. and so on. Do not believe the hype.

Given the muscle pain and trigger points in fibromyalgia, can it actually help beyond the hype and personal anecdotes that surrounds its use? While the research does show some benefits in athletes and muscle aches, there is an extraordinary lack of research on its use in fibromyalgia. There is this study (in Italian) that showed that in people with fibromyalgia that the group that used the foam roller did better than the control group on measures of depression, pain, anxiety and sleep quality. So that is a good finding and does support the use of foam rolling in fibromyalgia.

By all means, please try the foam roller. It does appear that it can help. Just do not fall for the hype, marketing and pseudoscience that gets claimed for it.

All you need to do is buy a foam roller (online or at the local sports shop) and find a program (online, in books, or get a personal trainer).

Bestseller No. 1

AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller, 36 Inches, Black

High-density foam roller with molded edges
Ideal for balance, strengthening, flexibility, and rehab exercises
Made from molded polypropylene to maintain firmness
Lightweight, easy to clean and transport
Measures approximately 36 x 6 x 6 inches (L x W x H)

Bestseller No. 2

LuxFit Extra Firm Speckled Foam Roller with Online Instructional Video (Blue, 18-Inch)

Foam Rollers For Muscles – LuxFit High Density Foam Roller is great for Physical Therapy, before or after Exercise, Yoga, and Massage Therapy. Foam Muscle Rollers helps to relieve Muscles Tension and increase Muscle Reflexology. Form Roller. Body Roller
Foam Exercise Roller Helps Prevent Muscle Injury - Perfect for positioning, balance, postural and muscle re-education, spinal stabilization, body awareness and coordination, ranging and strengthening activities. Yoga - Fitness Foam Roller. Foam Roller for IT Band
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4 Sizes Available For All Your Needs – 36 Inch, 24 Inch, 18 Inch, 12 Inch. 36 Inch foam roller is our largest size. Black Foam Rollers are great for Back Pain and Back Exercises. Great for core stabilization, balance, and stamina. 6 Inch wide Round Foam Roller. Foam roller for physical therapy & exercise
Full 10 Year Limited Warranty - MADE IN THE USA! - with Free Online Instructional VIDEO - Using your own body weight let the faom roller do a MyoFascial release to provide Maximum Relaxation Relief. Deep Tissue Foam Roller Massage. Foam Roller for Back. Leg Roller. Exercise Roller

SaleBestseller No. 3

321 STRONG Foam Roller - Medium Density Deep Tissue Massager for Muscle Massage and Myofascial Trigger Point Release, with 4K eBook - Lavender

12.75 inches x 5.25 inch diameter , lightweight yet rugged solid core EVA massage roller with triple grid 3D massage zones mimics the finger , palm , and thumb of a therapist's hands . Travel friendly at just 1 lb .
Medium density muscle roller is comfortable to use - making it easy for beginners , but still effective at penetrating the soft tissue layer of tired muscles . Soft enough to use while in pain from lower back injury , sciatica or plantar fasciitis .
One of the best recovery tools to treat muscle pain , increase performance and flexibility. Rolling before and after exercise sis part of a great stretching routine . Increases blood flow to massage site , flushing away stored lactic acid .
Stretch overworked and strained muscles of the leg , arms , and feet by rolling during your warm up and cool downs . Provides instant benefit to the hamstring , IT band , glutes , and calves by delivering superior massages at home or in the gym .
Loved by runners , exercise athletes , yoga and pilates students , swimmers , physical or sports therapy patients , and aid those just doing a normal fitness workout . Great for the arch of the foot , and any part of the superior body but the spine or neck .

Bestseller No. 4

ProsourceFit High Density Foam Roller - 18 x 6

RELIEVE TIGHT MUSCLES - Creates pressure to release trigger points and loosen knots in muscles and improve overall flexibility, especially in commonly tight areas such as the back, calves, IT band, hamstrings, lats, and glutes
FIRM MASSAGE - High density foam structure provides a deeper massage than stand-ard foam rollers, and is firm enough to support all body types without losing shape after regular use
BODY AWARENESS – This versatile fitness tool offers instability for Pilates core exer-cises, rehab exercises, spine stabilization, and body-awareness
REDUCES SORENESS - Eases tightness in muscles after training for faster recovery and reduced soreness – a great addition to workout programs for beginners and ad-vanced users
LOW-MAINTENANCE - Made out of non-toxic, high-density expanded polypropylene (EPP) that is easy to clean; 36-inch by 6-inch size is suitable for anyone; smaller sizes are easy to store and great for travel

SaleBestseller No. 5

Foam Rolling: Relieve Pain - Prevent Injury - Improve Mobility; 60 restorative exercises for m

Alpha Books
Woodworth, Sam (Author)
English (Publication Language)
192 Pages - 11/08/2016 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)

Bestseller No. 6

321 STRONG 5 in 1 Foam Roller Set Includes Hollow Core Massage Roller with End Caps, Muscle Roller Stick, Stretching Strap, Double Lacrosse Peanut, Spikey Plantar Fasciitis Ball, All in Giftable Box

The perfect gift for yourself , or a loved one that's into exercise and working out , this kit has it all -> Our classic triple zone massage roller with end caps for storage , great for deep tissue massage and stretching legs and lower back .
There's our premium massage stick for those hard-to-roll areas , like the quad , shin , and inner thigh . Control the intensity of the massage by pressing harder or softer with the handles . Flush lactic acid from muscle tissue after your workout .
After the deep tissue massager , the most important thing for your body is stretches . Our stretch strap is amazing for your hamstring and quads . Just wrap one end around your foot , and control the intensity by grabbing different handles .
Finally, 2 types of massage balls , both great tools for trigger point and myofascial release . Our double lacrosse ball is best for rolling the forearm , neck , and shoulders - our spike ball is great for the arches of your feet for plantar fasciitis .
All of this is backed by our lifetime manufacturer's warranty and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee , To purchase these items separately would cost over $75, making this a great value or a great gift (if you know anyone that likes massages...) ; )

SaleBestseller No. 7

The Original Body Roller - High Density Foam Roller Massager for Deep Tissue Massage of The Back and Leg Muscles - Self Myofascial Release of Painful Trigger Point Muscle Adhesions - 13" Black

3D textured rollers measure 13 x 5.5 inches with triple massage zones to replicate the fingers , thumbs , and palms of the human hand.
Roll before and after your work out at the gym , Pilates , or yoga to condition and stretch muscle tissue , and remove painful trigger points . Dual grid design has finger zone with ridges , and spiked bumps on the opposite side .
Great for runners , after a long workout , or as part of your stretching routine . Heavy Duty EPP construction tough enough for athletes , and still comfortable enough for a beginner .
Choose from lightweight and portable full size model or our mini travel model to get physical therapy grade massages , deep stretches , and acupressure relief all in the privacy of your own home .
Speed up recovery , treat muscle pain , increase performance , flexibility , and mobility . One of the best fitness tools to help your body recover , rolling before and after exercise is critical for beginners and pros alike .

Bestseller No. 8

VIBRA Vibrating Foam Roller - Next Generation Electric Foam Roller with 5 Speeds Settings | Includes Carry Case & Vibration Foam Rolling Training (Black)

ROLL OUT BETTER THAN EVER – Warm up and recover like never before with the next-generation foam roller with vibration! Powerful pulses reverberate through tight and sore muscles, thwarting tension and soreness like no regular roller ever could.
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RELAX, IT’S RECHARGEABLE – Not only is your foam roller vibrating massager’s battery rechargeable, but it lasts for over 4 hours! It includes a USB cable, but there’s no need to pull it out just yet. The roller arrives pre-charged!
OUR PROMISE – Hit every workout hard for life when you warm up and recover with Epitomie Fitness’s vibrating exercise roller! It comes with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring that every training session is your best one yet.

Bestseller No. 9

18 Inch Length x 6 Inch Round - Foam Roller - Best Firm High Density Eco-Friendly EVA Foam Rollers for Physical Therapy, Great Back Roller for Muscle Therapy, Mobility & Flexibility

★THIS LISTING IS FOR OUR 18 INCH X 6 INCH FOAM ROLLER: PLEASE CHECK CORRECT SIZE - Our popular 18 x 6 roller is ideal for your Hamstring - IT Band - Calves. Our premium EVA body roller will not flake or chip or lose its shape - EVER! Our Premium EVA back rollers offer a firm solid core with a slightly soft exterior and will last forever. EVA is eco-friendly, completely recyclable and contains no formamide or phthalates. Get what the professionals use and experience immediate pain relief today
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★ KISS MUSCLE PAIN GOODBYE: Tight muscles prevent you from performing your best. Poor mobility interferes with sleep and other daily activities. Sometimes stretching alone is not enough. This is why Chiropractors - Physical Therapists - Personal Trainers - Medical Professionals ALL recommend smooth firm foam rollers as the safest method for relieving back pain - neck pain - core stabilization - trigger point treatment - physical therapy - improving balance
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★ SAVE WITH PROFESSIONAL GRADE RELIEF: Skip the expensive massage and get deep tissue therapy and myofascial release anytime you want! Improve muscle mobility & increase flexibility today. Our form roller is perfect for muscle reflexology, pre - post workout for Crossfit, Pilates, Yoga, Weight Training, Bodybuilding. Running, or ANY fitness enthusiasts. Our foam muscle roller will have you rolling your way to muscle soreness relief in minutes

Bestseller No. 10

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos, Original (13-Inch), Black

Patented foam roller design offers a superior, multi-density exterior constructed over a rigid, hollow core
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Includes access to free online instructional video library on foam rolling best practices from the experts at TriggerPoint
Trusted foam roller of physical and massage therapists, coaches, trainers and athletes
Original GRID: Standard density, 13 x 5.5 inches, 500 pound weight limit; 1 year manufacturer's warranty

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

October 18, 2020October 22, 2020

Fibromyalgia and the role of brain connectivity in pain inhibition

Brain Connectivity is the essential peer-reviewed journal covering groundbreaking findings in the rapidly advancing field of connectivity research at the systems and network levels. Published 10 times per year in print and online, the Journal is under the leadership of Founding and Co-Editors-in-Chief Christopher Pawela, PhD, Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Bharat Biswal, PhD, Chair of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology. It includes original peer-reviewed papers, review articles, point-counterpoint discussions on controversies in the field, and a product/technology review section. To ensure that scientific findings are rapidly disseminated, articles are published Instant Online within 72 hours of acceptance, with fully typeset, fast-track publication within 4 weeks. Tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Brain Connectivity website.

Press Release:

New Rochelle, NY, October 1, 2014–The cause of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome is not known. However, the results of a new study that compares brain activity in individuals with and without fibromyalgia indicate that decreased connectivity between pain-related and sensorimotor brain areas could contribute to deficient pain regulation in fibromyalgia, according to an article published in Brain Connectivity, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Brain Connectivity website at http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/brain.2014.0274 until November 1, 2014.

The new study by Pär Flodin and coauthors from Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden) builds on previous findings in fibromyalgia that showed abnormal neuronal activity in the brain associated with poor pain inhibition. In the current study, “Fibromyalgia is Associated with Decreased Connectivity between Pain- and Sensorimotor Brain Areas”, the researchers report a pattern of “functional decoupling” between pain-related areas of the brain that process pain signals and other areas of the brain, such as those that control sensorimotor activity in fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy patients, in the absence of any external pain stimulus. As a result, normal pain perception may be impaired.

“Fibromyalgia is an understudied condition with an unknown cause that can only be diagnosed by its symptoms,” says Christopher Pawela, PhD, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Brain Connectivity and Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin. “This study by Flodin et al is an important first step in the understanding of how the brain is involved in the widespread pain perception that is characteristic of the disorder.”

###

About the Journal

Brain Connectivity is the essential peer-reviewed journal covering groundbreaking findings in the rapidly advancing field of connectivity research at the systems and network levels. Published 10 times per year in print and online, the Journal is under the leadership of Founding and Co-Editors-in-Chief Christopher Pawela, PhD, Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Bharat Biswal, PhD, Chair of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology. It includes original peer-reviewed papers, review articles, point-counterpoint discussions on controversies in the field, and a product/technology review section. To ensure that scientific findings are rapidly disseminated, articles are published Instant Online within 72 hours of acceptance, with fully typeset, fast-track publication within 4 weeks. Tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Brain Connectivity website at http://www.liebertpub.com/brain.

Sale

Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

October 18, 2020October 18, 2020

Foot Pain in Fibromyalgia

Like any painful problem in fibromyalgia, any pain in the foot is probably going to be more painful. What might just be a not-so-bad problem foot problem in those without fibromyalgia, in those with fibromyalgia it is a more painful problem. The reason for that is the central sensitization of the nervous system in those with fibromyalgia that amplifies the pain.

Probably the most common musculoskeletal problem of the foot is plantar fasciitis which typically causes pain under the heel that is commonly worse when getting out of bed in the morning. The cause is to much load on the plantar fascia which is a strong ligament like structure that supports the arch of the foot. Heel pain in fibromyalgia is particularly problematic, not just because of the plantar fasciitis, but also because they are susceptible to trigger or tender spots in the muscles under the arch of the foot. This probably means that the management of these sorts of problems is going to be more difficult than the typical case of plantar fasciitis.

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you have any problems related to the foot, then it is probably best to see a podiatrist for advice on which are the best options to manage the problem.

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Aerobic exercise and fibromyalgia

There is no doubt about this. The evidence and science is really clear on this: aerobic exercise is helpful in those with fibromyalgia and leads to significant improvements in the quality of life. There is no doubt on this and we all probably should be doing it anyway.

The nature of the aerobic exercise probably does not matter. There are plenty of options such a cycling, swimming, walking or running. Running or jogging is often the easiest as there are no constraints on when or where that you can do it. It is also the cheapest, as all you need is a good pair of running shoes. It is often best to start out with a slow walk, then as that is comfortable a fast walk, and then when that is comfortable, alternate a slow jog with walking. Only as your body get used to it should you up how fast you jog and how far you jog. The important thing is to increase distances and speed slowly and gradually.

It is also probably advisable to get advice from a physician or exercise physiologist if it has been a while since you have participated in any form of exercise.

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

October 13, 2020October 14, 2020

Is it gout or a fibromyalgia flare up?

The first thing you need to know about gout is that is really hurts, I mean really really hurts. A gout attack is very painful. Gout also typically and mostly affect the big toe joint of the foot. It also comes on suddenly. So if the pain you are experiencing is really bad, comes on suddenly and affects the big toe joint, then it probably gout. If it is not those things, then it is probably not gout. That does not mean that it is or is not, but its really one of probabilities, so it is probably best to get checked out by a physician if you experience this.

The flare ups that can occur in fibromyalgia do not have the same characteristics as those of gout. That does not mean that you do not have gout and if 3% of the general population have gout, then by chance 3% of those with fibromyalgia are probably going to have gout by chance. There is no evidence that gout is more common in those with fibromyalgia.

If you do have gout, then the diet is just as important as the diet for those with fibromyalgia should be. Higher urate levels are a problem in those with out. Its best to avoid foods that raise the urate levels ( eg beer, liquor, wine, potato, poultry, soft drinks, and meat) and consume more of the foods that reduce urate levels (eg eggs, peanuts, cold cereal, skimmed milk, cheese, brown bread, margarine, and non-citrus fruits).

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

October 10, 2020October 22, 2020

Where does the pain in fibromyalgia come from?

Those who have fibromyalgia syndrome could have an increased intramuscular pressure, which could represent a new diagnostic aid in fibromyalgia syndrome and be a target for therapy to lessen muscle pressure, based on a study just published in The Journal of Rheumatology.

“This study directs attention to a peripheral target for both diagnosis and treatment that is not routinely monitored in clinical practice; intramuscular pressure, and hopefully provides a revised roadmap for a better understanding of pain in fibromyalgia syndrome,” wrote the authors, led by Robert S. Katz M.D., of the Rush Medical College from Chicago, Illinois.

People with fibromyalgia syndrome experience chronic pain, that is thought to come about via disordered central processing. The initial drugs for this chronic pain include things like pregabalin, duloxetine and milnacipran, that are useful to relieve the assumed central nervous system effect on widespread musculoskeletal pain. In the research, they question the common model of pain in fibromyalgia syndrome, looking to demonstrate that pain over the muscles is connected to increased intramuscular pressure.

The research included 108 people who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) requirements for fibromyalgia syndrome and 30 people who met the ACR criteria for a different rheumatic condition. Trapezius muscle pressure was assessed and participants had dolorimetry testing, digital palpation, and documented their pain scores.

The degree of pressure within the trapezius muscle of people with fibromyalgia syndrome resting was nearly 22 mm Hg higher than the pressure of the controls, with a mean pressure of 33.48 mm Hg versus 12.23 mm Hg, respectively. In 98 % of people with fibromyalgia syndrome, a pressure reading of 23 mm Hg or higher was recorded, which is greater when compared to a normal resting value of around 8 mm Hg.

People with fibromyalgia syndrome had been more tender than controls according to both dolorimetry and digital palpation (p<0.001 for both). The average pain rating in people with fibromyalgia syndrome and people with another rheumatic disease was 6.68 and 1.43, respectively (p<0.001). The researchers mentioned that these results are in line with prior evidence showing that pain and tenderness are frequent in the trapezius muscle of people with fibromyalgia syndrome, however they recommended that this pain/pressure connection needs more research.

“This is the first evidence of an abnormality in muscle pressure in fibromyalgia syndrome,” the researchers wrote. “Methods to reduce intramuscular pressure may be therapeutic.”

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

August 23, 2020October 14, 2020

Study Finds a High Rate of Restless Legs Syndrome in Adults with Fibromyalgia

Press release:

DARIEN, IL – A study in the Oct. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found 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 quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. Results show that the prevalence of restless legs syndrome was about 10 times higher in the fibromyalgia group (33 percent) than among controls (3.1 percent). After statistical adjustments for potential confounders such as age, gender and ethnicity, participants with fibromyalgia were 11 times more likely than controls to have RLS (odds ratio = 11.2). As expected, considerable sleep disruption was reported by participants with fibromyalgia using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In the fibromyalgia group these sleep problems were more severe among people who also had RLS. “Sleep disruption is common in fibromyalgia, and often difficult to treat,” said contributing author Dr. Nathaniel F. Watson, associate professor of neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle, Wash. “It is apparent from our study that a substantial portion of sleep disruption in fibromyalgia is due to restless legs syndrome.” The research team led by Dr. Watson and lead author Dr. Mari Viola-Saltzman of Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, studied 172 people with fibromyalgia who had a mean age of 50 years; 93 percent were female. They were compared with 63 healthy controls who had a mean age of 41 years.

Fibromyalgia was identified by self-report or review of the medical records, and it was confirmed on examination according to published guidelines regarding the presence of pain that is chronic and widespread. Pain was assessed by subjective report and by objective measurement with a dolorimeter, a spring-loaded gauge that is used to apply standardized rates of pressure to tender points on the arms and legs. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue. It is estimated to affect 5 million Americans age 18 or older, and between 80 and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. The causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown.

Restless legs syndrome was diagnosed using a self-administered, validated questionnaire. RLS is a sleep-related movement disorder that involves an urge to move the legs that is usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. This urge begins or worsens during periods of rest or inactivity, is partially or totally resolved by movement, and worsens or only occurs at night. RLS occurs 1.5 to two times more commonly in women than in men. Watson noted that treating restless legs syndrome may be one of the keys to reducing fatigue and improving quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. RLS often can be successfully treated with a medication such as pramipexole or ropinirole. “Since restless legs syndrome is a treatable condition, diagnosing and treating RLS in fibromyalgia patients has the potential to improve their sleep,” Watson said.

According to the authors, the cross-sectional nature of the study did not allow for an examination of causality. However, several aspects of the two syndromes suggest a logical overlap. Both disorders involve sensory abnormalities, and a similar pathophysiology of the system that regulates the neurotransmitter dopamine has been proposed for both syndromes. Furthermore, restless legs syndrome may be induced by antidepressants, which are a common treatment for pain and depression in fibromyalgia. Also, exercise has been shown to improve the symptoms of both syndromes. The study was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health and by the National Fibromyalgia Research Association.

Sale

Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

August 15, 2020October 9, 2020

Foods that might trigger Fibromyalgia

The following foods may worsen symptoms of fibromyalgia by increasing inflammation:

Sugar. Lowering or removing sugar can have a significant influence on wellness for two reasons. Initially, the clinical literature has actually shown that consuming foods high in sugar is linked to boosted fibromyalgia discomfort.

Second, limiting sugar assists control weight. Being obese puts added stress on the body, contributing to fatigue, and also kept fat might bring about inflammation in some cases. Sugar is a popular active ingredient in sweet as well as soft drinks, but is additionally in foods thought about to be healthy and balanced– such as yogurt. When inspecting nourishment tags, it is helpful to recognize that glucose, fructose, and sucrose are various other names for sugar.

Carbohydrates. Fine-tuned carbs such as cookies, several breads, breads, as well as white rice are absorbed quickly, creating blood sugar level levels to surge. The effect does not last, nonetheless, and also blood glucose quickly goes down, making the specific starving once more. These changes can make the fatigue and discomfort of fibromyalgia worse as well as contribute to overeating.

When eating carbohydrates, entire wheat resources ought to be selected. Entire wheat foods absorb a lot more slowly, preventing the highs and lows that accompany various other carbs.

One little research study focused on ladies identified with fibromyalgia that likewise had irritable digestive tract syndrome (IBS) and also a food intolerance. (Many individuals with fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome.).

When the ladies reduced on consuming a certain group of carbs, they reported a 50% reduction in short-tempered bowel signs and symptoms and a 22% decline in other signs, consisting of pain. The restricted carbohydrates were a type not well soaked up in the small intestine. Such carbohydrates include lactose (a component in milk and also other dairy products foods), fructose (in some vegetables and fruits, honey, and also various other sugar), as well as grains.

Processed foods. Sugar as well as harmful fats, which boost inflammation, are a big part of numerous processed foods. Flavors and preservatives typically utilized in processed foods likewise may set off food sensitivities.

Unhealthy fats. Veggie oils, such as corn oil, safflower oil, as well as peanut oil, have an inflammatory impact, especially when utilized to fry food. The clinical literature has actually linked deep-fried foods to aggravating of fibromyalgia signs. Harmful oils are an usual ingredient in numerous refined foods, such as cookies, doughnuts, and crackers. Pizza and cheese are additionally major resources of undesirable fats.

Alcohol. While some research study has located moderate alcohol use can reduce symptoms, some people with fibromyalgia report alcohol triggers signs to flare. Consuming alcohol while taking specific medicines prescribed for fibromyalgia– such as anti-convulsants, antidepressants, as well as acetaminophen (a component in several drugs) can create damaging interactions.

The above is not a comprehensive list of foods that may trigger symptoms. Other foods and ingredients that may trigger symptoms for some include, but are not limited to:

Gluten
Red meat
Some fruits and vegetables
Dairy products
Eggs
Caffeine

Sale

Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

August 1, 2020October 9, 2020

Research teams find widespread inflammation in the brains of fibromyalgia patients

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers – collaborating with a team at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden – has documented for the first time widespread inflammation in the brains of patients with the poorly understood condition called fibromyalgia. Their report has been published online in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity.

“We don’t have good treatment options for fibromyalgia, so identifying a potential treatment target could lead to the development of innovative, more effective therapies,” says Marco Loggia, PhD, of the MGH-based Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, co-senior author of the report. “And finding objective neurochemical changes in the brains of patients with fibromyalgia should help reduce the persistent stigma that many patients face, often being told their symptoms are imaginary and there’s nothing really wrong with them.”

Characterized by symptoms including chronic widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and problems with thinking and memory, fibromyalgia affects around 4 million adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Previous research from the Karolinska group led by Eva Kosek, MD, PhD, co-senior author of the current study, suggested a potential role for neuroinflammation in the condition – including elevated levels of inflammatory proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid – but no previous study has directly visualized neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients.

A 2015 study by Loggia’s team used combined MR/PET scanning to document neuroinflammation – specifically activation of glial cells – in the brains of patients with chronic back pain. Hypothesizing that similar glial activation might be found in fibromyalgia patients as well, his team used the same PET radiopharmaceutical, which binds to the translocator protein (TSPO) that is overexpressed by activated glial cells, in their study enrolling 20 fibromyalgia patients and 14 control volunteers.

At the same time, Kosek’s team at Karolinska had enrolled a group of 11 patients and an equal number of control participants for a similar study with the TSPO-binding PET tracer. Since that radiopharmaceutical binds to two types of glial cells – microglia and astrocytes – they also imaged 11 patients, 6 who had the TSPO imaging and 5 others, and another 11 controls with a PET tracer that is thought to bind preferentially to astrocytes and not to microglia. At both centers, participants with fibromyalgia completed questionnaires to assess their symptoms. When the MGH team became aware of the similar investigation the Karolinska group had underway, the teams decided to combine their data into a single study.

The results from both centers found that glial activation in several regions of the brains of fibromyalgia patients was significantly greater than it was in control participants. Compared to the MGH team’s chronic back pain study, TSPO elevations were more widespread throughout the brain, which Loggia indicates corresponds to the more complex symptom patterns of fibromyalgia. TSPO levels in a structure called the cingulate gyrus – an area associated with emotional processing where neuroinflammation has been reported in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome – corresponded with patients reported levels of fatigue. The Karolinska team’s studies with the astrocyte-binding tracer found little difference between patients and controls, suggesting that microglia were primarily responsible for the increased neuro-inflammation in fibromyalgia patients.

“The activation of glial cells we observed in our studies releases inflammatory mediators that are thought to sensitize pain pathways and contribute to symptoms such as fatigue,” says Loggia, an assistant professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School. “The ability to join forces with our colleagues at Karolinska was fantastic, because combining our data and seeing similar results at both sites gives confidence to the reliability of our results.”

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

August 1, 2020October 9, 2020

Concussion and Fibromyalgia: Is There A Link?

Fibromyalgia is an insidious disease. It’s challenging to diagnose with a host of complicated and differed symptoms, much of which can be attributed to other problems. These consist of, yet are not restricted to, increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, memory loss and concerns with concentration, and also headaches. The specific root cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, yet study suggests it relates to chemical inequalities in the brain as well as, subsequently, exactly how the central nerves refines discomfort. Usually it’s thought to be triggered by a literally or emotionally traumatic event like the loss of a close friend or relative, giving birth, a severe medical procedure, or an injury. Such as, as an example, a terrible brain injury, also referred to as a concussion.

As we remain to learn more about fibromyalgia as well as its causes, so, as well, does the clinical area considerably discover more concerning concussion and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Both are mostly misunderstood conditions, linked by injury to the brain as well as the nervous system. Thus, there are theories that head injury might result in fibromyalgia. But why? Just how does bumping your head after a fall link to a long-term incapacitating persistent pain condition? In the end, it’s all in your head!

When you strike your head, your brain tissue is wounded. This is, essentially, what a concussion is. Depending upon the level of seriousness of the injury, and exactly how treatment and recovery are approached, you can, in theory, be back up as well as running within a week or so. Nevertheless, most cases of TBI’s aren’t dealt with very carefully enough and result in long-lasting signs frequently characterized as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Without appropriate therapy and also rest, concussions can end up being a months-long recovery process, and PCS can take anywhere up to a year to get over. This prolonged healing time implies that your brain is distressed for the duration, attempting to recoup however not able to heal from its preliminary contusion made considerably even worse by overuse.

It’s consequently medical experts are beginning to speculate a direct relationship between traumas, concussion, and fibromyalgia. Research studies on the cognitive function of clients with fibromyalgia lend really certain understandings into how the brain reacts to the problem. Evidence of declined handling speed, memory lapses, as well as fogginess are lastly being connected to the lasting effect of a concussion and also PCS, including enhanced recognizing to the consequences of fibromyalgia.

So what does this mean for people that have recuperated from a concussion? Are they imminently at risk of creating fibromyalgia? Should they rush to their doctors for an examination? No, not always. But what this does imply is, if you have actually experienced a concussion eventually in your life, and also you begin to discover some similar signs and symptoms resurfacing unexpectedly together with chronic, mysterious discomfort, it would concern discuss your previous TBI to your doctor or group of experts. Keeping a comprehensive medical history is essential, and can aid with future diagnoses. If you or someone you understand has actually suffered a concussion, take the needed time to rest and recoup to prevent long-term damage or PCS.

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Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life

Abril M.D., Andy (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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