ScienceDaily: Fibromyalgia News

New Canadian guidelines for treating fibromyalgia

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Physicians have published a review article to help family doctors diagnose and treat fibromyalgia. The article represents the first time researchers have published Canadian guidelines to help manage the condition.

Regular, moderate exercise does not worsen pain in people with fibromyalgia

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:55:55 EDT

For many people who have fibromyalgia, even the thought of exercising is painful. Yet a new study shows that exercise does not worsen the pain associated with the disorder and may even lessen it over time.

Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:46:46 EDT

Low and moderate drinkers of alcohol reported lower severity of symptoms of fibromyalgia than teetotallers, finds a study. Too much alcohol reversed this effect. The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is thought to affect one in 20 people worldwide but there is no known cause or cure. It often goes hand in hand with fatigue and sleep problems, headaches, depression and irritable bowel and bladder problems. Treatment is based around pain management and lifestyle changes.

Drugs to treat fibromyalgia just as likely to harm as help, review finds

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:41:41 EST

Among fibromyalgia patients taking either of two commonly prescribed drugs to reduce pain, 22 percent report substantial improvement while 21 percent had to quit the regimen due to unpleasant side effects, according to a new review.

Study assesses mood disorders with TMJ pain

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:20:20 EST

There is an ongoing debate about the role of psychological disorder symptoms as risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Previous studies have associated depression and TMJ pain but large scale studies have not been performed. German researchers evaluated more than 3,000 community subjects and found that those with depression and anxiety had increased risk for temporomandibular pain upon palpation.

Discovery could eventually help diagnose and treat chronic pain

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:57:57 EST

More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. But treating and studying chronic pain is complex and presents many challenges. Scientists have long searched for a method to objectively measure pain and a new study advances that effort.

Men with fibromyalgia often go undiagnosed

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:27:27 EST

Fibromyalgia is a complex illness to diagnose and to treat. There is not yet a diagnostic test to establish that someone has it, there is no cure and many fibromyalgia symptoms -- pain, fatigue, problems sleeping and memory and mood issues -- can overlap with or get mistaken for other conditions. A new study suggests that many people who have fibromyalgia, especially men, are going undiagnosed.

Fibromyalgia and the brain: New clues reveal how pain and therapies are processed

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:34:34 EST

According to new research, pain experienced by people with fibromyalgia may be caused by a problem with the way pain stimuli are processed in the brain. Abnormal pain signal processing may also be related to a lack of responsiveness to opioids, a common class of pain relievers.

Topical NSAIDs provide relief from arthritis pain

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:14:14 EDT

For those suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees or hands, applying topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- in the form of creams, gels and patches -- can bring weeks of pain relief, finds a new review.

Surgeon, professor team in new approach to pain treatment

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:27:27 EDT

A chronic pain condition and numerous gastrointestinal disorders may all be caused by a virus. That's a Tuscaloosa-based surgeon's theory likely headed for a clinical trial early next year and one drawing support from a researcher who studies how viruses replicate.

Chronic vulvar pain related to irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia and interstitial cystitis

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:23:23 EDT

Women with vulvodynia at much higher risk for other chronic pain conditions, according to a new study.

Role of impaired sleep in fibromyalgia pain explored

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:37:37 EDT

Patients coping with the complex pain disorder fibromyalgia often have difficulty sleeping, and a new study reports that despite the negative quality of life implications, poor sleep is not a significant predictor of fibromyalgia pain intensity and duration.

Psychological intervention reduces disability and depression in adolescents with fibromyalgia

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:30:30 EST

A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The psychological intervention was found to be safe and effective, and proved to be superior to disease management education.

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:57:57 EST

Researchers from Norway have uncovered an association between sleep problems and increased risk of fibromyalgia in women. The risk of fibromyalgia increased with severity of sleep problems, and the association was stronger among middle-aged and older women than among younger women.

Smoking linked to chronic pain in women

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:54:54 EDT

Kentucky women who smoke heavily may experience more chronic musculoskeletal pain, suggests a new study.

Yoga boosts stress-busting hormone, reduces pain, study finds

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:14:14 EDT

A new study finds that practicing yoga reduces the physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. The study is the first to look at the effects of yoga on cortisol levels in women with fibromyalgia. Participants' saliva revealed elevated levels of total cortisol following a program of 75 minutes of hatha yoga twice weekly over the course of eight weeks.

Music therapy relieves fibromyalgia symptoms and improves patients’ quality of life

Thu, 26 May 2011 09:12:12 EDT

Researchers have shown that music therapy combined with other relaxation techniques based on guided imagery significantly reduces pain, depression and anxiety, and improves sleep among patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Thus, this therapy enhances patients' quality of life. This experimental study has shown that these two techniques enhance the well-being and personal power of patients with fibromyalgia.

Childhood physical abuse linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, study suggests

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:17:17 EDT

Childhood physical abuse is associated with significantly elevated rates of functional somatic syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities among women, according to new findings.

Immediate treatment can alleviate future back problems, research suggests

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:23:23 EDT

Immediate treatment by a physiotherapist, bypassing a waiting list, can reduce problems with recurring low back pain, new research suggests.

Traffic accidents linked to increased risk of chronic widespread pain

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:36:36 EDT

Individuals with poorer health or psychological issues may be prone to developing chronic widespread pain following a traumatic event. New research has found that the onset of chronic pain was more often reported following a traffic accident than from other physically traumatic triggers.

Study probes obesity link to fibromyalgia

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:32:32 EST

Afflicting up to 5 percent of the U.S. population, mostly women, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and range of function problems. A new study reports there is close association between obesity and disability in fibromyalgia patients.

Depression drug may relieve pain from breast cancer treatment

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:18:18 EST

A drug commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorder was effective at reducing joint and muscle pain associated with a breast cancer treatment, according to a new study.

High rate of restless legs syndrome found in adults with fibromyalgia

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:14:14 EDT

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 quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

Yoga can counteract fibromyalgia, study suggests

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:31:31 EDT

Yoga exercises may have the power to combat the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia -- a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain.

Adolescents with fibromyalgia who are physically active report lower levels of pain and disability

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:46:46 EDT

Adolescents with fibromyalgia who are physically active report lower levels of pain and disability, according to a new study

How badly does it hurt? Research examines the biomedical diagnosis of pain

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:21:21 EDT

Sociology research investigates the challenges of patients experiencing pain symptoms that don't visibly turn up on any test.

New principle discovered for how muscle pain is signaled

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:17:17 EDT

Chronic muscular pain may be linked to a previously unknown principle for how pain signals are transmitted in the human body, according to new research from Sweden.

New criteria proposed for diagnosing fibromyalgia

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:34:34 EDT

The American College of Rheumatology is proposing a new set of diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia that replaces the tender point test with a rating system that includes common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems, as well as pain.

Obesity associated with increased risk of fibromyalgia

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:23:23 EDT

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.

Fibromyalgia affects mental health of those diagnosed and their spouses, study finds

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:14:14 EDT

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.

New reliable method based on patients’ gait helps to diagnose fibromyalgia

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:10:10 EDT

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 patients' walk parameters, i.e. their gait.

Fibromyalgia symptoms improved by lifestyle adjustments

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:32:32 EDT

Short bursts of physical activity can ease fibromyalgia symptoms. Researchers have shown that encouraging patients to undertake "Lifestyle Physical Activity" can markedly increase the average number of steps taken per day and produce clinically relevant reductions in perceived disability and pain.

Slow breathing reduces pain

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:37:37 EST

Controlled breathing at a slowed rate can significantly reduce feelings of pain, according to new research. Chronic pain sufferers, specifically fibromyalgia (FM) patients, also reported less pain while breathing slowly, unless they were overwhelmed by negative feelings, sadness or depression.

Early Treatment Of Fibromyalgia More Effective, Research Suggests

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:57:57 EDT

People suffering from fibromyalgia have reduced activity in the parts of the brain that inhibit the experience of pain. Drugs that affect the CNS can be effective against the disease, and are thought to be even more so if administered early in its course, according to a Swedish researcher.

Chinese Acupuncture Affects Brain's Ability To Regulate Pain, UM Study Shows

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:49:49 EDT

Acupuncture has been used for over two millennia in East-Asian medicine to treat pain. Using brain imaging, researchers have provided novel evidence that traditional Chinese acupuncture affects the brain's long-term ability to regulate pain. Their findings show acupuncture acts as more than a placebo, and can activate receptors in the brain that process and dampen pain signals.

Fibromyalgia Patients Show Decreases In Gray Matter Intensity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:02:02 EDT

Previous studies have shown that fibromyalgia is associated with reductions in gray matter in parts of the brain, but the exact cause is not known. Using sophisticated brain imaging techniques, researchers have found that alterations in levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine might be responsible for gray matter reductions.

Inexpensive Drug Appears To Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:40:40 EDT

A small pilot study was conducted over a 14-week period to test the new use of a low dose of a drug called naltrexone for the treatment of chronic pain. The drug, which has been used clinically for more than 30 years to treat opioid addiction, was found to reduce symptoms of pain and fatigue an average of 30 percent over placebo.

Fibromyalgia Pain Linked To Central Nervous System Dysfunction

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:31:31 EST

Widespread body pain in fibromyalgia patients is associated with specific brain metabolite abnormalities, according to new research.

Use Of Antidepressants Associated With Improvement In Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:44:44 EST

The use of antidepressant medications by patients with fibromyalgia syndrome is associated with a reduction in pain, sleep disturbances and depressed mood and improvement of health-related quality of life, according to an analysis of previous studies.

Fibromyalgia Can No Longer Be Called The 'Invisible' Syndrome

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:40:40 EST

Using single photon emission computed tomography, researchers in France were able to detect functional abnormalities in certain regions in the brains of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, reinforcing the idea that symptoms of the disorder are related to a dysfunction in those parts of the brain where pain is processed.

Fibromyalgia Pain Linked With Central Nervous System Disorder

Sat, 31 May 2008 09:12:12 EDT

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. A new study, published in The Journal of Pain, shows that fibromyalgia is associated with central nervous system abnormalities evidenced by patients' elevated sensitivity to auditory and pressure sensations.

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

Tue, 13 May 2008 19:15:15 EDT

"Drug approved. Is disease real?" "Does it really exist or is it all in women's heads?" "The doctors are in. The jury is out. " The New York Times headlines rankle Barbara Keddy. For more than 40 years, she has suffered from fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.

Fibromyalgia Affects Women More Often Than Men

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:52:52 EDT

Are you exhausted? Do you have pain all over but can't figure out what's wrong? If so, you may be suffering from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes exhaustion, sleep disturbances and diffuse pain in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Biological Link Between Pain And Fatigue Discovered

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:30:30 EDT

A recent study reveals a biological link between pain and fatigue and may help explain why more women than men are diagnosed with chronic pain and fatigue conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pain In Fibromyalgia Is Linked To Changes In Brain Molecule

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:26:26 EDT

Researchers have found a key linkage between pain and a specific brain molecule, a discovery that lends new insight into fibromyalgia, an often-baffling chronic pain condition.

A Regular Dip In The Pool Could Benefit Fibromyalgia Sufferers

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:24:24 EST

Patients suffering from fibromyalgia could benefit significantly from regular exercise in a heated swimming pool, a study in Arthritis Research & Therapy shows. The findings suggest a cost effective way of improving quality of life for patients with this often-debilitating disorder.

Marijuana-based Drug Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain, Study Suggests

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:45:45 EST

Patients with fibromyalgia treated with a synthetic form of marijuana, nabilone, showed significant reductions in pain and anxiety in a first-of-its-kind study. Fibromyalgia syndrome has no cure, is difficult to diagnose, and effective pain management strategies are a must to help patients cope with the disease. An estimated 12 million Americans have fibromyalgia, which is characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain and myriad other symptoms. The condition is far more prevalent in women and the incidence increases with age, reaching 7 percent among women 65 years and older.

MRE Could Provide A Definitive Diagnosis For People With Muscle Pain, Study Shows

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:37:37 EST

An estimated nine million men and women in the United States live with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition marked by pain that permeates muscles in the neck, back and shoulders. The condition is difficult to diagnose and not entirely understood, but research studies indicate that a new imaging technology holds promise for a definitive diagnosis and, perhaps eventually, new treatments for people who have the syndrome.

Exercise And Education Helps Women With Fibromyalgia

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:36:36 EST

An exercise program that incorporates walking, strength training and stretching may improve daily function and alleviate symptoms in women with fibromyalgia, according to a new article. These benefits appear to be enhanced when exercise is combined with education about managing the disease.

Fibromyalgia Pain Caused By Neuron Mismatch, Suggests Study

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EDT

The unexplained pain experienced by patients with fibromyalgia is the result of a mismatch between sensory and motor systems, new research suggests. Scientists note that this finding adds to a growing body of evidence that many of the symptoms of this common disorder may be perpetuated, or even triggered, by the sensory-motor conflict researchers identified.

Why Don't Painkillers Work For People With Fibromyalgia?

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:13:13 EDT

New research shows that people with fibromyalgia were found to have reduced binding ability of a type of receptor in the brain that is the target of opioid painkiller drugs such as morphine.

Mindfulness Meditation: A New Treatment For Fibromyalgia?

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 13:47:47 EDT

Fibromyalgia has emerged as a common, yet difficult to treat disorder. A group of investigators has proposed a new modality of treatment. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) proposes a systematic program for reduction of suffering associated with a wide range of medical conditions.

Further Legitimization Of Fibromyalgia As A True Medical Condition

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:57:57 EDT

Fibromyalgia, a chronic, widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues accompanied by fatigue, is a fairly common condition that does not manifest any structural damage in an organ. Fibromyalgia, affecting approximately 2% of the US population, is an example of a class of maladies called CSS. These diseases are based on neurochemical abnormalities and include irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and restless legs syndrome.

FDA Approves First Drug For Treating Fibromyalgia

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:01:01 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Lyrica (pregabalin), the first drug to treat fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Lyrica reduces pain and improves daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia.

Gabapentin Shown Effective For Fibromyalgia Pain

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:22:22 EDT

New research shows that the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin, which is used for certain types of seizures, can be an effective treatment for the pain and other symptoms associated with the common, often hard-to-treat chronic pain disorder, fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia: The Misunderstood Disease

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:25:25 EDT

Fourteen years ago, Josephine began to experience severe pain throughout her body. As her symptoms became worse, she sought help from a variety of specialists, but no one could diagnose her condition.

Pain From Fibromyalgia Is Real, Researchers Say

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:24:24 EST

Many people with fibromyalgia -- a debilitating pain syndrome that affects 2 to 4 percent of the population -- have faced the question of whether the condition is real. Increasingly, though, the scientific knowledge about fibromyalgia is growing, and a new paper from the University of Michigan Health System says there are "overwhelming data" that the condition is real.

High Risk Of Migraine, Depression And Chronic Pain For IBS Sufferers, Large Study Shows

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 09:55:55 EDT

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to suffer from conditions such as migraine or depression than other individuals. A study published today in BMC Gastroenterology shows that patients with irritable bowel syndrome are 60 percent more likely to suffer from depression, migraine or chronic pain than individuals who do not suffer from IBS.

Fibromyalgia Increases Pain And Fatigue For Pregnant Women

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 18:47:47 EDT

Pregnant women with fibromyalgia (FM) experience significant pain, fatigue and psychological stress, symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or undertreated as a normal part of pregnancy, according to a pilot study by Karen M. Schaefer, D.N.Sc., R.N., assistant professor of nursing at Temple University's College of Health Professions. Her research, the first to look at the impact of pregnancy on women with FM, was recently presented at the 2006 Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses' convention in Baltimore.

Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Study Finds

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:07:07 EDT

Fibromyalgia is a disorder considered disabling by many, and is characterized by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and symptoms such as fatigue, joint stiffness and sleep disturbance. No cure is known and available treatments are only partially effective.