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Fibromyalgia / CFS Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and pain management.
Fibromyalgia information
by fibromama, Jul 08, 2008 04:35PM
Fibromyalgia (FMS or Fibro for short) is a chronic condition which causes widespread pain and fatigue as well as a variety of other symptoms. The name Fibromyalgia comes from "fibro" meaning fibrous tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), "my" meaning muscles, and "algia" meaning pain. Fibro does not cause joint pain or swelling. The pain from Fibromyalgia is produced in the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles and tendons.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/AR00056
Question: Why Don't NSAIDs Work for Fibromyalgia Pain?
Why don't pain relievers like Motrin, Advil and Aleve work against the pain of fibromyalgia?
Answer:
It's a common misconception that fibromyalgia is an inflammatory or rheumatological condition, but it is not. While researchers still have many theories about the mechanisms behind fibromyalgia, many of them now believe the condition is more neurologically based.
Aleve (naproxen sodium) and ibuprofen-based drugs (Motrin, Advil) are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and are most effective against pain that accompanies inflammation. They're generally not as effective against other types of pain, especially when pain is severe.
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/updated.htm
Fibromyalgia has been researched for a while now by my Doc as well as others who meet regularly in LA. Studies done by these docs show that a possible cause of "Fibro" is due to a virus once had or have on the nervous system,,which makes a lot of sense considering the nerve pain that is experienced with having "Fibro" and nerve pain meds (Lyrica) and or Neurontin chemical cousin less potent than Lyrica working and lessening the pain for most who suffer this syndrome. There is not a sure cause as to why Fibro exists but efforts are being made on the parts of docs who believe in this syndrome and for the want of helping there patients.
Narcotic pain meds are by far the most widely used form of treating Fibro pain and work extremely well for most. Along with meds comes lots of rest,,eating healthy and drinking a lot of water,,light exercise swimming prob the best (stretching,yoga) no marathons yet,,a good multi-vitamin,,massages help (but are expensive) unless you can get your ins to pay for a PT they also know good massages,,hot baths "especially before bed"
Dont drink caffeine,,smoking slows down the blood flow to our body, thus causing more pain) so noo smoking,,,,red meat is a natural inflammatory so although "fibro" has nothing to do with inflammation, getting inflammation from another source would cause more pain to the "fibro" sufferer,,,,try not to stress yourself out beyond the stress you already may have from having "fibro" emotional issues can make "fibro" pain and such other syptoms worsen if yoyur emotinally having difficulties.
I hope all who suffer from pain find peace within and can get to a place where you feel tolerable to live within your own body,,fibromyalgia and pain for that matter is a tough one to live with but support can help dramatically,,I as well as others who have good intentions and dont just want to critisize are here for you and will walk with you down this pain journey we share together,,,,
only those who live the pain can find empathy with others who feel and think the same
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/AR00056
Question: Why Don't NSAIDs Work for Fibromyalgia Pain?
Why don't pain relievers like Motrin, Advil and Aleve work against the pain of fibromyalgia?
Answer:
It's a common misconception that fibromyalgia is an inflammatory or rheumatological condition, but it is not. While researchers still have many theories about the mechanisms behind fibromyalgia, many of them now believe the condition is more neurologically based.
Aleve (naproxen sodium) and ibuprofen-based drugs (Motrin, Advil) are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and are most effective against pain that accompanies inflammation. They're generally not as effective against other types of pain, especially when pain is severe.
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/updated.htm
Fibromyalgia has been researched for a while now by my Doc as well as others who meet regularly in LA. Studies done by these docs show that a possible cause of "Fibro" is due to a virus once had or have on the nervous system,,which makes a lot of sense considering the nerve pain that is experienced with having "Fibro" and nerve pain meds (Lyrica) and or Neurontin chemical cousin less potent than Lyrica working and lessening the pain for most who suffer this syndrome. There is not a sure cause as to why Fibro exists but efforts are being made on the parts of docs who believe in this syndrome and for the want of helping there patients.
Narcotic pain meds are by far the most widely used form of treating Fibro pain and work extremely well for most. Along with meds comes lots of rest,,eating healthy and drinking a lot of water,,light exercise swimming prob the best (stretching,yoga) no marathons yet,,a good multi-vitamin,,massages help (but are expensive) unless you can get your ins to pay for a PT they also know good massages,,hot baths "especially before bed"
Dont drink caffeine,,smoking slows down the blood flow to our body, thus causing more pain) so noo smoking,,,,red meat is a natural inflammatory so although "fibro" has nothing to do with inflammation, getting inflammation from another source would cause more pain to the "fibro" sufferer,,,,try not to stress yourself out beyond the stress you already may have from having "fibro" emotional issues can make "fibro" pain and such other syptoms worsen if yoyur emotinally having difficulties.
I hope all who suffer from pain find peace within and can get to a place where you feel tolerable to live within your own body,,fibromyalgia and pain for that matter is a tough one to live with but support can help dramatically,,I as well as others who have good intentions and dont just want to critisize are here for you and will walk with you down this pain journey we share together,,,,
only those who live the pain can find empathy with others who feel and think the same
interesting on the nerve theory i agree i feel in time and with more research fibro will be seen as a nerve related pain moreso than just muscular pain.
kinda like ibs now which is being linked to the nerves in the gut being irriated too easily and not nesseraly related to certain foods as a lot of people think
anyway good info always needed .
Deedee
Great fibro info !
Here is what Dr. Mark Shaw (author of "Beat Fibromyalgia and Fatigue") says about the possible triggers. I know I read the actual research study on this as well:
Fibromyalgia/CFS can be caused by a whole range of factors. All of which, it is most likely your doctor or practitioner will not be able to diagnose.
Only doctors and therapists expert in the treatment and management of these conditions will have the time, testing equipment and expertise to tell you the most likely causes and provide an accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Recent research points toward a variety of triggers prevalent in these conditions.
1/ a chronic bacterial infection which has overrun your immune systems ability to cope.
You can be infected through a variety of mediums. The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems are compromised and damaged. The condition is then maintained and exacerbated by musculoskeletal imbalance in the thoracic region causing irritation of the surrounding nerve ganglia.
2/ a viral/ chemical exposure which entered your system causing brain and spinal cord lesions, simultaneously leaving the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems in a state of chaos. The condition is then maintained and exacerbated by musculoskeletal imbalance in the thoracic region causing irritation of the surrounding nerve ganglia.
3/ a viral/ chemical exposure which entered your system causing a temporary brain injury to the area of the brain that deals with immune response.
Types 1 and 2 will cause the most prolonged type of Fibromyalgia/CFS, with 3 being mostly related to the type of post viral illness PVFS caused by EBV, in otherwise healthy patients this will usually dissipate over a period of 6 months to a year and should not necessarily result in or be classified as Fibromyalgia/CFS.
source: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/cfs