The widespread pain condition known as fibromyalgia can be debilitating long before it’s diagnosed. Since women experience fibromyalgia compared to men at a rate of nearly nine to one, men have the additional challenge of getting their doctors to even consider that a cluster of symptoms could be fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia in men does occur, perhaps at higher rates than previously understood. Here’s what you need to know about fibromyalgia in men.

Do men get fibromyalgia?

The challenges of fibromyalgia in men starts at the very beginning with historically low rates of incidence. Research indicates that roughly ten million people in the U.S. have fibromyalgia, with as many as one and a half million of those being men living with fibromyalgia (both diagnosed and undiagnosed).

Because the typical cluster of fibromyalgia symptoms can indicate other medical conditions, most doctors won’t reach first for a fibromyalgia diagnosis in men. Indeed, it may not even be a discussion for most doctors. This presents significant difficulties when it comes to treatment – both physically and mentally. If your doctor won’t even consider it, how could fibromyalgia be a possibility?

The truth is, men do get fibromyalgia, and they deserve supportive treatment options.

Risk factors

The main risk factor for fibromyalgia is gender, but there are other factors that can increase your risk. Rheumatic disease, including lupus, increases your chances of fibromyalgia, as does having a first-degree relative, male or female, with fibromyalgia.

People with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are also at an increased risk of fibromyalgia.

In general, patients with chronic and systemic inflammation accompanied by a genetic link and a history of mood disorders are most at risk of developing fibromyalgia.

16 fibromyalgia in men symptoms

The number one fibromyalgia in men symptom is stigma. Men who experience other symptoms of fibromyalgia may be described as weak, lazy, or whiney. They may be accused of not taking care of their family or shirking their responsibilities. All of these assessments are patently unfair and may prevent men from seeking treatment. A stiff upper lip and stoic demeanor may sound good on paper, but many men suffer needlessly because of the expectation to be tough and strong.

Fibromyalgia is no joke, with symptoms that can make just getting out of bed nearly impossible. Here are 15 symptoms and co-occurring disorders men with fibromyalgia might experience.

1. Cognitive difficulties with concentration and memory (also known as “fibro fog”)
2. Tenderness across the body
3. Migraines or headaches
4. Pins and needle sensations
5. Irritable bowel syndrome
6. Nausea
7. Lower gastrointestinal issues, including constipation, diarrhea, and excessive gas
8. Sleep disorders, including insomnia or extreme fatigue
9. Anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges
10. Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
11. Difficulty with balance
12. Stiffness in joints
13. Emotional sensitivity
14. Muscle spasms
15. Anger and irritability (often masking depression or other mood disorders)

What does fibromyalgia feel like?

All of these symptoms may not be present, but a diagnosis of fibromyalgia relies on the presence of a cluster of them over time.

Men also report hyperalgesia (amplified pain) specifically in the neck more frequently than women. For men who have delayed seeking treatment for years, this may be the one symptom that reliably sends them to their doctor.

Symptoms may appear and be very intense, only to disappear completely for weeks or months at a time. Some men with fibromyalgia find their symptoms intensify with lack of sleep or changes to the weather. Others experience a fairly constant set of symptoms.

Sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds may also be present, sometimes increased by allodynia. Allodynia is pain sensation triggered by even the slightest touch, including a breeze, a hug, or a handshake.

Extended periods of stress, poor sleep, poor diet, and limited physical activity may also trigger symptoms.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia in men

When men are the primary provider for their families, this can add to the challenge of getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Fibromyalgia costs more annually than diabetes and high blood pressure in terms of direct medical costs and missed work and lost wages. The first step in a diagnosis is finding a doctor who is willing to explore fibromyalgia as a possible condition.

Research and anecdotal evidence offer conflicting opinions on how men experience symptoms, further complicating diagnosis. Some researchers believe that men experience milder symptoms (and fewer of them), while others report that men experience more severe symptoms that include less ability to function and a lower quality of life.

Clearly, your doctor matters when it comes to obtaining a diagnosis. They will take a complete medical and family history to eliminate the possibility of other conditions.

Conditions with some symptomatic similarities include:

• Multiple chemical sensitivity
• Tension-type headaches
• Interstitial cystitis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Restless legs syndrome
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Migraines
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
• Lyme disease
• Multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis

A formal diagnosis

Tracking fibromyalgia symptoms is an important part of getting a diagnosis. Keeping a pain journal (or tracking with a pain app on your phone) can help you identify patterns in symptoms that can be useful in the beginning stages of your fibromyalgia treatment.

Along with reviewing your symptoms, your doctor will complete a thorough physical exam looking for tender points in the body. Fibromyalgia pain is generally felt symmetrically but may not be present in all areas across the body. While this is no longer the clear indicator of fibromyalgia it once was, tender points can provide important information during a diagnosis.

Your doctor will also use the 2010 American College of Rheumatology diagnosis guidelines to assist them in getting a clear picture of your symptoms. These new guidelines look to the following markers for a formal fibromyalgia diagnosis.

1. Widespread pain index (WPI) greater than or equal to seven and symptom severity (SS) scale score greater than or equal to five or WPI equaling three to six and SS scale score greater than or equal to nine
2. Symptoms have to persist for at least 90 days, or three months
3. There is no alternate disorder that can explain the pain
4. The WPI notes the number of areas in which the patient has felt pain over the past week, with a score that will be between zero and 19

As a part of your physical, your doctor will also run lab tests, largely to uncover what your condition is not (fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed with a blood test). Some tests your doctor may order include:

• Complete blood count
• Urinalysis
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Thyroid function tests
• Vitamin D levels

Taken together, all of this gathered information can help present a clearer picture of all symptoms you’re experiencing, potentially leading to a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

How to treat fibromyalgia in men: 11 treatments

Healthcare professionals treat fibromyalgia in men in two ways: symptomatically and holistically. Typically, the goal is to ease current symptoms while working towards long-term remission of them. While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, it is possible to lengthen periods of remission, ease painful attacks, and improve a person’s overall quality of life.

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent flare-ups. Getting plenty of good-quality rest is crucial. Many men resist this due to the above-mentioned stigma about being lazy, but combat that notion with a healthy dose of exercise three or four hours before bed.

Regular exercise promotes good sleep, and it directly combats the perception of laziness. Exercise also promotes excellent mental health, reducing the risk and severity of depression, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.

Eating a healthy diet is also key to managing any chronic pain condition. Adding plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and lean, healthy protein can help keep your body healthy. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes things like turmeric, tart cherries, and ginger may also help when pain flares up.

There is also increasing evidence that gut health is an important factor in the management of many chronic conditions. Including probiotic foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha in your diet can also ease any digestive symptoms and strengthen what is known as the brain-gut axis.

Alternative treatments

The following five treatments can also ease pain and the stress that it causes.

1. Float tanks: Weightless treatment in float tanks can ease pain and stress in just one session.
2. Acupuncture: Research on acupuncture has suggested that it can ease painful symptoms and restore mobility and ease of movement.
3. Gentle massage: Light massage on a regular basis can help maintain good circulation, ease pain, and relieve stress.
4. Biofeedback: Patients learn how to recognize, monitor, and control their body’s physical response to pain. This can help to literally change the way the body responds over time.
5. Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation does not ease pain so much as it eases a person’s response to it.

Interventional fibromyalgia treatments

In addition to the above holistic treatments, there are medications that can help address painful flare-ups. There are currently only three approved fibromyalgia medications:

1. Lyrica
2. Cymbalta
3. Savella

Off-label medications sometimes prescribed for fibromyalgia include:

• Certain antidepressants, such as milnacipran or amitriptyline
• Muscle relaxants, like cyclobenzaprine
• Anti-seizure medications, such as gabapentin or pregabalin
• Anti-steroidal inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for acute pain episodes

While some might reach for opioid medications as a first-line treatment for fibromyalgia, there is no evidence that opioids are effective for long-term management of chronic pain. For acute pain and cancer, opioids may provide relief, but for chronic conditions the risk of addiction and complicating side effects outweigh any possible minor relief.

Epidural steroid injections for tender points or TENS unit therapy may also provide pain relief during flare-ups.

Get help

In addition to treatment, men who are recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia may find tremendous relief by participating in a fibromyalgia support group.

These groups are filled with men who are going through the same challenge and they can help you deal with the pressures placed on men diagnosed with a chronic illness. Fibromyalgia support groups (or individualized therapy) can also help you navigate any mood disorders that may be present in addition to fibromyalgia.

We know how challenging it can be for men with fibromyalgia to ask for help. If you are in Arizona, give the compassionate doctors at Arizona Pain a call. We can help you get your life back.

Few things are more relaxing than soaking in a hot tub or sauna, or possibly hitting the steam room. For patients with fibromyalgia or other types of chronic pain who are looking to reduce discomfort, heat therapy can help diminish pain as well as reduce stress and promote feelings of wellbeing.

Sauna or stream room?

Saunas and steam rooms offer different types of heat, and which one you prefer will likely depend on personal preference.

A sauna tends to have dry heat, like Arizona in the summer but hotter. The rooms are typically heated anywhere from 160 degrees to 200 degrees. The extreme heat causes the body’s skin temperature to reach 104 degrees within a few minutes, according to Harvard Health. The heat also results in a quickening of the pulse, which forces the body to circulate blood and other fluids more rapidly.

The body’s hard work to pump blood to the skin and cool the body results in sweat, which many people say cleanses and detoxifies the body although not too many scientific studies support this claim, according to Greatist. That’s because other internal organs, like the kidneys and the liver are responsible for the bulk of the body’s detoxification and not the skin.

Saunas have long been used in some cultures as a way to promote good health. In Finland, saunas have been used since the 12^th century, and today are commonly accessible to the general population. In the U.S., saunas and steam rooms tend to be luxuries or uncommon amenities.

Finnish researchers have discovered that several sauna sessions each week diminish the risk for cardiovascular disease, reports Reuters Health. Researchers cautioned that people should drink plenty of water after sitting in the sauna.

A steam room, meanwhile, tends to be cooler than a sauna, reaching about 110 degrees to 120 degrees. The room is heated through steam piped in and so the feel is more analogous to a bathroom after someone takes a long, hot shower. Moist heat is a recommended treatment for fibromyalgia, and many people find steam rooms soothing for pain, reports WebMD.

Not many studies have been done to measure the effects steam rooms or saunas have on people with chronic pain or fibromyalgia. However, both types of heated therapy promote feelings of relaxation, which can in turn reduce pain.

One way saunas may benefit people with fibromyalgia is by improving elasticity in muscle tendons, according to research by Dr. Peter Rowe, director of the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. This increased elasticity could help people with chronic pain feel more agile.

Many people say there’s a feeling of camaraderie inside the rooms, and that social atmosphere further induces feelings of relaxation. Social support is important for managing chronic pain, and taking a friend to the sauna or steam room could be a great way to hang out while relaxing and taking positive action to reduce chronic pain.

Other possible health benefits of heat therapy include improved strength and enhanced muscle recovery, according to Greatist. Some studies have also shown regular visits to the sauna potentially lower cholesterol and blood pressure while improving insulin sensitivity, which plays a role in diabetes. If you have diabetes, heart problems, or other health problem besides fibromyalgia or chronic pain, talk to a doctor before heading in to soak up the heat.

Saunas and steam rooms not without risk

Pain patients should approach heat therapy with caution because the high temperatures could also activate stress hormones.

The potential for stress makes it important to choose the right type of heat therapy. Some people prefer dry heat while others prefer more moisture in the air. Opting for a sauna, steam room, or even hot tub treatment depending on those personal preferences will ensure you derive the optimum benefit.

Although people frequently use saunas after strenuous exercise, doctors generally don’t advise this practice because the extreme heat can be stressful to the heart, according to the LA Times. Although some research has found that saunas promote heart health, sitting in the sauna may cause heart failure in those with an existing heart condition.

Build up the amount of time you spend in the sauna or steam room slowly, starting with maybe just a minute or two and then gradually increasing the amount of time to five or ten minutes. Sitting inside too long can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water and exit the room if you feel light-headed or dizzy, even if you just entered.

Float therapy for fibromyalgia offers hope

Float therapy is a relatively new trend, but proponents say the health benefits are tremendous, and an entire research initiative has emerged studying the benefits specific to fibromyalgia. The Fibromyalgia Floatation Project (FFP) is a loosely organized group of scientists and businesspeople interested in furthering the limited, but promising research.

An FFP study completed in Sweden found float spas can “produce significant temporary relief to the symptoms of fibromyalgia.” Patients benefited from less pain and reduced stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. Study participants also reported improved feelings of wellbeing, enhanced relaxation, and even more energy.

Float therapy involves the use of salt-water filled pods. The water is so heavily salted that the person effortlessly floats, with no worry of sinking. The water is heated to skin temperature to promote the ultimate relaxation. The goal is sensory deprivation, in which all the noisy stimuli of daily living—light, noise, email, and people—vanish. In the float tank, people fall into a deep state of relaxation that proponents say is profoundly healing.

Because the water is the same temperature as the skin, people can’t tell where their body begins and ends while floating, writes Shelly Fan in Discover magazine. This contributes to the feeling of relaxation and may result in a deep meditative state. When the mind stops, the body can fully rest, which helps to increase levels of energy.

While researchers generally believe that fibromyalgia results from disturbances in how the body processes pain, some research has suggested that the stress and sleep deprivation associated with fibromyalgia may result in a magnesium deficiency. Floating in a bed of salt helps to alleviate this deficiency, according to FFP.

Have you tried a form of heat therapy for fibromyalgia?

Image by Hotel Arthur via Flickr

Anyone who suffers from the widespread pain of fibromyalgia knows how difficult even the simplest daily tasks can be. If you experience pain flare-ups and other common symptoms of fibromyalgia, you’re likely looking for a treatment that actually works. If you are considering trying a TENS unit for fibromyalgia, here’s your guide to what it is, how it works, and how it might ease your fibromyalgia pain. Let’s get started.

What is a TENS unit?

TENS is an acronym for transcutaneous electrical stimulation. A non-invasive pain treatment option, a TENS unit uses small electrical pulses to replace pain signals. Electrical leads on electrodes (self-sticking patches) are placed on your skin in the area where the pain signals originate. These leads are attached to a cellphone-sized, battery-powered, patient-controlled device that controls the frequency and intensity of these electrical pulses.

You may have two or four electrodes placed on your body. Each set of two is controlled by two channels. How many electrodes you use depends on your pain condition and your overall treatment plan.

Because a TENS unit (and its leads) are housed on the outside of the body, this is a great option for those who are looking to avoid more invasive treatments. TENS units have very few (if any) risks. Use is generally well-tolerated and can be safely combined with other treatments.

How can a TENS unit for fibromyalgia help me?

If you are looking at a TENS unit for fibromyalgia treatment, you are in good company. One of the main issues with research into many pain conditions is the challenge of designing a scientifically valid study. However, there have been several high-quality studies in the last few years that point to the effectiveness of a TENS unit for fibromyalgia.

• January 2020: Researchers in a large, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial found that 50% of participants had a significant reduction in pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia with use
• March 2019: A study looking at the effects of TENS on the brain found decreased pain levels as the alpha power in the frontal lobe increased
• October 2018: In another randomized trial, 44% of study participants experienced a 30% or greater reduction in their pain when using a TENS unit for fibromyalgia

Most researchers and study reviewers agree that more research is needed, but for many people, a TENS unit for fibromyalgia decreases their pain and increases their quality of life. Because this treatment is non-invasive and can be typically used with other approaches, it’s a great option for many patients.

How to use a TENS unit for fibromyalgia

If you are ready to try a TENS unit and are thinking about buying one over the counter, it makes sense to do a little research before you get started. The type of TENS unit you buy matters, as does the placement of the electrodes and the settings you use.

As always, the best source of information will be your doctor. They can ensure proper placement and help you find the intensity and settings that work for you. Always work with them while setting up your TENS unit or ask them for product information. They can answer any questions you have and advise on the best settings for you. Further, they can discuss how TENS units can complement your other fibromyalgia treatments.

This is our general guide to give you an idea of what to look for and expect during treatment.

Find the best TENS unit for fibromyalgia

As noted above, a TENS machine for fibromyalgia can be simply purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy. There are benefits to getting one prescribed for you, though. For example, in many cases, a TENS unit for fibromyalgia (including replacement electrodes) will be covered by your insurance.

Another benefit to getting a prescription is that your doctor is likely familiar with the brand they prescribe. This means that they can help you troubleshoot your treatment if you need it.

If you are looking to buy a TENS unit on your own, consider looking for ones with the following features.

• Wiring: Some TENS units come wireless, while others feature leads connected to the controller
• Control buttons: They should be easy to access and adjust, but not so easy that you accidentally change the settings
• Display: The display should be easy to read with large text (and a backlit screen is a bonus)
• Levels of stimulation: Look for TENS units that have a variety of settings, frequency, and intensity so you can get the exact level you need for pain relief
• Warranty: Make sure your TENS unit is protected against flaws or damage
• Price: The cheapest is not necessarily the best, but the best isn’t necessarily the most expensive

Finally, consider things like how many electrodes the unit comes with and how easy the controller is to carry or store. Your unit should come with at least four electrodes, but more is better (no need to order spares). If the controller is bulky or hard to stow on your person, you will be less likely to use it—and consistency is key.

TENS unit placement for fibromyalgia

The correct TENS unit placement for fibromyalgia is the key to finding relief. Your doctor is the best determiner of where to place the electrodes. The TENS unit stimulates specific nerves, replacing the pain signals with a mild electrical buzz. Place the electrodes over the wrong area and nothing will happen but a mild tingle. If electrode pairs are too far away from each other, you will also not find any relief.

In general, TENS unit placement for fibromyalgia (example here) features two electrodes on either side of the spine just at the tops of the shoulder blades, with another two on either side of the lower back. This placement targets widespread nerve pain that is characteristic of fibromyalgia.

Of course, if you have specific pain in one area, your placement might be very different. Some people find fibromyalgia relief with electrodes on the front of the body or just down one side. It may take a few tries to get the correct placement for you.

Keep in mind that the electrodes should not touch each other on the body. Keep them spaced apart for safety and best results (more on that below).

TENS settings for fibromyalgia

Finding your perfect TENS settings for fibromyalgia may take some trial and error, too.

First, you will need to consider three main TENS settings:

• Amplitude
• Pulse width
• Pulse rate

Amplitude references how intense the electrical current is. Pulse width is how long each pulse lasts. Pulse rate determines how often an electrical pulse is sent.

Depending on your TENS unit, you may also have three standard settings.

• Conventional: This delivers a short-lived, high-frequency pulse at a low amplitude
• Acupuncture: The acupuncture setting uses a high amplitude current (at the top of your tolerance) delivered with long pauses in between
• Pulsed or burst: Often the least used setting, a pulsed setting delivers a low-intensity pulse with the briefest of pauses in between

Your setting will be as individual as your experience of pain and may take a while to dial in.

TENS unit safety: Dos and don’ts

Although using a TENS unit for fibromyalgia is remarkably safe, there are some dos and don’ts you should follow to improve the chance of a successful treatment.

Follow these guidelines

Here are some guidelines to follow when using your TENS unit for fibromyalgia.

• Ensure that the batteries in the controller are working (or the unit is charged) before using
• Clean and dry the skin on the area where you will place the electrodes
• Before you attach (or detach) your electrodes, make sure your TENS unit is powered off
• Place electrodes at least one inch apart from each other
• The larger the area you are covering, the more electrodes you will use

There is a possibility that after a few days of relief, your pain may return. This is entirely normal. Taking a break from treatment for a few days allows the nerves to rest. This also helps to make sure that the placement is correct and your treatment levels do not need adjustment.

Avoid with TENS units

Again, using a TENS unit for fibromyalgia is remarkably safe. There is no risk for drug interactions, and the treatment is non-invasive. However, there are some precautions to take to increase the chance of a successful treatment and ensure your safety.

• Don’t allow the electrodes to touch each other
• Don’t place electrodes on a joint (or anywhere they might become dislodged with movement)
• Keep the electrodes clear of metal jewelry (or metal of any kind)
• Keep the unit dry—do not shower with your TENS electrodes in place
• Don’t wear your TENS electrodes to bed
• Don’t apply electrodes to skin that is broken, irritated, or infected
• Avoid placing electrodes near the eyes, mouth, front or side of the neck, head, genitals, or reproductive organs

There are some people for whom TENS therapy is not recommended. If you have a pacemaker or other implantable device, TENS is not a good treatment option for you. Deep vein thrombosis is another condition that should not be treated with TENS therapy, as is any area where cancer has been diagnosed or is suspected.

Similarly, those who have epilepsy or are pregnant should not use a TENS unit without the supervision of their doctor.

When it comes to placement of the electrodes, do not place them on the chest if you have a history of heart disease.

Caring for your TENS unit

Taking good care of your TENS unit will ensure its proper function. Clean the unit regularly with a soft cloth. Do not use chemicals or rubbing alcohol to clean it, and do not submerge in water.

Store the unit in the case it comes in at room temperature. If you will not use your TENS unit for a long time, remove the batteries.

If you find that your electrodes are losing their stickiness, it may be time to replace them. Alternately, you can try to bring back the stickiness by washing gently under cold water. Allow them to air dry before reattaching to clean, lotion-free skin. Store unused patches in a sealed plastic baggie so they do not dry out.

Learn more

Fibromyalgia is one of the most challenging pain conditions to treat. The time to diagnosis is long, and it can be hard to find a treatment that works.

Most pain specialists agree that a combination of treatments offers the best chance for success. These treatments include lifestyle changes, comfort measures, and treatments like TENS therapy. Learn more about our full fibromyalgia treatment protocol here.

Arizona Pain takes an integrated care approach for all people who suffer from chronic pain. If you’d like to learn more about how a TENS unit for fibromyalgia can help you, call to schedule an appointment today.

For healthy people, navigating the day doesn’t take much planning other than determining the order of things. Lunch first or grocery shopping, they might wonder. Either way, it doesn’t matter and both will get done on most days. And if choosing is required, it’s usually not for lack of energy.

But for the five million people with fibromyalgia who live with near constant pain and fatigue, energy becomes a precious resource and daily life tasks must be prioritized because there simply isn’t enough for everything.

The fibromyalgia spoon theory explains how people with chronic illnesses ration energy

The fibromyalgia spoon theory was developed by a woman named Christine Miserandino who has lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is closely related to fibromyalgia, a disorder involving widespread pain, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, among other symptoms.

The two syndromes are so closely related that doctors frequently have difficulty distinguishing between them, according to Arthritis Today. In any case, the fatigue associated with the disorders makes completing basic life tasks difficult.

The fibromyalgia spoon theory goes something like this: A person starts the day with a certain number of spoons. Each spoon represents a burst of energy. Showering in the morning might require a spoon. Getting dressed is another spoon.

Miserandino wrote about this theory, recalling her meeting with a friend in a diner. The friend wondered what living with lupus was like—not from a physical perspective, but from a psychological one. What does it feel like on the inside, the friend wondered.

Miserandino serendipitously thought of the spoon theory, which has since spawned the term “spoonie” to describe fibromyalgia warriors, while trying to help her friend understand the rigors of living with a chronic illness.

On a whim, Miserandino grabbed a dozen spoons in sight and handed them to her friend. “Here, you have lupus,” she told the friend. The friend counted the spoons, realized she had 12, and jokingly asked if she could have extra.

“No,” Miserandino told her, suddenly realizing that she has hit upon a good way of explaining the unexplainable—what it’s like on a psychological level to evaluate your day, every day, and know that you do not have the energy for everything.

Miserandino and her friend went through the day. Showering? That’s a spoon. But wait, Miserandino says, the implications of chronic illness begin even before you rise. She describes:

“You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make yourself something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can’t take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine, you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too.”

Getting dressed cost another spoon, but Miserandino tells her friend about the decisions that go into getting dressed. If a particular part of the body hurts, or is bruised from the disease, that influences the day’s outfit choice.

Already down multiple spoons and not even out of the house yet, the friend began to understand that not all the day’s desired activities would be completed. Miserandino writes:

“The difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.”

The fibromyalgia spoon theory continues to dinner. While a healthy person has an array of choices for dinner, a person experiencing pain, fatigue, or nausea from a chronic condition must approach mealtimes a little differently. With one spoon left, Miserandino explains:

“If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then, I also explained that I didn’t even bother to add into this game that she was so nauseous that cooking was probably out of the question.”

Life at a slower pace is a key for living with chronic illness

Learning to slow down is the hardest thing Miserandino says she’s had to learn. Learning to feel left out, be okay with saying no, and prioritizing so the most important activities get done early enough in the day when there’s still spoons available—these are the things people without chronic illnesses can’t understand but the fibromyalgia spoon theory helps explain.

People with fibromyalgia must manage pain, fatigue, and other symptoms while attempting to live a full life, but unfortunately, most people find their lives changed in one or more aspects.

A survey conducted by the American Pain Foundation and National Fibromyalgia Association found these symptoms impact everything from relationships to parenting to important life decisions.

The results were compiled from online questionnaires answered by more than 2,550 people with fibromyalgia and hundreds more with other chronic pain conditions.

Fibromyalgia symptoms influenced people’s decisions to have children because patients feared about their ability to take care of a child or go through the experience of childbirth. Meanwhile, 95% of respondents with children under the age of 18 said pain made parenting difficult because it diminished their ability to enjoy highlights in their children’s lives and shepherd kids to school, events, and social activities.

Nearly all of those who responded said they altered their daily routine to simplify it or make it easier, similar to Miserandino’s fibromyalgia spoon theory.

Nearly 70% said fibromyalgia impacted their ability to take care of relatives.

Another study, commissioned by health news site HealthyWomen, found that 85% of patients with fibromyalgia consider the disease a burden on their lives, and 64% are concerned their condition is not taken seriously enough. Nearly half of survey respondents reported stunted careers while 67% said keeping up with household chores was no longer an option.

Other impacts included the ability to spend time with friends and family and lessened intimacy with partners.

How has fibromyalgia impacted your daily life?

Image by Nicki Mannix via Flickr

Chronic pain, fatigue, and depression are symptoms that lead to a daily battle for the ten million people in the U.S. suffering from fibromyalgia. If you’re trying to cope with this condition, you know it can affect every part of your life. Even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, certain types of weather can have a significant impact on how you feel. If you’re struggling with symptoms of fibromyalgia, you may want to consider a change of climate. Read on for a list of the best places to live with fibromyalgia.

Not sure if you’re ready to move? You’ll also find recommendations for vacation spots!

What are the best types of places to live with fibromyalgia?

The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is still unclear, which is why doctors continue to research this condition.

However, many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia say that weather has an effect on how they feel. Sudden drops in barometric pressure, as well as extreme temperatures may make pain much worse. Though it may not help all fibromyalgia sufferers, finding a better climate may help ease some symptoms of this condition.

Is warm weather better for fibromyalgia?

In short, the answer is generally yes. Most fibromyalgia sufferers report feeling much better during periods of temperate warm weather. Spring seems to be the best time of year due to the relatively mild conditions in most places.

As you begin to browse cities with warm weather, it’s important to remember a few things.

In many areas across the United States, particularly the South, warm weather also comes along with humidity. This only gets worse as it becomes hotter during the summer months. Thunderstorms and rain are another common occurrence in these places, which isn’t ideal for most fibromyalgia sufferers. While every case is different, it is common for humidity to be a trigger when it comes to an uptick in symptoms.

For states with warm weather and low humidity, such as desert climates, the battle may be during months of extreme heat. Of course, this can present issues when you’re outside, but it can also be a struggle indoors. This is because many offices, restaurants, and shops will have the A/C on at full power to combat the heat.

What type of weather is best?

Only you can answer this question as each person experiences fibromyalgia in their own way.

Consider starting a daily journal. Record the temperature and conditions of the day, along with a few notes about your symptoms. This will help you pinpoint what type of weather is best for you. Does a thunderstorm make you ache? Are temperatures over 90 degrees too much to handle? Take everything into consideration.

In general, a temperate climate is most beneficial for anyone with fibromyalgia. This would include areas with low humidity and infrequent rain. While no city is going to be perfect 365 days out of the year, it is possible to find areas that experience very few days of extreme weather conditions.

What other factors should I consider?

Moving is a big decision, so your choice shouldn’t be based solely on weather. There are several other factors to consider as you think about places you’d like to live.

First, what is the healthcare system like in the state you’re considering? You should have access to affordable care and reputable hospitals. This is important for anyone, but it’s especially significant when you’re coping with a condition like fibromyalgia. For example, states like Arizona and Utah have good healthcare systems with access to pain specialists (like the ones you’ll find at Arizona Pain, of course!).

Next, cost of living should be a factor. For example, California may be ideal for weather, but an average home costs well over half a million dollars in most places. Browse Zillow or team up with a realtor to find out more about the housing market before you pick up and move to a new city.

Lastly, think about the quality of life in each place you’re considering. You should be happy wherever you land! If you love to play tennis or mountain bike, it’ll be important to live somewhere that allows for these outdoor activities on a year-round basis. Perhaps you are nearing retirement and would rather relax on a beach? You’ll want to choose a place with easy coastal access.

It’s important to look beyond fibromyalgia weather and think about the big picture before you start packing.

The best places to live with fibromyalgia

With that, let’s jump right in. Here is our list of the best places to live with fibromyalgia. While these will differ for everyone, we think these are a good place to start.

1. Phoenix, Arizona

Sunny Arizona has a lot to offer fibromyalgia sufferers, especially the capital city of Phoenix. With an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees and just 36 days of rainfall, this is a great place to find warmth with little humidity.

Phoenix also boasts low cost of living and some of the best healthcare access in the country. Facilities like Mayo Clinic and Arizona Pain provide top notch care for people struggling with symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Lastly, it’s a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. With access to endless hiking trails, park systems, and community aquatic centers, there is always something to do if you enjoy an active lifestyle.

2. Tucson, Arizona

If you’re interested in Arizona, but looking for a smaller city, you’ll find Tucson just two hours down the road. You’ll find the same temperate climate and access to outdoor activities, plus a rich cultural scene that is unique to Tucson.

Even better? While it’s a slower pace in comparison to Phoenix, you’re only a short drive away if there is something you can’t find in Tucson. Temperatures also tend to be a little less extreme.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

While you may not think of Sin City as a great place to live, you’d be surprised by how much the city has to offer when you leave the Strip. There are surrounding suburbs that are affordable, safe, and most importantly, warm!

While you will have to deal with extreme temperatures during the summer months, you can beat the heat in the pool or make an escape. Las Vegas is also home to a major international airport with thousands of inbound and outbound flights every day.

4. San Diego, California

The Golden State touts year-round ideal weather and San Diego is no exception. With an average of just three days over 90 degrees, this is a perfect spot for anyone who wants to avoid extreme heat.

While it isn’t considered one of the most budget-friendly places to live, there is certainly no shortage of things to do. From beaches to restaurants, you’ll never be bored. Enjoy the sunshine and views!

5. Palm Springs, California

Not a fan of the ocean breeze? Head inland to Palm Springs. This city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California is perfect for anyone in need of sunshine and relaxed living.

It is known for an extensive list of golf courses, spas, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports and leisure.

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Residents of Santa Fe love the city’s desert climate. You won’t have to worry about humidity and fibromyalgia. Plus, air quality is above the national average.

History buffs enjoy the Pueblo-style architecture and landmarks. Art and culture can be found everywhere in this capital city, which makes it ideal for creative types.

7. Albuquerque, New Mexico

If New Mexico interests you, but you’re looking for more of a “big city” feel, Albuquerque may be your answer.

While it offers a similar moderate climate as Santa Fe, you’ll have access to a wonderful culinary scene and plenty of museums. The city is also best known for hot air ballon rides, especially the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

8. St. George, Utah

If you continue exploring the Southwestern region, you’ll find St. George, Utah. While summer temperatures will reach 100 degrees, winter is relatively mild and dry. Top things to do include fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Cost of living is affordable and the scenery is gorgeous.

Bonus tip: St. George is just 90 minutes from the bright lights of fabulous Las Vegas. That means you’re only a short drive away from some of the best restaurants and entertainment in the country.

9. El Paso, Texas

In west Texas, right on the border of both Mexico and New Mexico, you’ll find El Paso. The dry climate is sunny and warm most days, but it’s also home to several state-of-the-art medical centers. This makes it a good option for anyone dealing with a chronic pain condition.

With a median home listing price of $130,600, it’s also an affordable city that will stretch your dollar.

10. Daytona Beach, Florida

We know what you’re thinking, Florida is pretty humid, especially during the summer months. But if humidity isn’t a trigger for your fibromyalgia symptoms, Daytona Beach may be a great option.

The average temperature is 70 degrees, which makes it a temperate climate for frequent trips to the beach! Plus, you’ll have access to several different medical centers. Another plus? If you can’t find something you need in Daytona Beach, Orlando is just an hour away.

11. Athens, Georgia

Athens moves us away from some of the very warm areas on this list. For some fibromyalgia sufferers, warmth isn’t as important as consistent mild temperatures. Athens averages temperatures in the 60s, which makes it cooler, yet constant.

Home of the University of Georgia, Athens has a small southern town feel with a vibrant community. Bonus tip: Georgia is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees living on a fixed income.

12. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is another city that runs on the cooler end of the spectrum. With an average temperature of 56 degrees and about ten inches of snow per year, it has more winter weather than the other spots listed here.

That said, the healthcare industry is a big part of the Asheville economy, and there is plenty of access to outdoor activities and things to do.

The best places to vacation with fibromyalgia

Let’s face it, you don’t want to spend your entire life sitting at home. Here are some of the best vacation spots for people living with fibromyalgia. They’re easy to get to and have something for everyone.

13. Oahu, Hawaii

A trip to paradise always sounds nice, right? Put an umbrella in your drink and experience Hawaii. From beaches to waterfalls, this state has all the makings for a great vacation.

The island of Oahu is a favorite among tourists. It is home to the state capital, Honolulu, as well as Pearl Harbor. Indulge in island life and embrace history, all in one trip.

14. Mexico City, Mexico

The capital city of Mexico is known for mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. With an average annual temperature of 64 degrees, this is a temperate spot to enjoy a true cultural experience.

Mexico City boasts multiple museums, cathedrals, and temples. Foodies will also enjoy a long list of highly-rated restaurants.

15. San Juan, Puerto Rico

You won’t find any freezing temperatures in San Juan. This Caribbean destination is clear or partly cloudy for about 75% of the year.

Enjoy beaches, casinos, and great restaurants in this U.S. territory. Just remember, hurricane season peaks in August, September, and October.

Living with fibromyalgia

They say home is where the heart is, but it’s not that simple when you’re living with fibromyalgia. If you’re dealing with erratic weather or don’t have access to quality healthcare, it may be time to consider a move.

As previously mentioned, Phoenix can be an ideal place to live for some fibro patients. Sunny days and quality medical care are just the beginning. If you find yourself headed this way, make an appointment with Arizona Pain. We’d love to help you manage your symptoms and improve your life. If Arizona isn’t in the cards, we invite you learn more about living with fibromyalgia on our pain management blog.

At Arizona Pain, our award-winning team uses a comprehensive approach to manage your pain. Call us today to find out more about how we can help.

Red light therapy is a non-invasive therapy that claims to help treat everything from chronic pain to acne on a cellular level. Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), and photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy may be a good solution for complex health issues. But what is red light therapy really, and how does it work?

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is simple in both theory and practice. Our bodies require light to function well. This light is delivered naturally by the sun, of course. In some cases, a more concentrated version of certain types of light can be highly beneficial.

In red light therapy, safe, low concentrated wavelengths of red and near-infrared light is focused on the body. This can be done as a whole-body treatment or only in targeted areas. The natural red light painlessly penetrates the skin and moves into the body.

In theory, it works due to your body’s use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Once the red light passes through the skin, the mitochondria (part of every cell) absorbs it and begins to produce more ATP. This ATP provides energy for every cell in your body. The extra production of ATP may increase each cell’s ability to do its job. Cells store the ATP for when they need a quick burst of energy—much like a bank holds your money until you need to use it. When ATP production slows, cells have a harder time functioning because they don’t have enough energy to function. Red light therapy can help theoretically fill up a cell’s bank so that energy is available when needed.

This burst of ATP has many potential positive responses in the cells. Cells are able to repair and rebuild more easily, with free movement of oxygen and other fluids. In addition, signaling pathways from cells are opened, which may stimulate healing and trigger an anti-inflammatory response.

History

While you cannot get red light therapy benefits from simply swapping out the lightbulb at your desk, the treatment is now available in a variety of venues, from gyms and spas to your own home.

This therapy has only been around for the past 50 years (since lasers were invented), but the therapeutic use of light in not new. The use of light to “balance the four humors” has been around since antiquity. In 1903, the Nobel Peace Prize in medicine was awarded to Niels Ryberg Finsen for his work with artificial light in therapeutic settings.

So, the color may have changed, but the practice of using light goes back to the 8^th century BCE. Today, red light therapy is gaining attention as a potential treatment option for a wide variety of conditions and symptoms.

What are red light therapy benefits?

This therapy seems to target many conditions that are caused by either local or systemic inflammation. Today we recognize light therapy as treatment for the following conditions:

• Rickets
• Psoriasis
• Lupus
• Vitiligo
• Fungal infections
• Eczema
• Sleep disorders
• Emotional well-being and mental health

Consider the following study results.

• For wound healing, red light therapy results include reducing inflammation and stimulating the formation of new blood cells
• Patients with acne see their pores unblocked, inflammation reduced, and skin rejuvenated
• Red light therapy reduces muscle fatigue and soreness and improves recovery time

It also works to improve the health of the skin by:

• Increasing collagen production
• Protecting the cells from further damage
• Improving overall circulation

Red light therapy research is even beginning to build up a body of research for a number of chronic pain conditions.

Red light therapy for fibromyalgia

When using red light therapy for fibromyalgia, the research is mixed. All researchers agree that fibromyalgia pain is complex and challenging to treat. One review of studies in 2018 found that when using red light therapy over a long period of time, patients saw a reduction of pain and restored function. This occurred especially when therapy was focused on trigger points.

Small-scale studies have had positive results, including:

• Relieving pain and improving quality of life
• Improvement of all fibromyalgia symptoms

Other studies are ongoing, but with the low risk of side effects, it seems that red light therapy for fibromyalgia is promising. Adding red light therapy for fibromyalgia is not associated with a risk of side effects. It can be a safe addition to other forms of treatment.

Red light therapy for chronic pain

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved red light therapy for treating minor pains (including arthritis). There is also some evidence that it helps with multiple chronic pain conditions.

Osteoarthritis is a common, wear-and-tear form of arthritis that affects older adults. This condition usually progresses over time and can impact a person’s quality of life. A study in 2014 found red light therapy offered a significant reduction of pain and improvement in function short-term.

For rheumatoid arthritis (another progressive and painful inflammation of the joints), red light therapy reduced pain and improved function in 70% of participants. This result was found in a meta-analysis of 13 research trials. The meta-analysis did note, however, that there was no significant discussion of how the placement, duration, wavelength, and frequency of treatment affected these results.

When it comes to common chronic pain conditions, lower back pain patients may also benefit from this approach. Another randomized, controlled trial of red light therapy addressed this as a treatment option. Over a period of seven weeks, researchers found that the treatment reduced back pain without any adverse effects.

It is clear that some people have received tremendous benefit from this treatment. It is equally clear that more research is needed in this newer avenue of pain management.

How does red light therapy work?

Red light therapy is a complementary therapy that can be a positive addition to other treatments for a variety of conditions.

Read on to learn more about how it works, what to expect during treatment, and answers to other frequently-asked questions.

What is the basic mechanism behind this therapy?

As mentioned above, the mitochondria of your cells, sometimes called the “energy generators,” soak up the rays of the red light. They use this light to then create more energy in a cycle that can help with healing and rejuvenation of tissues and other cells that create them.

Red light therapy actually increases the number of mitochondria as well. In theory, more mitochondria storing more energy promotes more healing.

What types of red light therapy are there?

There are two particular wavelengths of red light therapy—660 nanometers and 850 nanometers—that seem to produce the best result.

How do you receive red light therapy?

Red light therapy can be delivered in one of three ways:

1. Lamp or panel of lights
2. Special device
3. Laser with a red light

The main consideration is that the wavelength is of sufficient strength to be therapeutic. In other words, tanning salons that put a red light bulb in their tanning beds and market them as “antiaging” may not be the best place to receive therapy. Look instead for specially-engineered devices.

Does red light therapy hurt?

Red light therapy delivers light in such a low amount that it does not hurt. There are no UV rays present, so the risk for burning is also not present.

However, concentrating light too close to the skin for a prolonged period of time can be painful.

Can red light therapy be used on its own?

At this point, the consensus seems to be that this therapy is a great addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for the targeted condition, but not a primary treatment.

For example, if you suffer from fibromyalgia, you might receive red light therapy in addition to making changes to your diet, exercising, and taking medication.

Is red light therapy covered by insurance?

Because this treatment is relatively new, most insurance companies do not offer even partial coverage. When it is used as a treatment for skin conditions, your dermatologist may be able to get partial coverage. They can at least ensure your payment goes towards your deductible.

When received in medical settings, each treatment generally costs between $25 and $85 dollars. At-home options cost anywhere from $50 to $250.

How often should I get red light therapy?

Each therapy session lasts about 20 minutes. Most providers recommend ten, 20-minute sessions once a week for ten weeks. They then recommend follow-up sessions every few months.

Your exact treatment plan may differ, depending on the condition being treated and any other treatments you are receiving.

Is red light therapy safe?

As with all treatments, the key question (beyond, “what is red light therapy?”) is whether or not the treatment is safe. The main concern with red light therapy is dosage. Too much light on the skin can eventually cause damage to the tissues, but too little is not effective.

If you are treating yourself at home with red light therapy (more on that below), there is always the risk of using the light improperly. This can result in damage or burns to skin. In the case of red light therapy delivered by laser, damage to the eyes is of slight concern.

The best way to protect yourself against the minimal risk of side effects is to either receive red light therapy in a medical setting or to get assistance from your doctor when you begin treatment. They can advise you on which type of equipment to buy and how to use it safely.

How to get started with red light therapy

Your first therapy session starts when you find a skilled provider. Start with your doctor or pain specialist to see if they have any recommendations for you.

A quick “red light therapy near me” search can also help. This will help you locate spas, integrated health centers, and dermatologists who offer this service near you. Take care to read any online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations before booking an appointment.

At your appointment, you may have an intake period you’ll discuss information about your condition and any treatments. If your provider is a pain specialist, they will review your diagnosis and ask questions about any current symptoms.

This therapy is administered in a couple of different ways, depending on the area targeted. You’ll either lie down under the lights or your provider will use a lighted wand over the treatment area. You may need to adjust your clothing to access the treatment area, but you won’t generally need to disrobe.

At-home red light therapy

If you’d like to try red light therapy at home, the first thing you need to do is to acquire a tool to deliver the red light.  Again, check in with your doctor for recommendations first.

The internet offers many different reviews of red light therapy products, which can also be helpful. You have lots of choices, from handheld wands to full-body panels that can be hung on the back of a door.

Keep in mind the following guidelines when selecting your at-home device:

• Include protective goggles no matter what device you buy (and make sure to wear them!)
• Look for wavelengths of 650 and 850 nanometers
• Read and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines

It can be helpful to keep a symptom tracking journal when you begin a new treatment plan as well. This is especially true for treatments administered at home.

Learn more

We hope this has helped answer the question, “What is red light therapy?” for you. At Arizona Pain, we see red light therapy as another tool in our integrated, comprehensive approach to helping you get your life back from pain.

Get in touch today to schedule your first appointment!

Fibromyalgia is a set of symptoms characterized by widespread pain, but the disorder brings with it a signature symptom known as fibro fog. Fibro fog affects cognitive function, leading to feelings of exhaustion and mental cloudiness, even after a full night’s sleep. Researchers still aren’t sure about the causes or biological underpinnings of fibromyalgia itself, let alone one of its symptoms, but fibro fog is nevertheless a very real problem experienced with the disease. Here’s what you should know, and how to manage this classic symptom of fibromyalgia.

What is fibro fog?

Fibro fog gained its name from the general feeling of mental confusion or inability to focus it imposes on those experiencing it. Along with it may come immobilizing exhaustion. This isn’t the type of fatigue that’s alleviated by a nap or sound night’s sleep. To the contrary, people with fibro fog often feel this way despite a full night’s rest. You can’t sleep fibro fog off because it stems from workings deep inside the brain.

Fibro fog makes it difficult to move through the day, concentrate on things that need to get done, or corral the energy necessary for work, school, or life tasks. It makes carrying on with normal life incredibly difficult. People who need sharp minds for their jobs may suddenly have trouble completing detailed assignments, according to the National Fibromyalgia Research Association (NFRA).

Episodes of this fogginess feeling may come intermittently. It can last anywhere from several hours up to several weeks or possibly the entire duration of a fibromyalgia flare, NFRA says.

What causes fibro fog?

While researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes fibro fog, this is an area of hot research and scientists have several hypotheses. One theory is that fibro fog is caused by a mix of depression and sleep deprivation, but studies so far haven’t found that to be true, reports Arthritis Today.

Another possible cause could be a lack of oxygen. Brain scans of those with fibromyalgia have revealed that some parts of patients’ brains receive insufficient amounts of the life-giving element. The same faulty nervous system firings that may play a role in causing fibromyalgia could also impact blood vessels in the brain, ultimately leading to fibro fog, according to Arthritis Today.

Yet another theory centers on the idea that chronic pain itself damages the brain, which may lead to fibro fog. A type of brain scan has found chronic pain sufferers tend to display excess activity in a part of the brain linked to emotion. This region is essentially always on, wearing out associated neurons and causing unbalanced brain chemistry, according to Arthritis Today.

What are the best ways to manage fibro fog?

Living with fibro fog can be challenging, but not impossible. Finding a few key anchors and strategies can help you reduce your pain, increase your own abilities, and improve your overall quality of life. There are some specific ways to manage the fog. Try some of the recommendations below to find what works for you.

1. Limit caffeine intake

Some people may be tempted to chain drink coffee in an attempt to caffeinate their way through the day. Ultimately, this causes more harm than good. First, caffeine is a diuretic, which could lead to dehydration, especially when drank in large quantities.

Second, you may have the misfortune of drinking too much coffee late in the day, making it difficult to sleep, exacerbating the seemingly endless mental fog you’re already in. Copious amounts of coffee could also lead to an energetic roller coaster marked by highs and lows throughout the day.

Skip the coffee and drink water instead, which helps the body function at its maximum potential. Staying well-hydrated could also help you minimize fatigue.

2. Create lists and written reminders

Navigating through life without mental clarity can be frustrating and confusing. Reduce the amount of information you must remember by writing everything down.

Consider investing in a good planner complete with a calendar and plenty of space for writing lists of appointments, to-dos, and other things you must remember. If you’re technology-savvy, you may want to use the calendar application in your cell phone or an app like Remember the Milk. Phones also typically have functions that allow you to enter tasks and even set reminder alerts.

Even simple things can be made easier with technology. Put dinner in the oven for 30 minutes? Ask your phone to remind you to take it out. This way, you have a little helper and don’t need to rely so much on your foggy brain. You might also consider setting a monthly cell phone reminder to pay your bills, and pay them all at once or as they come in, whichever you find easier.

3. Manage stress

This is easier said than done, but stress may worsen fibro fog and pain. Practices like breathing deeply and visualizing peaceful images like the ocean or a forest can greatly help manage stress.

Take a few minutes every day, or even several times a day, to lie down in a quiet place and regroup your thoughts. Focus on your breath and let all outside stimuli go. You may even consider creating a special corner or room in your house that’s relaxing for you with a comfortable chair or floor pillows and perhaps some flowers or other ornaments, but that’s generally free of clutter and conducive to relaxation. A Zen space.

Living life through the lens of fibro fog can itself be stressful and make you feel like you’ve lost something valuable. It’s difficult, but try to take it all in stride, perhaps seeking help from a support group either in person or online.

4. Adjust your expectations

Although you probably wish you were functioning at 110%, the reality is that you’re not. Be kind to yourself and expect less. Simplify your life to conserve energy, prioritize so that you do the most important things and spend time with the most important people first.

Also, consider this change in perspective: you’re always functioning at 100%. It’s just that some days 100% looks a little differently than others. Do the best you can today and let the rest go.

5. Exercise, safely 

Exercise is incredibly healthy, both for your body and mind. This one may be hard for you to fathom in a fatigued state, but exercise often helps people feel better. Start with low to moderate exercise when you move into a new program, and work extensively with your doctor to find an activity level that’s best for you.

Start slowly and build up to more moderate levels of activity over time. Most importantly, understand your limitations each and every day. Once you find an exercise program that works for you, it can decrease anxiety and depression, improve circulation, and help you stay functional.

Try a yoga class or bike ride. Perhaps do the elliptical at the gym or take a walk. Do something where you control the pace and amount of exertion, but getting the blood flowing will help you feel better and could alleviate the troublesome symptoms of fibro fog. Working out also helps to relieve stress.

6. Keep your brain in tip-top shape

Changes in cognition can be scary, but fortunately there are some options for working those brain pathways and keeping your mind in good shape.

Crossword puzzles and other games can challenge the brain and also help keep it in good shape. Engage with things and creative projects that excite you. During low pain days, you can try painting or coloring to give your brain a creative outlet.

7. Take a proactive approach to your treatment 

Get involved in your treatment plan by becoming a part of your healthcare team. Ask questions. Research different treatment options. Be willing to make decisions specific to your needs. This also may mean joining fibromyalgia support groups or organizations.

Rather than becoming overwhelmed, getting involved will help you feel less like a patient and more like a person.

8. Set goals 

Decide what’s most important to you by setting specific goals for improvement and priorities to guide you when fibro fog flares up. Your pain and other symptoms may be different every day, so make sure to monitor your own abilities and make allowances for them on that day.

By looking past the daily fibro fog and pain and to a larger goal, however, you can better cope with your daily symptoms. You may not be able to do everything that you did before. However, there are many low intensity activities and hobbies that can fulfill those same needs. These may include photography, dancing, gardening, or writing.

9. Use self-care to reduce other symptoms

Find time for self-care. This may mean using hot and cold therapy to help reduce pain. Try hot patches, freezer packs, heating creams, or cooling gels.

Sleep aids, such as body pillows or electric blankets, can also help you maintain better quality of sleep. Beyond these, find tools that help you minimize pain around the home. This may include recliners, shoe sole inserts, braces, shower seats, or lumbar support pillows.

10. Share your emotions and learn from others

Getting support from family members and friends may simply mean finding the courage to ask for it. You have the right to ask for help, find alternative ways of doing things, and share your feelings with those close to you.

Support groups can also provide another level of support and empathy from others with fibromyalgia. Lastly, look online for blogs and websites that talk about fibromyalgia. Websites with resources for pain management are available, but there are also personal blogs by others suffering from fibromyalgia, such as Felicia Fibro. Knowing that others struggle with fibro fog and other symptoms can help you feel less alone.

What other strategies do you use to live a full life with fibro fog? What has helped you find relief? Need advanced help? Talk to a pain specialist today! 

We all have had the occasional aches and soreness from doing a heavy workout or having a crazy, busy day. Nevertheless, what would it be like to wake up in the morning with the same amount of pain from an average day? Those with fibromyalgia have a pretty good idea. They also know that finding the best diet for fibromyalgia can go some of the way towards helping them find relief.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal condition. It causes localized or widespread muscle and joint pain in various places throughout the body. It mostly affects women. Those who have it experience tender points throughout the body. These are specifically in the neck, back, and arms. They hurt when pressure is applied. This condition usually develops in cycles and, because fibromyalgia has no unique indicators, it is difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms that are typically experienced by those with fibromyalgia include the following.

• Chronic pain in muscles and joints that can be described as shooting pain or deep muscular aches and throbbing. This pain is generally worst in the early day and can include other neurological issues, such as numbness and burning.
• Fatigue is common in many illnesses, but is particularly prevalent in those with fibromyalgia. It can lead to very low stamina and complete exhaustion after a busy day. This is due in part to the effects fibro has on the brain, which interferes with the brain’s deep sleep activities.
• Mood disorders like anxiety and depression are also common in those with fibromyalgia.
• Other symptoms include irritable bowel and bladder, muscle spasms, poor balance, and restless leg syndrome.

You can learn more about this pain condition in the following video.

According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, at least ten million people in the United States are diagnosed with this disorder. While many people are thought to be affected, researchers have yet to identify the exact cause, which makes treatment more problematic.

Drugs are often used to ease the pain of fibro, but they are not the only option. There are alternatives ways to fight back, including by adopting a fibromyalgia diet.

What is the best diet for fibromyalgia?

There are a ton of options when it comes to treating fibromyalgia through lifestyle changes. A big part includes your diet, so make sure to discuss with your doctor what the best options are for you and your lifestyle. Here are some health tips to better control your chronic pain and help you maintain a healthy body and an active life.

1. Be mindful and control what you eat

A lot of pain management comes down to realizing what foods aggravate your fibromyalgia symptoms. If you find a pattern that every time you eat a certain food you are in pain, try cutting it out of your diet for a short while to see if it is the culprit. A great tool to use with this is a food diary that allows you to track what you eat and how it makes you feel.

Start by recognizing how you feel after you eat something. You can design a trial by error test to develop a menu that makes you feel better and still hits all the important nutrition points. Keep a journal in a pain management app to record how you feel physically and mentally after each meal. If you begin to notice patterns when you eat certain foods, you may wish to eliminate that food from your diet. It’s a process, but it can lead to finding the best diet for fibromyalgia for you.

Pro tip: it is always a good idea to limit your caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food intake as they can set off a new cycle of symptoms.

2. Consider going gluten free

A lot of physicians suggest going gluten free as a way to relieve inflammation in the body. Removing it from the diet can lead to overall reduced pain and achy joints. There are mixed reviews on whether gluten really can cause such issues, but there is anecdotal evidence that suggests that those with fibromyalgia are more likely to have food allergies and, therefore, gluten sensitivity.

Celiac disease, a high gluten intolerance, also causes similar symptoms as fibro including:

• Joint pain
• Muscle soreness
• Irritable bowel disease

3. To paleo or not to paleo?

Is paleo a good option for a fibromyalgia diet? The paleo diet focuses on eating foods that are low in carbs and have been processed as little as possible. This includes things like meat, berries, vegetables, and nuts. But, will eating a paleo diet help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Since fibromyalgia is a disease of inflammation, a paleo diet works best if you focus on those foods that are high in anti-inflammatory properties. This includes things like fish and avocadoes that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is proven to fight inflammation. The added benefit to this switch is that omega-3s have been shown to provide a whole slew of other benefits as well.

Everyone reacts differently to a diet change, so it is best to wait a few months to notice a difference. You should also make sure you reach out to your physician to make sure that the changes you want to make are the right choice for you.

4. Avoid these foods

Making the right food choices may be an excellent way to help combat symptoms. Foods can appear on both ends of the spectrum: those that help, and those that harm. There may not be a lot of hard science behind the choices for foods, but even doctors recognize that anecdotal evidence from patients who have experienced various levels of relief is a move in the right direction.

Some foods cause inflammation and can increase pain. They include:

• Aspartame: There has long been controversy about artificial sweeteners and whether they help or hurt. Artificial sweeteners have a different effect on the brain and may open pain receptors that are already overactive due to fibromyalgia pain.
• MSG: Like aspartame, the use of MSGs in foods has been the subject of many health debates. MSG stands for monosodium glutamate which is a “flavor enhancer” used in a number of frozen foods. MSGs exacerbate many of the common fibromyalgia symptoms. The same is true for nitrates, an additive in many prepackaged deli meats.
• Caffeine: While caffeine is a common ingredient in many pain medications, it can also magnify the fatigue common for patients with fibromyalgia. The short-term boost of energy provided by caffeine drinks is short-lived and the crash is hard.
• Gluten: Sensitivity to gluten, such as in Celiac’s disease, causes major problems with digestion. Since fibromyalgia is associated with similar symptoms it may be a smart idea to limit or eliminate gluten from the diet.
• Nightshade plants: Hearing the word “nightshade” conjures up images of poisoned potions and Halloween witches. Not all nightshade is deadly, however. Did you know that potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants are all part of the nightshade family? It isn’t understood exactly why but many fibromyalgia pain patients who cut out these foods saw an improvement in their condition.

5. Get more of these into your fibro diet

On the flipside, there are many foods that can be quite helpful in alleviating the pain caused by fibromyalgia. They form the backbone of the best diet for fibromyalgia. These foods include:

• Vitamin D: A deficiency in this vitamin can actually mimic the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Many adults already don’t get enough vitamin D so taking a supplement or eating foods rich in this nutrient is an added bonus for someone with fibromyalgia pain.
• Fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the muscles and tissues affected by fibromyalgia pain. Adding these fish to your diet is a great way to add this nutrient. You may also take a supplement.
• Fruits and vegetables: The most important component when it comes to the consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables is to restore the body’s antioxidants which control the free radicals in the system. Some professionals suggest that a vegan diet may be the best solution for someone with fibromyalgia pain but if it is too difficult to stick to a restricted diet like that, simply adding in more fruits and vegetables will still be beneficial.
• Lean protein: Protein is the building block of our muscles and it is a necessary nutrient for maintaining a healthy body. By adding in the right proteins like lean meats, legumes, and other protein rich foods it can help boost your health overall.

What else can you do? 

The best diet for fibromyalgia won’t work if it isn’t paired with other lifestyle strategies for managing pain.

1. Exercise and lots of rest

Exercise, combined with rest, will help most people live a healthier life. Exercise is shown to be second only to pain meds in its ability to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Try some light aerobics first, like walking around the block to get your heart rate going. It is always a good idea to start slow and work your way up.

Sleepless nights are also fairly common for those who suffer through fibromyalgia. To get more restful nights, the National Pain Foundation and the National Sleep Foundation recommend:

• Keeping to a sleep schedule
• Sleeping in a cool room
• Cutting out caffeine and alcohol in the evenings
• Finding a soothing activity to do before bedtime

2. Reduce stress

Unfortunately, this is much easier said than done. It is, however, an important step in managing pain. Take 15 minutes each day to practice your stress coping strategies. It can have a big impact on fibromyalgia flare-ups and other emotional conditions. To work on your stress:

• Write down what is bothering you and why you feel that way.
• Try meditation and breathing techniques as they can help you focus on the now. Yoga is always a great option to add to your exercise routine.
• Join a support group. A lot of stress comes from feeling alone and helpless, so take the first step in finding a caring community that understands. The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association provides a great resource for just such a thing.
• Learn to say no. If you don’t set personal limits, it is easy to become overwhelmed with too many demands. Remember: it is okay to say no and practice self-care.

What will work for me? 

Because researchers still don’t understand the underlying cause of the condition, most medical science is only able to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This can lead to a disconnect between the body wellness and mental well-being of individuals suffering from this kind of pain.

Depression and anxiety can exacerbate the pain and make living with fibromyalgia even harder than it already is. Treating the whole patient and their mind, body, and spirit can help someone better cope with the effects of fibromyalgia pain. This is why the best diet for fibromyalgia pain can aid in your overall treatment and help your quality of life.

Changing your diet too drastically and too quickly can also have adverse effects. It can be difficult to stay on track when making big changes as well. Instead, consult a pain specialist or holistic health counselor to find the best diet for fibromyalgia for you. Also, bring your pain journal or diary. This can help provide detailed information to a nutrition expert to help you plan better meals and help fight the effects of fibromyalgia pain.

Finally, always remember that a holistic approach to treating fibromyalgia pain may involve a number of therapies and treatments. The best diet for fibromyalgia should be used in conjunction with medical treatments to help relieve your day-to-day symptoms.

To get a diagnosis for fibromyalgia, and to learn about treatments that could work for you, find a pain specialist in your area today!

Fibromylagia is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 12 million people in the U.S. This chronic disorder causes aches and pains in the body that are severe enough to impact normal activity and disrupt sleep. A person with fibromyalgia may feel pain in the muscles, tissues, joints, and tendons in different areas of the body. Along with these physical symptoms, people suffering from fibromyalgia also experience mental issues as a result of fibromyalgia, including depression and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can also cause deep fatigue and exhaustion, even with very little activity. Even with so many people suffering from fibromyalgia, it remains a difficult disorder to diagnose. One of the most valuable tools for diagnosis was defining fibromyalgia tender points.

The history of a fibromyalgia diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is a term that has only been used in the last few decades to describe a condition of widespread pain throughout the body that also includes fatigue, poor sleep quality, and mood issues. It is possible, however, that mentions of a fibromyalgia diagnosis date all the way back to the 1600s.

Fibromyalgia has had many names throughout the years including:

• Rheumatism
• Muscular rheumatism
• Fibrositis

Since physicians could not find any evidence of inflammation, these names were replaced with fibromyalgia in 1976. This translates from its Greek roots into “pain in the muscles and tissue.” While a fibromyalgia diagnosis is still difficult to establish today, there have been many recent advances. Research has led to promising tools and guidelines to help pain doctors and patients alike. One of the earliest was the fibromyalgia tender points scale.

Understanding fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects about 4% of the U.S. population (~ ten million people) and is predominately found in women.

Fibromyalgia is not a condition of exclusion, but its symptoms are common in many other illnesses. To make things more complicated, fibro symptoms can appear on their own or in tandem with another disorder. Identifying the cause of each can be problematic. This situation is exacerbated since fibro is a waxing and waning condition, making patterns more difficult to recognize even with thorough tracking.

Although researchers agree that there is a neurological component to the disease, many previously believed that it was all in a person’s head. Some studies have pointed to risk factors such as a genetic predisposition to feeling pain more intensely. Other evidence connects the development of fibromyalgia to a stressful or traumatic event, repetitive injury, or other disease. Sometimes fibromyalgia has no clear cause or trigger and develops on its own.

Women are three times more likely to develop fibromyalgia as men, and people with certain illnesses already present may have an increased risk. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid or spinal arthritis sufferers develop fibromyalgia at a higher rate than those without these conditions.

There is no simple, scientifically-supported test to identify if someone has fibromyalgia. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it takes the average person five years to be diagnosed with fibro and this is generally after extensive other treatments have occurred. Misdiagnosis can still occur, but there are far more developed and data backed approaches that physicians use today.

Fibromyalgia diagnosis – developing the modern view

In 1981, the first clinical study was published that confirmed that symptoms and tender points of fibromyalgia could be found in the body. This study also established the first data-driven criteria for this condition.

In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) created the first set of guidelines to help diagnose fibromyalgia. These guidelines set forth the following formal criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis in a research context:

• The patient must have a history of widespread pain lasting more than three months
• This pain must affect both sides of the body and be present above and below the waist
• Of the 18 tender points designated on the human body, at least 11 of them must be in pain

Before these guidelines were released, a fibromyalgia diagnosis was completely subjective and many were skeptical that the disorder even existed. Even with these new guidelines, fibromyalgia is a condition that can come and go, so using the fibromyalgia tender points criteria can be misleading or change from day-to-day.

Fibromyalgia tender points 

Although most of the population has a spot or two on their body that may be more sensitive than others, people with fibromyalgia often experience excruciating tenderness in very specific locations that are spread across their body. Tenderness is generally mirrored on both sides of the body and is located at nine specific places on the body.

The nine fibromyalgia tender points locations are as follows:

• Low cervical region: Front neck area just below the chin near the C5-C7 vertebrae
• Second rib: Front chest area below the collarbone about 2 inches from the shoulder joint
• Occiput: Back of the neck at the base of the skull
• Trapezius muscle: Back shoulder area where this large muscle drapes over the top of the shoulder
• Supraspinatus muscle: Shoulder blade area just at the top of the shoulder blade
• Lateral epicondyle: Elbow area in the inside of the arm crease
• Gluteal: Rear end at upper outer quadrant of the buttocks
• Greater trochanter: Rear hip in the back
• Knee: Knee area on the inside where the fat pad sits

These nine areas are also sometimes called fibromyalgia tender spots. Because fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed with a lab test, counting fibromyalgia tender points and taking a detailed patient history were often the best ways to get a clear diagnosis. Scroll to the infographic at the end of this post to see these.

You can also see these in the following video.

The Symptom Intensity Scale 

To build on the fibromyalgia tender points scale, the Symptom Intensity Scale was developed using survey results from nearly 12,800 patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia. These patients located pain in 38 anatomic areas of their body and then also completed a fatigue visual analogue scale. The fatigue analog scale requires a patient to mark their level of fatigue on a ten-centimeter line on the day they identified their pain symptoms.

In 2006, Frederick Wolfe and Johannes J. Rasker completed an evaluation of 25,417 patients using the Symptom Intensity Scale and found that it was the best and clearest diagnostic tool for fibromyalgia. They also found that higher Scale scores indicated increases in hospitalization, disability, serious medical issues, and death.

Because of this relationship, the Scale can be used to measure overall health and also predict outcomes for patients with a number of diseases. It uncovers “hidden” illness that accompanies the presenting illness, such as depression or anxiety in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Updated 2010 criteria 

While the fibromyalgia tender points are still helpful, they’re not the only path to diagnosis for medical professionals. In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology published another set of criteria for fibromyalgia. It eliminated the fibromyalgia tender points count and replaced it with the widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale (SS).

The WPI calculates if a person has experienced pain in the last two weeks in 19 separate general body areas. Each body area is assigned a one if there is pain or a zero if there is no pain and these are added together to reach a score between 0 and 19.

The SS measures the severity of the person’s fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive symptoms, and somatic symptoms. Each of these four categories is given a score of 0 – 3 and added together for a total possible score of 12.

Using these new scales, the ACR changed the diagnosis guidelines to:

• WPI ≥ 7 and SS ≥ 5 OR WPI 3–6 and SS ≥ 9
• Symptoms have been persistent for at least three months
• There is no other disorder that could explain the pain

Getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis

Physicians must rely on a patient’s communicated symptoms to make a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Therefore, the first thing a doctor will do is conduct a thorough physical examination of the muscles and joints. After doing this, she or he will then discuss any symptoms a patient is currently having.

Some of main symptoms of fibro include:

• Pain: Constant full body pain with pain at the fibromyalgia tender points
• Unrefreshing sleep: Even after an uninterrupted eight hours
• Fatigue: Chronic fatigue or exhaustion after strenuous activity
• Memory loss: Short-term memory problems coupled with bouts of confusion and inability to concentrate
• Increased pain sensitivity: Hyperalgesia or allodynia
• Depression

Fibromyalgia often is present with other health issues, so a doctor will likely ask about other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, restless leg syndrome, frequent urination, and anxiety.

Since fibro can occur with other illnesses, the next step is to start eliminating more serious medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms. The doctor will run tests on your blood, thyroid, and vitamin D levels. Other tests that could be required are X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, a biopsy and a physiological exam could be necessary to rule out any suspected mental health issues.

Helping along the diagnosis process

Since fibromyalgia is mainly based off the symptoms that patients share, there are some smart things you can do if you believe you are suffering from fibromyalgia. These tips could save you time, money, and lots of frustration. And, they can help get you back on the path to being healthy and happy faster.

• Make sure to communicate any mental or physical trauma that has occurred to you. A major event like this is sometimes associated with the development of fibro symptoms.
• Keep a pain diary that includes the location of your pain, how it feels, severity, and the length of time it lasts. This can be a perfect tool to parse out fibro from other health issues.
• Choose the right doctor. The stigma around fibromyalgia is fading as more research comes out, but some physicians will be reluctant to diagnose it. Make sure you go to a doctor who is specialized in pain management and has the experience to help you find the right diagnosis.

Finding fibromyalgia treatments

Treatment of fibromyalgia is best approached as a team, with doctors, physical therapists, and other alternative practitioners working together to treat the physical and mental symptoms.

Some treatments include:

• Dietary changes to eliminate anything that causes inflammation or triggers a pain response (e.g., sugar and red meat)
• Changes to exercise plans, including exercises for days when pain is present, and exercise that includes meditation
• Prescription medicines as needed
• Sleep counseling to develop proper sleep habits to combat fatigue
• Changes to work schedules to accommodate good and bad days

Families also play an important role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Suffering from an “invisible” but chronic illness such as fibromyalgia can be socially isolating. It is important that the family members are supportive of treatment and are understanding when their loved one needs to rest.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is sponsoring more research on fibromyalgia to better understand this disease, specifically in relation to diagnosis, causes, and better treatments.

To get a fibromyalgia diagnosis, click here to find a certified pain specialist in your area. They have dedicated experience working with fibromyalgia patients and will use the latest diagnostic guidelines to help you diagnose your condition.

Fibromyalgia tender points infographic

Notoriously difficult to diagnose, fibromyalgia causes very real pain to those affected by it despite remaining a mystery in many other ways. A musculoskeletal disorder, it’s characterized by a lowered pain threshold and extra sensitivity to situations that would cause an unaffected person no pain at all. Fibromyalgia research is constantly looking for emerging therapies that could help a patient reduce their pain. Here’s three of the latest.

Fibromyalgia research tackles causes

Although fibromyalgia affects roughly 2 to 4 percent of the U.S. population (about 9.5 million people), its exact cause remains unknown. Maybe a single cause is so hard to pin down because the development of fibromyalgia has been linked to a number of different factors, some combination of which could be the culprit.

Researchers believe that any of the following may contribute to a person’s risk for developing fibromyalgia:

• Genetics
• Psychological and emotional factors
• Illness
• Trauma
• Neurobiology
• Environmental factors

For example, a genetic mutation might make someone more likely to develop the disorder, while others argue that fibromyalgia can be triggered by an infection or sickness. And some experts link the onset of the disorder to physical or emotional trauma, as patients who present with fibromyalgia have often also been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

One thing’s for sure: Fibromyalgia affects more women than men, with nine women diagnosed for every one man. This may be a result of certain reproductive hormones present in women, but nothing can be decisively said as to why women are at a higher risk than men.

Why fibromyalgia hurts

The cause may be unclear, but the pain is easier to explain. Once the condition presents itself, fibromyalgia pain results from an unusually high amount of certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for triggering pain signals. This is also called a neurochemical imbalance.

At the same time, although we don’t completely understand why, pain receptors in the brain become extra sensitive to pain, causing contact that would otherwise not be uncomfortable to be very painful for a person suffering from fibromyalgia.

These pain symptoms can be accompanied by a range of other problems, including:

• Irritability
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Difficulty remembering things, also called fibro fog
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Stiff joints
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Difficulty swallowing
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Poor bladder control
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders

You can find out more about fibromyalgia in the following video.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia

Unfortunately, there is no chemical test available to directly confirm a person is afflicted with fibromyalgia. Instead, a doctor must use a number of other methods to make a diagnosis.

Initially the doctor will observe the patient’s pain symptoms. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain endured for a minimum of three months. The term “widespread” means the pain should be present on both sides of the body as well as on both the upper and lower body.

The ACR also describes fibromyalgia as tenderness or pain felt at specific places on the body, including the shoulders, the upper chest, the elbows, the hips and the knees. There are a total of 18 of these specific points listed by the ACR, and a person must experience pain in at least 11 of these for the condition to be considered fibromyalgia.

But the surest way a doctor can determine a patient suffers from fibromyalgia is actually to rule out every other possible condition — a process which can be involved and lengthy. Patients shouldn’t be discouraged at the sometimes long process, however, as it means the doctors and medical staff are being as thorough as possible.

Developing fibromyalgia treatments

Treatment plans for fibromyalgia can be complex. Since there’s no cure for the condition itself, treatment must instead focus on the symptoms, on any coexisting conditions, and on any underlying medical problems that could have triggered or aggravated the fibromyalgia in the first place. We’ll discuss some of these more common treatment plans, before discussing the emerging treatments that fibromyalgia research is focusing on.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen might be recommended to alleviate some discomfort, or the doctor may prescribe something a little stronger, for example, tramadol. In some cases, anti-seizure drugs can be prescribed to effectively reduce fibromyalgia pain symptoms.

The combination of medications a doctor prescribes will ultimately depend on the patient’s exact symptoms, since these are rarely identical from patient to patient. Every person’s case is unique, with different triggers, different levels of pain, and different conditions or symptoms occurring simultaneously. For example, an antidepressant might also be necessary to fight lethargy, or a relaxant may be required to initiate sleep.

Lifestyle changes

Usually doctors will also inform the patient of lifestyle changes he or she can make at home to help with treatment. These include:

• Getting adequate amounts of sleep
• Committing to a regular exercise routine
• Eating a healthy diet
• Limiting intake of caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants

Due to fear of their symptoms and the associated pain and discomfort, people who suffer from fibromyalgia can be inclined to withdraw from society and become inactive. Doctors recommend against this, however, as those patients who remain as active as possible — without overdoing it — on a consistent basis, seem to have the best success with managing their symptoms and leading normal lives.

Many people also benefit from therapy sessions, in which they can not only discuss with a professional counselor the impact fibromyalgia has had on their lives, but also explore strategies for overall stress reduction on a day-to-day basis. This type of training can be crucial for giving patients the confidence to keep living their lives to the fullest potential, without the concern of being limited by their condition.

Emerging treatments based on new fibromyalgia research

Fibromyalgia frequently doesn’t respond well to traditional medications, but the good news is that many people find alternative remedies helpful. Therapies like oxygen chamber therapy, low-level laser therapy, and transdermal magnesium are hitting the market, giving fibromyalgia patients new options for managing pain and improving quality of life.

Oxygen chamber therapy in particular has researchers making grand promises—promises not just of pain relief, but of the possibility to reverse fibromyalgia. The treatment is still early in the study stage. However, researchers understand more about fibromyalgia every day, and this increasingly deep knowledge could one day result in a cure.

1. Oxygen chamber therapy heralds promise to reduce fibromyalgia pain

This treatment, which involves breathing in pure oxygen from a tube or while sitting in a pressurized room—hence the term “chamber”—has shown promise for helping people with fibromyalgia.

Officially known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the treatment been used for some time to help scuba divers heal from decompression sickness, which is when gasses in the blood form bubbles as divers move toward low pressure. The treatment also works for slow-healing wounds related to diabetes or serious infections, according to Mayo Clinic.

Enhanced functioning

Research from Rice University has also found the treatment offers hope for fibromyalgia patients. Scientists evaluated 48 women with fibromyalgia who underwent oxygen chamber therapy for two months and found that 100% of them experienced some form of benefit.

An increasing body of clinical evidence shows that fibromyalgia develops from abnormalities in the nervous system and brain pathways, many of them related to pain processing. Rice researchers found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhanced functioning in these faulty areas.

Fibromyalgia affects about five million people, most of them women. Researcher Eshel Ben-Jacob says:

“Symptoms for about 70% of the women who took part have to do with the interpretation of pain in their brains… They’re the ones who showed the most improvement with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. We found significant changes in their brain activity.”

In the study, participants underwent 40 treatments, each lasting 90 minutes, for five days each week over the course of two months. During treatment sessions, patients breathe in oxygen that’s pressurized three times higher than normal air. The highly pressurized nature allows lungs to absorb greater quantities of oxygen, which then gets absorbed systemically by the body.

Pain reduction

Fibromyalgia patients receiving oxygen chamber therapy also experienced a dramatic reduction in pain. The body thrives off this pure oxygen and is better able to heal, fight off bacteria, or in the case of fibromyalgia patients, process pain. Many patients who participated in the study were able to decrease the amount of medications they were taking or, in some cases, stop taking pills all together.

Researchers said oxygen chamber therapy actually reversed fibromyalgia, targeting the condition’s source, while all the pills did was ease pain, and not heal the underlying condition. Researcher Shai Efrati says:

“The results are of significant importance since, unlike the current treatments offered for fibromyalgia patients, (oxygen chamber therapy) is not aiming for just symptomatic improvement…(It’s) aiming for the actual cause—the brain pathology responsible for the syndrome. It means that brain repair, including even neuronal regeneration, is possible even for chronic, long-lasting pain syndromes, and we can and should aim for that in any future treatment development.”

These promises aren’t as grandiose as they may seem: Efrati says 70% of the research participants no longer had diagnosable criteria for fibromyalgia at the end of the study.

Oxygen chamber therapy currently has federal approval for use in 14 conditions, including serious infections and burns, but not yet for fibromyalgia, according to WebMD.

Unfortunately, until future studies prove the benefit on a wide scale and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the treatment, insurance plans won’t cover the treatments, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars because so many are needed.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date as this exciting area of fibromyalgia research develops.

2. Fibromyalgia research focuses on non-invasive low-level light laser therapy 

With laser therapy, lasers shoot through soft tissue, and the light of the beam raises the temperature. Data is so far mixed on whether the technology works, but fibromyalgia research does show benefits that are promising. Scientists aren’t sure how the treatment works, but are working to learn more.

One possible theory that explains how low-level light laser therapy works involves a process known as photobiostimulation. This idea holds that when the energy of the laser penetrates the tissue, it creates adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), which helps produce cellular energy.

Benefits of photobiostimulation include:

• Reduced pain and swelling
• Improved circulation
• Enhanced delivery of life-supporting materials like water, oxygen, and other nutrients

Research results for this therapy have been mixed, but several have shown promise. More research is needed to better quantify the potential for this therapy to treat pain from fibromyalgia.

Other names for low-level laser therapy are cold laser therapy, low-energy laser therapy, low-intensity laser, and monochromatic infrared light energy (MIRE) therapy.

3. Transdermal magnesium shows promise for fibromyalgia pain 

Magnesium is an important nutrient for optimal body functioning, however many people don’t ingest enough of mineral. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and anxiety may all be symptoms of a deficiency.

People often take magnesium in pill form, but transdermal magnesium involves applying magnesium directly to the skin. One way of doing this involves rubbing oil directly on the skin, where it can easily be absorbed and distributed throughout the entire body. Another option is to take a bath with Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate.

Gels and patches are also available, however rubbing oil on the body and taking baths have relaxation and other therapeutic benefits, and are wonderful ways to receive healthy amounts of magnesium.

Only a few small trials of fibromyalgia research have found transdermal magnesium has a large benefit, but the anecdotal evidence is vast. Plus, with magnesium deficiencies so common, transdermal magnesium is a good health practice to have.

Finding relief

While fibromyalgia research continues to pave the way for new and innovative treatments, patients should first make sure they have an accurate diagnosis. You can work closely with a pain doctor to find out if you have fibromyalgia. They can also help you learn more about complementary and advanced treatments for reducing your pain. Click here to make your appointment today.

What other fibromyalgia research areas are you interested in learning more about?