Category: Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition that affects about five million Americans, often between ages 20 and 45 years old. FM is very difficult to diagnose primarily because there is no definitive test like there is for heart, liver, or kidney disease. Equally challenging is the ability to effectively treat FM as there are frequently…

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common cause for chronic pain (pain that lasts three or more months) and afflicts 4% of the general population in the United States! FM commonly affects the muscles and soft tissues – not the joints (like arthritis); however, many FM sufferers are mistakenly diagnosed with arthritis, so it may take years…

For some people, fibromyalgia (FM) can make life miserable. In some cases, it can be so bad a person will spend the majority of the day in bed! When FM is this intense, exercises MUST be tailored accordingly – like starting out with exercises that can be done in bed! Initially, you may only be…

What are the ten most important attributes of fibromyalgia (FM)? Let’s take a look! 1.  FM definition: It’s characterized by widespread muscular pain and tenderness (in all four of the body’s quadrants) that’s NOT caused by inflammation or joint damage. 2.  FM can be primary or secondary: Secondary FM is caused by something else (often…

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, stubborn condition that many people struggle with – some to the point of being totally disabled from doing the things that are personally fulfilling. In the past, we have discussed how important it is to have a multi-disciplinary group of healthcare providers to help the FM patient manage this relentless…

In an article published in the journal Rheumatology International, the authors concluded that, “The addition of the upper cervical manipulative therapy to a multimodal program is beneficial in treating patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.” ~ Dr. Broussard The addition of upper cervical manipulative therapy in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial Rheumatol…

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition where widespread generalized pain limits a person’s ability to function, sometimes to the point of complete disability. This month, we’ll look at identifying markers that may be used to determine whether a patient has FM or not. Chronic pain that arises from the muscles and joints affects nearly 20% of…

Last month, we reported some exciting news about the link between fibromyalgia (FM) and the importance of sleep, particularly getting to the deep sleep stage. However, we did not discuss the various strategies that YOU can use to improve your quality of sleep. Let’s take a look! Establishing a consistent and better sleep pattern is…

Muscle strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness impact physical pain and negative attitudes by Diana Swift, Contributing Writer May 17, 2015 A strong association exists between higher physical fitness and lower levels of pain, less psychological over-reaction (catastrophizing) to pain, and higher chronic-pain self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia (FM), according to a recent Spanish study. In addition, muscle strength and…

This article suggests that myofascial release is probably the best type of massage for fibromyalgia, folowed by connective tissue massage and then Shiatsu.  They found that the Swedish type of massage may not have any effects on fibromyalgia. ~ Dr. Broussard Manual Therapy Volume 20, Issue 2, April 2015, Pages 257-264 Systematic review Susan Lee…