Re: Fibromyalgia Research and Pain

[Guest guest]

> wrote:

> It's always been a sad thing trying to make others understand what I ail

from(fms). since it's nothing they can see they tend to think everyday I am

fine.

,

I do all the research I can on pain disorders and seems the " gate theory " works

for me. It states our pain receptors are stuck open that we are in pain all the

time where normal pain response is we get hurt the body responds and then reacts

to the stimuli to heal or stop it. My fibromylagia was triggered one year when I

had several surgeries and I can control it if I get sleep.

I have spent a lot of time trying to learn about fibromylagia as it is a

disorder that truly causes pain and a Doctor that has known me for years told me

when I was crying as I complained about pain and I used to have a high pain

threshold. He said, " I know that Bennie and that is not the point, we must treat

why you have pain and take care of it "

I love websites that are easy to read and anytime I want to research something I

know nothing about I put the subject and then for kids (for example American

history for kids).

Neuroscience for kids http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/pain.html is

maintained by Washington University, Dr. Chudler and explains the neurological

system so well.

Substance P is also an interest of mine as research has shown people with

fibromylagia seem to have elevated levels of substance P which is:

A small peptide released upon stimulation in the nervous system and involved in

regulation of the pain threshold. Increased levels of substance P increase the

sensitivity of nerves to pain or heighten awareness of pain. People with

fibromyalgia can have elevated levels of substance P. (according to

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/fmsglossary/g/substancep.htm

I also found all this interesting information on fibromylagia that I have not

found before in one place at : about.com fibromylagia and Chronic Fatigue.

The articles state that there are many chemicals needed in fibromyagia and found

to be off . They are:

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in unusually low levels in people with

fibromyalgia. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit messages

through nerve cells. Serotonin has numerous roles in the body. It regulates mood

and alleviates depression, promotes sound sleep, and relieves pain. It also

regulates the immune system and promotes smooth muscle function.

Endorphins

Most times when you get hurt, emotionally or physically, your body doesn't sit

by idly and absorb the assault. It launches its own defense. One way that it

does that is by releasing natural opiates called endorphins. These feel-good

substances are also responsible for the high that some people experience from

exercise, sex, addictive drugs, and certain foods, such as chocolate.

Endorphins block the transmission of pain within the nervous system by binding

to the same receptor sites that pain signals use. But in people who have chronic

pain like fibromyalgia, endorphins offer little respite. After a while, enzymes

called endorphinase devour the endorphins, rendering them ineffective.

Growth Hormone

Low levels of serotonin and other hormones, a lack of deep sleep, and

overproduction of a compound called somatostatin cause many fibro patients to

have abnormally low levels of growth hormone, a substance essential to normal

muscle metabolism and repair. A reduction in growth hormone occurs in about a

third of fibromyalgia patients.

Alert (This and other articles state the same thing Estrogen for women and mens

hormone for them help the pain decrease in fibromyagia and other pain disorders)

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that women are better able

to tolerate pain when estrogen levels are high by releasing endorphins that

soften the signals. Unfortunately, a dip in estrogen, which occurs just before

your period, reduces the system's effectiveness, which may explain why women say

their FMS symptoms are worse during their periods.

As much as 80 percent of growth hormone is secreted when we are in the deepest

stages of sleep. If we are deprived of deep sleep which is what happens in

fibromyalgia patients the muscles go unrepaired. Even tiny microtraumas go

unrestored and are subject to further damage. Low levels of growth hormone

usually also result in low levels of insulin-like growth factor (Ig-4), another

hormone. While some studies have shown that giving growth hormone to correct the

deficiency can reduce fibro symptoms, the treatment costs almost $80,000 a year,

and most insurance plans won't pay for it.

I use a myofascial trained physical therapist and she always makes me feel

better and finds places on my body that are in deep spasm or have a " burr " she

calls them where the fascia becomes entwined and needs to be released. It is

amazing how I feel better when leaving and she gives me home programs.

Because I use a myofascial therapist, I wanted to share an exert from about.Com

on this subject also:

Myofascial Release and Fibromyalgia

We don't have a lot of research on myofascial release for fibromyalgia, but what

we do have is promising.

One review suggested that we get more benefit from treating fibromyalgia pain at

myofascial trigger points and other places with active pain was more effective

than treating the tender points that doctors use to diagnose the condition.

(Tender points are painful when pressure is applied, but they're not generally

linked to active, ongoing pain.)

A study showed that 20 weeks of myofascial release improved sleep, pain, anxiety

levels and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia for at least a month

after the treatment ended. At the six-month mark, sleep quality was still higher

but other improvements had tapered off, suggesting a need for continued

treatment.

Because fibromyalgia makes us so sensitive to touch and pressure, some people

are reluctant to try massage. The gentleness of myofascial release may make it

easier for many to tolerate than deeper forms of massage, such as Rolfing. With

any form of hands-on therapy, it's crucial to communicate with your therapist

about how much pressure you can tolerate and any pain you may experience during

or after treatment.

Before you try myofascial release or another form of massage, be sure to read:

Find a Qualified Therapist for Fibromyalgia

Sources:

Castro- AM, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

eCAM. 2011;2011:561753. Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain,

anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with

fibromyalgia.

LeBauer A, Brtalik R, Stowe K. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2008

Oct;12(4):356-63 The effect of myofascial release (MFR) on an adult with

idiopathic scoliosis.

Kain J, et al. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2011 Jan;15(1):63-7.

Comparison of an indirect tri-planar myofascial release (MFR) technique and a

hot pack for increasing range of motion.

Liptan GL. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2010

Jan;14(1):3-12Fascia: A missing link in our understanding of the pathology of

fibromyalgia.

MM. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2009 Oct;13(4):320-7.

Effects of the myofascial release in diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Meltzer KR, et al. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2010

Apr;14(2):162-71. In vitro modeling of repetitive motion injury and myofascial

release.

Staud R. Current pharmaceutical design. 2006;12(1):23-7. Are tender point

injections beneficial: the role of tonic nociception in fibromyalgia.

Walton A. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2008 Jul;12(3):274-80.

Efficacy of myofascial release techniques in the treatment of primary Raynaud's

phenomenon.

Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia

� Acupuncture

� Massage & Other Bodywork for Fibromyalgia

� Mind-Body Techniques for Fibromyalgia

I know that Dr. Forest Tenent in his Survival Guide for Intractable Pain

Patients speaks about the importance of growth hormones, the hormones we

normally produce and make sure they are not low and other supplements. The

About.com also has a thyroid-fibro connection and I read that since I was

hypothyroid and found some new things.

I am sorry this is so long but wanted to give you a insight to the subject

content at about.com on Fibromylagia and how it discusses the many areas,

medications, and treatment.

It is worth a read. Hope you guys have a better day. Bennie