What causes fibromyalgia? If we knew the answer to that we'd probably have a successful treatment that works for everyone. Unfortunately, There is no definite answer on what causes fibromyalgia, but there are plenty of theories. Long ago it was considered a type of arthritis (meaning it's in our … [Read more...]
Medical Studies
These posts review various medical studies related to the treatment and diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses.
Mindfulness Therapy for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and IBS
Over 50% of Americans have trouble falling or staying asleep, and that number is even higher for those of us living with Fibromyalgia or CFS. There are a lot of little tricks people suggest for help with falling asleep. I've tried quite a few of them with typically little success. Melatonin … [Read more...]
Are Doctors Biased Against Patients?
Are Doctors Biased Against Patients? And if so, does it affect the treatment they provide. A survey from Medscape asked this question. The short answer, Yes. They are. I didn't need a survey to tell me that. However, it is interesting to see the many ways that doctors are biased against … [Read more...]
Effects of stress and relaxation on Fibromyalgia
If I had a nickel for every time I've heard (or said) that stress impacts the symptoms of fibromylagia, I'd be rich. I'm pretty sure that those of us who live with fibromyalgia already know that stress effects the symptoms of fibromyalgia. But, often research exists just to prove the obvious. This … [Read more...]
Epidural Injections for Chronic Back Pain
Back in 2013 I moved wrong and it sent me into such pain that I couldn't move to even pick up my phone. After five months of physical therapy, I was doing quite well again, but within just a couple of months of returning to "normal life" the pain was back; and, it continued to increase. The … [Read more...]
What does acceptance mean?
What does it mean to accept your pain? That is a question that many of us have asked or been asked. I've been involved in a conversation on twitter with someone who doesn't get why we would choose to focus on coping with our illness. His thought is that we should be focused on curing it. My answer … [Read more...]
Got Urinary Incontinence? Get PEMF
I've dealt with urinary incontinence for too long. I remember years ago my gyno asking me if I ever had any issues and I said yes, but then she never gave me any suggestions. Then a couple of years later I went for a visit and there was a NP in training that came in and asked a bunch of questions … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and Touch
Touch is such a strange thing with Fibromyalgia. Long before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I had strange issues with touch. I couldn't stand to have someone sitting too close to me. I'd feel the pressure from them just being there, and sometimes even from across the room. Clothes felt … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and the Importance of Forgiveness
Fibromyalgia and Forgiveness You may not think that forgiveness (or holding a grudge) would play a role in fibromyalgia, but as with all negative emotions it can play a huge role in the symptoms you experience. Holding a grudge is the opposite of forgiveness. Along with that grudge comes the … [Read more...]
Distraction as Pain Reliever: 10 ways to distract yourself from pain
Distraction as Pain Relief: 10 Ways to Distract Yourself From Pain Whenever my TMJ doctor does trigger point injections on me, one of his nurses will gently tap on my shoulder or head on the opposite side from where the injection is going. It took me a couple of visits before I realized this was a … [Read more...]
