As I was reading for my Personality Psych class I came across a section on loneliness, and how there is a correlation between loneliness and illness (simple things like colds and flus). In one study people opted to be exposed to a virus and found that those who reported stronger bonds with … [Read more...]
Medical Studies
These posts review various medical studies related to the treatment and diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses.
Stress increases fibromyalgia pain
"Stress exacerbates pain in the everyday lives of women with fibromyalgia syndrome" - I believe that anyone who lives with fibromyalgia or cares about someone with fibromyalgia could tell you that stress increases pain in fibromyalgia. I know it does for me, and for every person with … [Read more...]
The Vagus Nerve Hypothesis for Fibromyalgia and CFS
The Vagus Nerve Hypothesis is an interesting look at what might be causing the main symptoms of CFS and Fibromyalgia. The hypothesis states: "While the sensory vagus nerve normally signals the body to rest when it senses a peripheral infection, that fatigue signal is pathologically exaggerated when … [Read more...]
Study sheds light on Fibromyalgia as a nerve disorder
I love that more and more studies are coming out backing up the idea that Fibromyalgia is a nerve disorder (or neurological issue) . A couple of studies now have shown that about 50% of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia also have small fiber polyneuropathy. I had the test done a while back and it … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and facial expressions
When I took a speech class I had points deducted several times for not showing enough emotion in my face, or not being animated enough. I've seen it in others with Fibromyalgia as well, I think we learn to hide how we feel so well that it becomes difficult to express emotions of any kind … [Read more...]
Does Napping Help Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Many of us with fibromyalgia rely on napping to give us a little extra energy to get through the day. Personally, I'm one of those that can't nap. It's a rare day that I manage to fall asleep during the daytime. I won't say it never happens, but it's not a common occurrence and most of the time when … [Read more...]
The Overlap between IBS and Fibromyalgia
I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and I wouldn't be surprised at all if you told me that you do as well. IBS and Fibromyalgia often go together, with some reports indicating that as many as 80% of those with Fibromyalgia also have IBS, and the numbers are just as bad if you have CFS (in fact … [Read more...]
Quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia
A "functional somatic symptom" is a symptom without an adequate medical explanation. When you have several of those linked together they called "functional somatic syndrome". A group of symptoms without an adequate medical explanation - Sound familiar? It should. Because if you have … [Read more...]
Dry Needling for Fibromyalgia
I've not tried dry needling yet, but I have acupuncture regularly. They are similar, yet different treatments. Dry needling uses the same needles used for acupuncture, but the locations and process are different. While acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine and focuses on meridians, dry … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and Brain Function
Fibromyalgia and Brain Function If you have Fibromyalgia there have likely been many times where you've experienced what we call "Fibro Fog", but you've likely also noticed other issues with your brain function, for instance you may no longer be able to multi-task, to learn game rules quickly, to … [Read more...]
