Fibromyalgia Support Group
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I didn't know that Fibro didn't come with inflammation. Thanks.
Here is an article that I've found about the role of inflammation in fibromyalgia. It seems that researchers are finding an inflammatory link in fibromyalgia:
Inflammation in Fibromyalgia
What is Its Role?
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By Adrienne Dellwo, Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert
Updated November 25, 2014.
The role of inflammation in fibromyalgia has been the topic of research and debate for decades. In fact, the condition used to be called "fibrositis," which means "fibrous-tissue inflammation." The medical community came to use fibromyalgia ("fibrous-tissue and muscle pain") instead, believing it was more accurate due to an apparent lack of inflammation. However, we now have a growing body of work suggesting inflammation may play a role, after all. This line of inquiry could lead to a better understanding of the illness as well as expanded treatment options.
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Why the Confusion?
Doctors came to believe fibromyalgia was not an inflammatory disease because it doesn't present like most inflammatory disease. Joints don't appear swollen. Typical tests for inflammatory markers, which reveal high levels in diseases such as lupus and arthritis, generally reveal normal or only slightly elevated levels in fibromyalgia. In 2012, researchers studying inflammatory myopathies labeled fibromyalgia a "false inflammatory myopathy." Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs both corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are frequently ineffective at alleviating fibromyalgia pain. See Also: Everything You Need to Know About Fibromyalgia So where does the case for inflammation come in?
The Case for Inflammation
In recent years, researchers have learned a lot about inflammation's possible role in this condition. A 2010 study from Oregon Health & Science University, published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, suggests that it could be the fascia a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds most internal structures that's inflamed in fibromyalgia. The researcher concludes that fascial dysfunction and inflammation may be what leads to central sensitization, which is believed to be a core feature of the illness.
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Central sensitization occurs when the central nervous system becomes hyper-stimulated and over-reacts to stimuli, including pain and other sensory input such as light, noise, and odors. It's believed to be at least partially caused by constant pain signals bombarding the brain and spinal cord. A 2012 study published in Neuroimmunomodulation investigated the role of a possible systemic inflammatory and stress response in fibromyalgia. Researchers found that there was an inflammatory state that seemed to be tied to an abnormal response to stress. They were unable to determine whether inflammation led to stress dysfunction or vice versa. In 2013, Spanish researchers published an hypothesis that inflammation in fibromyalgia could be the result of dysfunction in the mitochondria (parts of your cells that break down nutrients to create energy.) Another study out of Spain, from 2010, showed elevated levels of mast cells which release inflammatory chemicals in response to various triggers in the skin of people with fibromyalgia. Also in 2012 and 2013, multiple studies have revealed several markers of inflammation in fibromyalgia, including high levels of C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Treating Inflammation in Fibromyalgia
Since the primary treatments for inflammation steroids and NSAIDs are already shown to be ineffective against fibromyalgia pain, what options do we have for lowering our inflammation and, hopefully as a result, our pain? The 2010 study on fascial inflammation suggests that manual therapies targeting the fascia may be effective. That includes myofascial release (a type of massage) and a deep-tissue manipulation called Rolfing. However, so far, research on these treatments is limited. Also, depending on symptoms, some people with this condition may not be able to tolerate certain types of massage. Learn more in Manual Therapy for Fibromyalgia and Choosing a Manual Therapist. A 2012 study published in Scandinavia suggests that aquatic exercise may improve the cytokine balance in fibromyalgia, and therefore lower inflammation levels and pain. Learn more about Warm-Water Exercise for Fibromyalgia and Exercising with Fibromyalgia. Some people have good luck with supplements believed to lower inflammation. Anti-inflammatory supplements include:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Turmeric (curcumin)
Ginger
CoQ10
Rhodiola rosea
We don't yet have research on an anti-inflammatory diet for fibromyalgia, but many doctors recommend it for inflammatory conditions. Because not everyone's inflammatory triggers are the same, people often start with a strictly limited diet, then add back in one type of food at a time to determine which foods are problematic.
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/symptoms/a/Inflammation-In-Fibromyalgia.htm
My sed rate was elevated on my most recent blood work. An elevated sed rate indicates that there is inflammation in the body. I was just recently diagnosed with sicca (Sjgren's) syndrome. I was diagnosed by clinical symptoms and the sed rate only. I have had the Sjgren's symptoms even before I was diagnosed with fibro, but my blood work was always negative. I think it was there with the fibro all along.
As the article suggests, massage and Aquatherapy are very beneficial for fibro. I have been using both for a very long time. I have recently added a anti-inflammatory supplement containing: ginger, turmeric etc. Best Wishes to you.
I was thought to have fibro and a mild connective tissue disease, but my rheumatologist gave me a prednisone, and I felt so much better. I think some docs still think I have fibro, but I have begun to wonder.
I too have costochondritis and YES, that is an inflammatory disease. I wouldn't dismiss testing positive for sjogrens, lupus or RA. Did you see a Rheumatologist or just your family MD? A Rheumatologist, a good one, will explain WHY they would dismiss it, though that sounds a bit strange to me.
My Rheumy caught costochondritis genetic marker on my testing even though my cardiologist had already dx'd it. I also get high sed rates and it hasn't been resolved with medicine, so I am going back for testing. But, I have a great Rheumatologist and trust him (I'm in a big city and he's been consistently rated a "super doctor").
As far as the pain from fibro, personally, I believe there is inflammation associated with it. I think I am a dissenting opinion here, but that may be because I have severe arthritis and my other conditions are clouding my judgement...disclaimer, lol. I think the pain comes from connective tissue and muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia and is explained well in many fibro books. The book I have that helped me understand better is called, "The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofasical Pain Syndrome, A Guide to Survival".
Here's hoping you get some relief. BTW, I was prescribed sulfasalazine for costochondritis and arthritis and Cymbalta, gabapentin for Fibromyalgia pain. I also have spinal probs so I do take pain meds as needed as well as a muscle relaxant.
Thank you for posting that information on the link between Fibro in the latest research. I initially posted a discussion link when it came out as I think this is very exciting research.
Yes, I absolutely believe there is a link with inflammation and fibro. Inflammation is the leading cause of disease right now. If you don't believe me, just google some of the research on inflammation and disease. Very interesting reading on how our diet influences inflammation with processed foods, how stress increases inflammation, and how these things play out in our bodies. I also believe there is a genetic link that some of us are predisposed to. I have done some genetic testing, as an adoptee, and found that my birth mother had exactly some of the same inflammatory problems.