Focus on Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) has been generating a lot of buzz these days, and everyone seems to know a little something about it due to the current prescription marketing campaigns. It is important to realize that commercials are only capable of scratching the surface information about the syndrome, as they only have 30 seconds, and so much time is used just to list all the risks involved with the medications. The truth is, Fibromyalgia is very complex, and the information gathered through scientific research is vast and evolving all the time.

The most basic criteria in the diagnosis of FMS were established by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990. These criteria were based on the symptoms of “widespread pain” in all 4 quadrants of the body, presence of pain in 11 of the 18 “tender points,” and lasting for at least 3 months. Today, the standards for making an FMS diagnosis still include those listed, but the symptomatic complexity of the syndrome has grown since 1990, categorically including cognitive, psychological, and physical dysfunction.

Fibromyalgia has long been a puzzle of sorts for physicians, and controversies have surrounded the topic. However, there now are numerous studies showing evidence that this syndrome is real, and there are many theoretical possibilities for the underlying cause. For instance, using MRI, the latest brain research indicates that there are key differences between the measurement of Fibromyalgia patients’ and a control group’s response to pain and pressure stimuli. This supports the theory that FMS patients have what University of Michigan researchers have coined a “hyperexcitable” nervous system. There also is evidence showing that FMS patients have pain modulation difficulties, and therefore are not able to tone down the pain. These two problems are the perfect recipe for a lot of suffering.

Physicians and scientists are learning more and more about the possible causes and ways to manage an FMS patient’s discomforts and disabilities. More recently, our own observations through 20 years of practice have shown an additional consistency, pain related to disc abnormalities in the mid back region (thoracic spine). While not all patients with an FMS diagnosis are candidates for interventional techniques, there are patients with specific symptoms who respond well to targeted spinal treatments. Spine-related pain is a major focus in our continual investigation of Fibromyalgia, and our data has been submitted for further study.

Fibromyalgia is a very complex syndrome, and in the era of the Internet, there are a multitude of informational resources. It is easy to get lost in the Fibromyalgia label, so further investigation with your physician is recommended. Nothing can compare to the personalized and trustworthy care your physician can provide. Locally, our staff is well-versed in FMS and other pain-related conditions. For more information visit PAINDIAGNOSTICS.NET or call 888-PAINDRS.

Whiplash

Many people suffer from a condition commonly known by the name “whiplash injury.” This condition is caused by a sudden acceleration/deceleration of force; the head and neck are hyper extended when whipped backward. Immediately following, the head and neck are thrown forward and hyper flexed. This motion is usually caused by car accidents, falls, horseback riding, diving, snowboarding, skiing, and contact sports. Following such an incident, the vertebrae, tissues and muscles of the neck are sometimes left damaged. The symptoms involved with this condition include pain in the neck, shoulder, back, jaw and/or arm. Headaches, dizziness, and weakness are common as well.

Whiplash is a real condition with real symptoms, and sometimes individuals may recover quickly. Traditionally, as a part of initial treatment, most patients undergo conservative, non-invasive management such as rest, chiropractic manipulations, physical therapy, and medical management including use of non-steroidal medication and other pain killers. Long-term use of pain killers is not advisable as it may lead to dependence, which has become of increasing concern due the rise of prescription drug abuse. Many times, patients may fail to respond to conventional interventions, and continue to suffer with agonizing pain.

In order to properly treat whiplash, it is important to have a thorough exam performed by a qualified physician. The trauma can be very elusive. Consequently, it is not uncommon for X-Rays, MRIs, and CAT scans to miss the source of the problem. The multiple factors revolving around the injury make management of the pain highly variable from patient to patient. Specialized techniques are sometimes needed to locate the pain generator and provide the appropriate remedy. A specific interventional technique which aids in both identification of the source and treatment is precise nerve blocks under imaging guidance. The combination of interventional techniques and rehabilitative therapy is important for the best outcome. A small percentage of patients may require traditional open surgical interventions.

Early medical treatment is recommended in all whiplash incidents. If the condition is ignored, whiplash pain has the potential to become chronic. To find the solution to the problems or get answers to one’s concerns, pain sufferers should consult their physician or other providers early on. Also, one can conduct online research or contact a qualified interventional pain physician’s office to seek modern-day options.

For more information, you can visit www.paindiagnostics.net, or call 1-888-PAINDRS.