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.