Research has recently shown that Fibromyalgia is not an immune system disorder. Researchers believe that FM is a chronic, neurologic disease. Studies have shown that the pain in Fibromyalgia is caused by an abnormality in the central nervous system where pain sensations are amplified. So this rules out the theory that it is all in our heads! Like we didn’t know that already!
The new theory is that FM results from “miscommunication among nerve impulses in the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord – causing FM patients to feel intense pain when they should only feel mild discomfort or fatigue”.
I know that I am very sensitive to touch. If my husband comes up to put his arm on my back or waist, I will jump from the pain – my body is that reactive to it.
Dr. Daniel Clauw, who is the director of the Center of the Advancement of Clinical Research at the University of Michigan says, “The pain of FM is not occurring because of some injury or inflammation of the muscles or joints. There is something wrong with the way the central nervous system is processing pain from the peripheral tissues. It’s over-amplifying the pain.”
I am currently in remission from another disease that is like FM. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. The 2 diseases are similiar. With RSD, the pain gate (sympathetic nerve) stays active sending pain signals to the brain. I had chronic pain and fatigue for 5 yrs. Also, depression set in.
I stopped going to the pain management clinic and looked into alternative ways of healing myself. Relax biofeedback, diet, accupuncture and medication for depression finally helped.
The disease is on going, but the chronic pain stopped. About 6 weeks ago, I sprained the same ankle that started this problem. I am experience abnormal nerve response, but it is at tolerable levels.
I understand your pain! Don’t give up hope. Remission is possible.
If you haven’t already, check into the foods you eat. Pork chops on the bone release a chemical that floods the central nervous system that people with chronic pain can not handle.
Wish I had the name of the book, it was very enlightening!
Wishing you pain free.
Thank you for your post, Vicki! I have never heard of RSD and I will definitely research it! I wish you the best of luck and appreciate your posting! Take care and I hope you feel well soon.
I just wanted you to know that I understand the pain you are in. The comments that it is all in your head and get over it…yeah right!
RSD has had a lot of name changes. The disease is incurable. If you are lucky enough to go pain free, there are other things to look out for. Vascular changes to the eyes and heart are the biggest. So far so good there.
I wish you relief and remission!