Arthritis: Symptoms, Types, Causes & Treatment Options

What to Expect at a Rheumatologist Appointment for Fibromyalgia Evaluation

Introduction If you suspect fibromyalgia, your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist for further evaluation. A rheumatologist specializes in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, making them one of the primary specialists involved in diagnosing fibromyalgia. However, because fibromyalgia does not cause joint damage or inflammation, many people wonder what role a rheumatologist plays in their diagnosis. This article will guide you through what happens during a rheumatology appointment, how fibromyalgia is assessed, and what steps…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/22/202508/22/2025•0

EULAR Guidelines: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Managing Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Introduction Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has developed comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines to assist healthcare professionals in effectively managing FMS. These guidelines emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, integrating both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions to enhance patients’ quality of life. Understanding Fibromyalgia Syndrome Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder marked by widespread pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/22/202508/22/2025•0

Dysautonomia Syndrome in People with Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Hidden Connection

Introduction Fibromyalgia is widely recognized as a chronic pain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, many individuals with fibromyalgia also experience unexplained symptoms like dizziness, irregular heartbeat, temperature sensitivity, and digestive issues. These symptoms often point to a coexisting condition known as dysautonomia syndrome, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Dysautonomia impacts the body’s ability to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature, creating a complex and often debilitating overlap…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/22/202508/22/2025•0

The Latest Research on Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Diseases

Introduction Fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases have long been subjects of medical debate due to their overlapping symptoms and complex causes. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, while autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Although fibromyalgia is not classified as an autoimmune disorder, research suggests a potential connection between immune dysfunction and fibromyalgia symptoms. With ongoing studies exploring the links between these conditions, scientists are…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/12/202508/22/2025•0

‘Smart’ Underwear May Help Prevent Back Pain

Mechanized “smart” undergarments may be the answer to back pain, according to researchers. The Vanderbilt University engineers have created an undergarment that eases stress on the low back and activates only when a wearer needs it. “I’m sick of Tony Stark [the fictional Iron Man] and Bruce Wayne [Batman’s alter ego] being the only ones with performance-boosting supersuits. We, the masses, want our own,” Karl Zelik, principal investigator on the project, quipped in a university…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•8

Elevating Women’s Voices Will Advance Chronic Pain Treatment and Management

Coordinated by Monica Mallampalli, PhD, Chronicillness.co’s Advisor for Scientific and Strategic Initiatives, our two-day event aimed to advance and amplify current dialogue on the impact of chronic pain on women’s health. We certainly accomplished our goals. The summit convened leading experts in chronic pain science and treatment, policy experts from federal agencies and national pain advocacy organizations. Pain activists with personal knowledge of the devastation caused by chronic pain conditions also provided their unique insights.…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•32

3 Pain-Relief Treatments with Bonus Benefits

When it comes to pain–management options, not surprisingly, safe and effective pain relief should be priority number one. What may be surprising, however, is that some treatments have advantages that go beyond pain relief. In fact, there are a number of affordable and convenient pain treatments that work to alleviate symptoms—and come with bonus benefits. The following pain-relief treatments are sustainable, have additional advantages and most importantly they’re often times effective for many types of…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•4

Honoring Mothers Who Face Chronic Pain

Being a mom is tough enough. When chronic pain is thrown into the mix, it can seem downright impossible sometimes. That’s why there’s one day devoted entirely to finding ways to tell moms how much we appreciate them. Mothers who live with chronic pain have unique struggles that make everyday life a lot harder. Chronic pain can be limiting. For mothers with chronic pain, these limits can interfere with the small, everyday things that other…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•2

Exercising with a disability

As anyone with a disability knows, a disability can definitely complicate life at times—but it certainly doesn’t make life impossible. The same is true of exercising with a disability. Exercise can seriously boost moods, decrease pain, and increase flexibility and balance. In addition, using remaining abilities can help prevent the future loss of those abilities. Exercise is just as important for people with disabilities as for those without. To get an idea of the potential…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•3

Regenerative therapy: the future of pain control

Chronic pain is often the after-effect of degeneration, injury, or illness. Part of the body is left damaged somehow, and that damage causes pain. Most pain therapies concentrate on controlling the pain with medications, injections, or devices that block pain signals in one way or another. However, an emerging type of therapy may actually be able to slow or reverse the tissue damage that’s often to blame for chronic pain. Regenerative therapy encourages the body…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•0