Mental Illness: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

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

Dizziness Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) in Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is primarily known for causing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues (fibro fog), many patients also experience dizziness upon standing, known as orthostatic hypotension (OH). Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure drops suddenly when a person moves from a sitting or lying position to standing, leading to symptoms such as: ✔ Dizziness and lightheadedness✔ Feeling faint or weak✔…

by Dr Alex Robber•02/16/202508/22/2025•0

The multiple emotions of fibromyalgia

“Nothing vivifies, and nothing kills, like emotions”, Joseph Roux It’s almost the end of December already and I missed writing a blog in November. Seems I was trying to recover from the many crises (or at least perceived crises) in my life. The physiotherapist (Nick) said my nervous system was “completely exhausted” and to rest. For the past few weeks things have finally quieted down and I am having Feldenkrais movement treatments/activities (I am somewhat certain…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•45

Overcoming Disability in the Media

This is an assignment for my disability studies course in my social work program. The purpose of the assignment is to identify different models of disability in the media by reviewing a news article. This one looks at the construction of the ‘supercrip’ (super cripple) who ‘overcomes his/her disability. Let me know what you think of this image – inspiring or unrealistic? Learning Activity 3.1 The article I chose for this Learning Activity describes how…

by chronicillness•12/12/202308/22/2025•1

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

The downsides of chronic stress

Certainly most people have experienced a headache or a poor night’s sleep after a stressful day, but in fact it can do a lot more than this. Each person responds differently to stress, and different types have different effects. Types of stress There are three types of stress: acute, episodic acute, and chronic. Acute stress is a burst that comes from a specific incident, like a fender-bender or a work deadline. The potential symptoms of acute stress…

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

I am in pain and I can’t sleep: Fibromyalgia and Sleeping Disorders

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is thought to be the result of overactive nerves. It is a condition that results in chronic widespread pain and tenderness all over the body. So what exactly does that mean?“Chronic” means that the pain lasts a long time, at least 3 months. Many people experience fibromyalgia pain for years before being diagnosed. “Widespread” means that it is all over the body. However, many people with fibromyalgia feel their pain in specific areas…

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

If You’ve Ever Been Called Overly-Emotional Or Too Sensitive, This Is For You

Emotional: a word used often nowadays to insult someone for their sensitivity towards a multitude of things. If you cry happy tears, you’re emotional. If you express (even if it’s in a healthy way) that something is bothering you, you’re sensitive. If your hormones are in a funk and you just happen to be sad one day, you’re emotional AND sensitive. Let me tell you something that goes against everything people have probably ever told you.…

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

Daith Piercing & Fibromyalgia – Does it Help Migraine Pain?

If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance you experience migraines too. They can be quite debilitating. Mine sent me to the ER once, but not because of pain. It’s because the migraine effects were mimicking a seizure in many ways. And migraines can hit you whether you have fibromyalgia or not. So what can you do about them? Well, there are medications, of course. You can also just ride them out. Or you can…

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

Wearable Tech Emerging For Chronic Pain Relief

The opioid crisis has revealed another real ongoing problem: a lot of people have chronic pain. For example, Lady Gaga recently revealed that she suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says afflicts 4 million people (or 2% of the adult population). This number may actually be an underestimate because determining the real number of people that have fibromyalgia can be a pain. Fibromyalgia is frequently underdiagnosed…

by chronicillness•10/29/202308/22/2025•0