Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

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

Unveiling the Connection: Nerve Damage in Approximately Half of Fibromyalgia Patients

Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. Traditionally, it has been considered a disorder of pain processing within the central nervous system, leading to heightened sensitivity to pain stimuli. However, emerging research suggests that peripheral nerve damage may also play a significant role in the manifestation of fibromyalgia symptoms. Notably, studies have identified that about half of fibromyalgia patients exhibit evidence of small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN),…

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

Why Fibromyalgia misdiagnosed as Arthritis is common?

Several years ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I was treated with various drugs including methotrexate. The drugs did not really help, but I did have some side effects from them. Recently I obtained a second opinion from a different NHS Trust. I was told that I did not suffer, nor had I ever suffered, from rheumatoid arthritis. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I believe that my current diagnosis is correct and that I…

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

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

‘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