Fibromyalgia Community

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Outline for “Fibromyalgia” Heading Sub-Headings H1: Understanding Fibromyalgia H2: What is Fibromyalgia? Definition of Fibromyalgia History and Discovery of Fibromyalgia H2: Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Common Symptoms Uncommon Symptoms Fibromyalgia Pain Cognitive Symptoms (Fibro Fog) Emotional Symptoms H2: Causes of Fibromyalgia Genetic Factors Environmental Triggers Biological Factors H2: Diagnosing Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria Diagnostic Tests Differential Diagnosis H2: Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia Medications Physical Therapy Alternative Therapies Lifestyle Modifications H2: Medications for Fibromyalgia Pain Relievers Antidepressants Anti-seizure…

by Dr Alex Robber•06/04/202408/22/2025•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

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

Our relationships and fibromyalgia

Musculoskeletal Care, November 21, 2019, of 40 multiple choice questions was posted online with the objective to poll a large sample of adults with fibromyalgia about the impact on their significant other, friends and children. Questions included were regarding their symptoms, their demographics, any comorbid mood conditions, the relationship impact (with Relationship Assessment Scale). There were 6126 respondents to the survey who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. We know that chronic pain is not just…

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

Fibromyalgia Experience

Let’s talk about the fibromyalgia experience. The truth is that the environment you live in and indeed perceive has as much to do with you being in pain (and getting out of it) as all of the other biological reasons. Brains don’t know the difference between what they think to be true and what’s actually true. In fact, it’s one of the best things about being a human, and also probably one of the worst. In…

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

My Own 6 Ways That I am Living Well With Fibromyalgia

As we talked about in a previous post, getting treatment for your fibromyalgia is always important. Putting off your treatment can allow symptoms to worsen, and when you do finally seek treatment, it may be more difficult to get symptoms under control. However, not all your fibromyalgia management has to come from physicians and specialists. While medical treatment should definitely be part of your treatment plan, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to…

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