A landmark study identifies new genetic risk factors associated with fibromyalgia syndrome, pointing to a neurological origin of the disorder. The research found substantial overlap between fibromyalgia and other conditions, suggesting shared biological mechanisms that may benefit from targeted therapies.
A new study suggests that ultrasound stimulation can bring about functionally meaningful changes in pain perception and brain connectivity. The research found a delayed analgesic effect, with participants reporting reduced pain intensity after 28-55 minutes following TUS application.
A new study led by University of Iowa Health Care researchers found that TENS reduced movement-evoked pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia, with effects lasting for at least six months. The treatment was also shown to be safe, effective, inexpensive, and readily available.
A team of researchers has developed a method to decode fluctuations in spontaneous pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain using extensively sampled functional MRI data. The study found that neural patterns underlying pain differ markedly between individuals, highlighting the importance of individualized brain-based biomarkers.
A new Cochrane review has found no clear evidence of benefit for ketamine in treating chronic pain conditions. The review identified an increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and vomiting. High-quality trials are needed to determine the role of ketamine in chronic pain care.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 17, 2025
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a brain circuit that gives physical pain its emotional tone, revealing a potential target for treating chronic and affective pain conditions. The study found that a group of neurons in the thalamus can mediate the emotional side of pain in mice.
A new study from the University of Sydney found that poor oral health is significantly associated with higher instances of migraines and abdominal/pain in women. The research identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.
Research at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that certain terpenes in Cannabis sativa are effective at relieving post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain in preclinical models. Terpenes have been shown to provide significant pain relief in mouse models, with geraniol providing the most significant level of pain relief.
A wearable electrical nerve stimulation device has been shown to provide significant relief from long COVID symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Researchers found that the high-dose TENS group experienced notable improvements in pain relief and walking ability.
A team of researchers, funded by ARPA-H, aims to create an objective quantitative tool to assess pain in patients. They will use biomarkers such as stress hormones and neurotransmitters to generate a composite panel of markers that can be monitored on a portable device.
The review paper examines the scope of people affected by long COVID, ranging from fatigue to cognitive impairment, and current treatment options. Researchers emphasize the need for biomarkers and targeted therapies to address root causes of the disease.
A new study published in The Lancet found that a self-guided smartphone-based behavioral therapy led to significant improvements for patients with fibromyalgia. Stanza, a smartphone app delivering acceptance and commitment therapy, showed improved symptoms including pain intensity, fatigue, and depression.
A recent study published in BRAIN found that males and females differ in their experience of pain due to functional sex differences in nociceptors. The findings support the implementation of a precision medicine-based approach considering patient sex as fundamental to treatment choices.
A study published in PAIN found that exposure-based CBT and traditional CBT are equally effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia. The study involved 274 participants with fibromyalgia and showed significant reductions in symptoms and functional impairment after 10-week treatment.
A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces fibromyalgia pain and improves daily living. CBT alters brain connectivity to reduce catastrophizing, a key contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.
A new research case study published in The Lancet highlights the need for greater awareness of the 'blue legs' symptom associated with Long Covid. Acrocyanosis, a venous pooling of blood in the legs, can be a symptom of dysautonomia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in patients with Long Covid.
A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.
Researchers found changes in grey matter volume in pain-processing areas of the brain, with decreased volume in regions responsible for inhibiting pain. The study also revealed altered signal transmission in the thalamus and correlations between brain structure and perceptional characteristics.
Researchers warn that patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions are vulnerable to long term opioid use. The study found that up to 1 in 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia may be at risk of transitioning to long term opioid use, highlighting the need for vigilance in practice prescribing.
A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum's Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy found altered brain activity in patients with fibromyalgia, which may contribute to the disorder's characteristic inability to control pain. The research provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain in fibromyalgia patients.
A recent clinical study found that an online e-health program helped more people with chronic pain reduce their opioid medications and pain intensity than a control group. The program, called Goalistics Chronic Pain Management, improved pain knowledge, confidence managing pain, and coping skills.
A recent study has found a significant link between fibromyalgia and increased odds of exacerbation in pain-related opioid use disorder. Researchers surveyed 125 individuals living with both conditions, revealing that those with fibromyalgia were more likely to report worsening addiction symptoms due to chronic pain.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
Researchers found that while some antidepressants are effective for certain pain conditions, most are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. A more nuanced approach is needed when prescribing antidepressants for pain, say experts.
A study found that wearing green eyeglasses reduces pain-related anxiety and decreases opioid use in fibromyalgia patients. The treatment uses specially formulated lenses to filter specific wavelengths of green light, which stimulates pathways in the brain to manage pain.
A new home-based test, aAP, allows patients to monitor their autonomic responses and make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. This test reduces NHS resource demand and provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient triggers.
A multicentre study has proven personal construct therapy as effective as cognitive-behavioural therapy in improving quality of life and symptoms of depression in patients with fibromyalgia. The therapy focused on people's identity and how they see themselves, offering a personalized approach to treatment.
A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology characterizes grey matter volume alterations in adolescents affected by juvenile fibromyalgia, revealing a link between brain region activity and pain processing. The research suggests therapeutic strategies to modulate the activity in brain circuits involved with emotion and language.
Fibromyalgia is a disease of the immune system, according to new research that shows patient antibodies increase pain-sensing nerve activity throughout the body. Antibodies from people with FMS cause symptoms like increased pain sensitivity and muscle weakness.
A new study found that over 70% of people with fibromyalgia who use CBD substitute it for opioids or other pain medications, reporting improved symptom relief. CBD is being used as a harm reduction strategy due to its non-intoxicating properties and lower potential for abuse.
A recent clinical trial found that nerve stimulation via TENS significantly improved movement-related pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia. The treatment, given along with standard treatments, offers a non-invasive self-management option for chronic pain management.
Female survivors of domestic abuse are nearly twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to non-abused women. The study examined GP records of 18,547 abused women and found a significant association between abuse and these long-term illnesses.
A Montreal-based research team has found a correlation between gut bacteria and chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia. Variations in the microbiome composition of approximately 20 different species of bacteria were observed in individuals with fibromyalgia compared to healthy control subjects.
Researchers have discovered a significant link between insulin resistance and fibromyalgia, enabling the use of metformin medication to reduce pain levels. The study found that most patients with fibromyalgia can be identified by their A1c levels, which reflect average blood sugar levels over two to three months.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a blood test that can reliably detect fibromyalgia by identifying unique biomarkers in the blood. The discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with this often-misdiagnosed disease, which affects millions of Americans.
A Tel Aviv University study finds a link between chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia and post-traumatic physical and psychological distress from childhood sexual abuse. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are shown to be an effective treatment for survivors, improving quality of life and brain functionality.
A recent study found that only fair agreement exists between clinicians' diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the published criteria used by the American College of Rheumatology. Clinicians failed to identify nearly half of patients who met the criteria, highlighting a need for improved diagnostic methods.
A new study by NYU College of Dentistry suggests that self-care techniques, such as jaw exercises and warm compresses, should be the first line of treatment for muscle-related temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The study found that patients with TMD reported significant improvement in their pain from these non-medication treatments.
A Rutgers study found that Gabapentin reduces pain and improves sexual desire and satisfaction in women with vulvodynia, a condition characterized by stinging, burning, or itching at the vaginal entry point.
A pilot study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can slow or even reverse the atrophy of cortical gray matter in patients with co-morbid fibromyalgia. Eight weeks of CBT-I resulted in increases in cortical thickness, while CBT-P had no similar effect.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found elevated glial activation in the brains of fibromyalgia patients, correlating with fatigue levels. The results suggest that neuroinflammation may be a potential treatment target for the condition.
Fibromyalgia patients who regularly visit their physicians are much less likely to attempt suicide than those who do not. Regular care engagement is key in managing the disorder and reducing risk of suicide. The study suggests connecting patients at-risk with outpatient providers can improve care and reduce suicidal risk.
Researchers developed a new device combining low-intensity laser light and therapeutic ultrasound, reducing fibromyalgia pain by 73.37%. The treatment showed better analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the palms instead of tender points.
A new study reveals that women Veterans with fibromyalgia have high rates of childhood abuse history, which is linked to military sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Screening for childhood abuse may enhance treatment for these patients.
A new trial suggests that tai chi is a viable alternative to aerobic exercise for managing chronic pain, particularly for those with fibromyalgia. The study found that participants who received tai chi showed significant improvements in symptoms compared to those who exercised aerobically.
Hyperreactive brain networks may contribute to the hypersensitivity of fibromyalgia. Researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia have brain networks primed for rapid responses to minor changes, leading to explosive synchronization.
A strong relationship was discovered between self-efficacy and exercise among women veterans with fibromyalgia, revealing positive effects on exercise adoption and maintenance. The study highlights the importance of tailored exercise programs to individual needs, aiming to improve overall quality of life and functioning.
A novel therapy, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), has been found helpful in reducing widespread pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients who received EAET showed significant improvements compared to those receiving education or cognitive behavioral therapy.
A recent study published in Pain investigated widespread pain and its relation to the brain. Researchers found that individuals with widespread pain had increased gray matter and brain connectivity in sensory and motor cortical areas, similar to those with fibromyalgia.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $7.5 million grant to researchers at the University of Michigan to study chronic pain. The team aims to investigate how peripheral damage, inflammation, and central nervous system factors interact to cause chronic pain, with potential breakthroughs in treating high levels of chronic pain
Researchers at CU Boulder discovered a neural signature that identifies fibromyalgia patients with 93% accuracy, a potential breakthrough for diagnosis and treatment. The study used functional MRI scans to identify three sub-markers that correlate with pain hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia.
Researchers found that swimming was as beneficial as walking in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Both swimming and walking improved scores on clinically validated questionnaires, indicating significant improvements in physical function and mental health.
Researchers at Queen's University have found that combining pregabalin with duloxetine improves fibromyalgia symptoms, offering a new treatment option for patients. The study suggests that this combination can safely improve pain relief, physical function, and overall quality of life.
A recent analysis found that approximately 43% of the UK population, around 28 million adults, suffer from chronic pain. The prevalence is expected to rise as the population ages, with older individuals being more likely to experience long-term pain. Women are also more likely to be affected by chronic pain than men.
A personalized approach to acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain levels and improve functional capacity in individuals with chronic pain, known as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and depression, affecting up to one in twenty people.
Regular alcohol consumption is associated with lower levels of disability in individuals with chronic widespread pain. Those who drank moderate amounts (21-35 units/week) were 67% less likely to experience disability compared to non-drinkers.
A Tel Aviv University study found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment can drastically reduce or eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms, enabling patients to discontinue pain medication. The research also identified the primary factor causing fibromyalgia: brain mechanism for processing pain disruption.
A clinical trial involving women diagnosed with fibromyalgia showed significant improvements in symptoms after undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Brain scans revealed changes in brain activity that may be responsible for the syndrome's chronic pain sensation.