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Pleasure and pain brain signals disrupted in fibromyalgia patients

Research suggests that fibromyalgia is associated with disrupted brain signals for reward and punishment, contributing to hyperalgesia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit altered brain responses to pain anticipation and relief, which may explain the heightened sensitivity to pain and lack of effectiveness of pain medications.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 5, 2013

Weather conditions do not affect fibromyalgia pain or fatigue

A study of 333 female patients with fibromyalgia found that weather conditions had no significant impact on their pain and fatigue symptoms. Individual patients may still experience some sensitivity to certain weather conditions, but this is not associated with demographic or mental health status.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 4, 2013

Managing fibromyalgia: A guide for physicians

Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by relying on the art of medicine, as physical findings or laboratory tests are often absent. Primary care physicians are best positioned to manage this condition due to its prevalence rate, with a combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies being the most appropriate management strategy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 6, 2013

Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life

Research suggests that low to moderate drinkers of alcohol may experience lower severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Moderate drinking has also been found to improve quality of life, with benefits seen in physical function, ability to work, and overall well-being.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 14, 2013

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women

A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 14, 2011

Fibromyalgia symptoms improved by lifestyle adjustments

A new study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that lifestyle physical activity can help people with fibromyalgia improve their symptoms. Participants who engaged in short bursts of physical activity took 54% more steps per day, experienced reduced perceived functional deficits, and reported less pain compared to those in ...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 29, 2010

A regular dip could benefit fibromyalgia sufferers

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that patients with fibromyalgia who participated in supervised training exercises in warm water experienced reduced symptoms and improved health-related quality of life. This cost-effective approach may offer a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateFeb 21, 2008

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 5, 2005

A new 12-week study of 302 adults with high-normal or mildly elevated blood pressure found that eating special cookies containing 40 grams of soybean protein resulted in significantly larger decreases in pressure levels compared to those who ate similar cookies made of complex wheat carbohydrate. The soybean group had a net reduction o...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 4, 2005

New treatment for fibromyalgia

A recent clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of duloxetine in reducing pain and improving disease symptoms in female fibromyalgia patients. The study showed significant improvements in tender point measures and pressure pain threshold, with benefits also observed in emotional and physical functioning.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 9, 2004