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Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes

Published on 12 May 2015  | Download | back to previous

May 12^th 2015 is the national fibromyalgia awareness day. So don on your purple and show support for those struggling with chronic pain and discomfort.

It is an often mistaken idea that fibromyalgia and chronic pain are always the same. Fibromyagia is a condition whereby the patient experiences heightened sense of pain, thoughout the body. This is usually coupled with fatigue, “fibro fog” cognitive difficulty, insomnia, and occasionally bowel or bladder problems, headaches and depression.

Chronic pain can be a local issue, as in a long term back ache with multiple aetiologies. It is known that when a pain becomes chronic (over 3 weeks) sensory receptors in the body (mechanoreceptors) actually morph into pain receptors (nociceptors). Therefore the body is more sensitive to pain. In addition to that, the length of time that continual pain is experienced the brain develops a heightened sensitivity. This is often known as “central sensitisation”.

Whereas both of these issues are very different, they often overlap. There is no definitive diagnostic test for fibromyalgia and as such, is an exclusion diagnosis. It can often be preceded by a number of physical, physiological or psychological stressors. For this reason it remains a contentious issue for many diagnosticians. For example, a chronic pain episode can result in the development of fibromyalgia.

In both instances, positive lifestyle changes are recommended. Not only do you want to utilise the best medical care available and also cognitive behavioural therapy. But a healthy diet and optimal physical activity, given the limitations created by the condition. Some doctors even believe food sensitivity to play a part in the pain and fatigue noted with both conditions.

It is also important to note that even if you have a chronic pain or even fibromyalgia, hands on treatment can still alleviate simple mechanical issues. Chiropractors have a varied toolbox of treatment options available, including very gentle techniques. If you have any questions, please contact our chiropractor Laura Young on 01656 856162 or by e-mail on enquiries@youngsspinalhealth.co.uk