Dry skin brushing

This article is about the ancient technique of skin brushing, how to do it and one of it's little know benefits. 

Fibromyalgia clinical trials 2020

 

Fibromyalgia medical research is being actively performed throughout the world. It gives us hope that we see new fibromyalgia clinical trials every few months because they are the first step in getting new evidence based treatments and even a possible understanding of what causes fibromyalgia. 

This is the current list of clinical trials into fibromyalgia at ClinicalTrials.gov. which is a resource provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Fibromyalgia humor

I love sharing #FunnyFibro humor on twitter each and every day and often on facebook.

For those of you who are not on those platforms I am sharing some of the Funny Fibro's I shared on them last month here and hope you enjoy them.

Relevance of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Experimental Fibromyalgia Model.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain conditions. 

Although the cause of FM is still unknown, mitochondrial dysfunction and the overproduction of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) are common characteristics in its development. ROI's play diverse roles in inflammation

Mitochondria are the “energy factory” of our body. Mitochondrial diseases are long-term, genetic, often inherited disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the body to function properly. CLEVELAND CLINIC 

The reserpine experimental model can induce FM-related symptoms in rodents by depleting biogenic amines. However, it is unclear whether reserpine causes other processes associated with the disease characteristics of FM. 

So far, no one has investigated the relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction in the reserpine-induced experimental FM model using protection- and insult-based mitochondrial modulators. 

What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the “energy factory” of our body. Several thousand mitochondria are in nearly every cell in the body. Their job is to process oxygen and convert substances from the foods we eat into energy. Mitochondria produce 90% of the energy our body needs to function.

METHODS

Reserpine (1 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected once daily for three consecutive days in male Swiss mice. We carried out analyses of reserpine-induced FM-related symptoms, and their modulation by using mitochondrial insult on ATP synthesis (oligomycin; 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or mitochondrial protection (coenzyme Q10; 150 mg/kg/5 days, orally). We also evaluated the effect of reserpine on mitochondrial function using high-resolution respirometry and oxidative status. 

RESULTS

Reserpine caused:

•  nociception, 
• loss in muscle strength, and 
• anxiety- and depressive-like behaviours 

These symptoms were consistent with the clinical symptoms of FM. They did not induce body weight and temperature alterations or motor impairment.

Reserpine-induced FM-related symptoms were increased by oligomycin and reduced by coenzyme Q10 treatment. 

Reserpine caused mitochondrial dysfunction by negatively modulating the electron transport system and mitochondrial respiration (ATP synthesis) mainly in oxidative muscles and the spinal cord. 

These results support the role of mitochondria in mediating oxidative stress and FM symptoms in this model. In this way, reserpine-inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and increased production of ROI contribute to the development and maintenance of nociceptive, fatigue, and depressive-like behaviours.

References:

PHYSICIAN'S WEEKLY

FIBRO FILES: Fibro in the media this week.

Chronic Pain May Be Effectively Treated Using Placebo Effect: 60 patients with osteoarthritis and 79 patients with fibromyalgia as well as 98 healthy individuals were given an inert cream to be applied on their forehand. Pavankumar Kamat, 

July 16, 2020, Medscape.

Cancer and Fibromyalgia: Addressing the Needs of Patients Despite Limited Research. Mary Hanley, LMSW CancerCare, July 15, 2020, Oncology Nurse Advisor. Having either cancer or fibromyalgia is a challenge that millions of Americans face every year. But how do those with comorbid cancer and fibromyalgia fare? Addressing comorbidity between cancer and fibromyalgia is an emerging, but still lacking, area of research. 

Development for Bedtime Treatment of Fibromyalgia. Tonix Pharmaceuticals. Tonix is developing TNX-102 SL as a potential treatment for the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. It is currently in Phase 3 clinical development. TNX-102 SL targets mechanisms which are associated with disturbed sleep. It is believed that increasing sleep quality in fibromyalgia may facilitate the body's adaptive ability to modulate the perception of pain.

Patients with fibromyalgia, OA, RA at increased risk for self-harm: according to findings published in Arthritis Care & Research. Carrie Beach, July 08, 2020, Healio. 

“Our interest lies in examining and comparing the risk of self-harm in specific rheumatological conditions (ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis),” James A. Prior, BSc, MSc, PhD, of Keele University, in Staffordshire, UK.

Basic Body Awareness Therapy for patients with fibromyalgia

The non-pharmacological management of Fibromyalgia (FM) has been the focus in many studies recently and seems to have a stronger impact on symptoms and quality of life than pharmacologic treatment. 

New psychological support therapy showing promising results in FM includes virtual Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT).
BBAT is a movement awareness training programme that teaches patients how to correctly move, increasing awareness of body coordination. They are everyday movements such as sitting, standing, walking, and lying down and standing up. The movements are simple, small and soft, and are meant to foster more functional movement quality and habits.

IMAGE thanks to Amber Life Clinic 

RESEARCH
In a randomised study, 20 FM patients assigned to BBAT and followed-up for 24 weeks showed a significant reduction in pain and anxiety scale scores compared to 21 people in the control group.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess whether Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) improves musculoskeletal pain, movement quality, psychological function, and quality of life.

Methods: The effects of BBAT in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) were studied in a randomized controlled trial. 

Forty-one patients were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 21) and an intervention group (n = 20). 

Both groups received TAU including pharmacological therapy. 

The intervention group took part in 10 BBAT sessions. Outcome variables were measured regarding pain, movement quality, psychological function, and quality of life. 

Outcome measures were assessed before intervention, in post test, and in follow-ups at 12 and 24 weeks. 

Results: The BBAT group showed significant improvement in 'pain' after the testing and in 'movement quality' from baseline to 24 weeks.  

Within the group analysis showed significant improvements in the SF-36 body pain subscale at 12 and 24 weeks, Hospital Anxiety Depression scale in anxiety subscale at 12 weeks, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety questionnaire at 12 and 24 weeks, and STAI state at 12 and 24 weeks. 

Conclusion: This study showed that BBAT is an effective intervention in patients suffering from fibromyalgia in relation to pain, movement quality, and anxiety.

MORE RESEARCH
BBAT has also shown significant effects in areas such as: 

• Stroke (Lindvall, Anderzén, Carlsson, and Forsberg, 2016), 
• Rheumatic diseases (Olsen and Skjaerven, 2016), 
• Traumatized refugees (Madsen, Carlsson, Nordbrandt, and Jensen, 2016; Stade, Skammeritz, Hjortkaer, and Carlsson, 2015), 
• Major depression (Danielsson and Rosberg, 2015), 
• Chronic whiplash associated disorders (Seferiadis, Ohlin, Billhult, and Gunnarsson, 2016), 
• Eating disorders (Catalan- Matamoros, 2007; Catalan-Matamoros et al., 2011; Thörnborg and Mattsson, 2010), 
• Borderline personality disorders (Skatteboe, Friis, Hope, and Vaglum, 1989), 
• Chronic pelvic pain (Mattsson, Wikman, Dahlgren, and Mattsson, 2000; Mattsson et al., 1997, 1998; Olsen et al., 2017), 
• Long-lasting chronic pain (Bergström, Ejelöva, Mattsson, and Stålnacke, 2014)

If you are interested in doing BBAT you need to find a physiotherapist who has been trained to teach it.

FM RESEARCH SOURCE: BRAVO C, SKJAERVEN LH, ESPART A, GUITARD SEIN-ECHALUCE L, CATALAN-MATAMOROS D: Basic Body Awareness Therapy in patients suffering from fibromyalgia: A randomized clinical trial. Physiotherapy Theory Pract. 2018.

OTHER RESOURCES:

International Association of Teachers in Basic Body Awareness Therapy

Fysioterapeuten

One year in review 2019: fibromyalgia

My experience with Dandelion Coffee to help digestive issues

In this series I am investigating what foods can help heal our body or even just help reduce some of the challenges of chronic illness. As well as fibromyalgia I am diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren's syndrome.

Since my early 20's I have been interested in the healing power of what we eat. I studied, and have a diploma in, herbal medicine. 

Today I am writing about Dandelion Coffee and it's healing powers as it was brought to my attention in my facebook group that it is not well known. Considering it's amazing benefits and how it has helped me I thought I should highlight it here. 

DANDELION THE HERB
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is a Digestive Bitter Herb.

In traditional herbal medicine, dandelion root has long been used to treat stomach and liver conditions due to its purported ability to “detoxify” the blood and be a general tonic.

Element profile of Dandelion:  

Na 740  K 180  Li 78  Fe 19.5  Ca 106  Mg 6.4   Zn 2.32

It is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and B, inositol, lecithin, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, silicon, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese.

Among vegetables, dandelion is one of the richest source of beta-carotene (11,000 µg/100 g leaves, same as in carrots), from which vitamin A originates.

In the past few years, dandelion has demonstrated health benefits including anti-rheumatic, anti-carcinogenic, diuretic, laxative, hypoglycemic, and chloretic effects.

Besides its use as a coffee substitute, the leaf extracts are known to have diuretic properties, which have now been confirmed scientifically, and be effective against obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Dandelion is on the FDA's list of safe foods.

Dandelion restores potassium rather than depleting it like conventional diuretics.

It promotes healthy digestive functioning.

It reduces pre-menstrual bloating caused by an excess of fluid build-up.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is a Digestive Bitter Herb.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DANDELION

Dandelion is available in the of coffee, tea, capsules, and tablets. In Australia, where I live, it is available from health stores and larger supermarkets. 

Dandelion coffee is made from the roasted roots and is known as a liver tonic and detoxifier. 

Dandelion tea is made from dried leaves and is known as a diuretic that helps the body excrete excess fluid through urination.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH DANDELION
I use to drink Dandelion root coffee many years ago as a university student. I enjoyed it and understood the many benefits due to having studied herbalism. 

I don't know why I stopped drinking it... probably due to the cost as I was not working and also I did not have any illnesses. 

I have remembered it recently when, added to my autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia, I started having new digestive symptoms. I was rushing to the ER around every 3 months with severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and swollen belly. 

I underwent many tests including a colonoscopy and endoscopy and ultrasound of the stomach. It was discovered that I had gallstones and an enlarged liver. This was a shock to me as I have a fairly healthy diet with lots of vegetables, wholegrains and fruit. My big 'treat' was my daily coffee. 

I drink my dandelion coffee with soy milk or skim milk

I remembered dandelion coffee and so I replaced my coffee intake over 3 days with dandelion coffee. At first replacing one of my 2 daily coffees with dandelion coffee and them both. I was amazed that it was a fairly easy transition.

I love the taste of dandelion coffee and I am reaping the benefits:

• my daily morning nausea has disappeared completely.
• no visits to the ER since October with excruciating stomach pain.
• less daily bloating in my fingers and toes that use to prevent me from making a fist every night.

MY RECOMMENDED DANDELION COFFEE

Symingtons Instant Dandelion Coffee

Are you thinking of trying dandelion coffee after reading this article? Are you already drinking it and appreciate it's wonderful benefit? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

SUMMARY OF THE BENEFITS OF DANDELION COFFEE

Dandelion coffee, made from roasted dandelion roots, is a caffeine-free herbal drink often used as a coffee substitute. It offers several potential health benefits:

1. Liver Support

• Dandelion root is known for its liver-detoxifying properties. It may help stimulate bile production, which supports digestion and liver function.

2. Digestive Aid

• Acts as a mild diuretic and laxative, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

• Helps relieve bloating and indigestion.

3. Antioxidant Properties

• Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation.

4. Caffeine-Free Energy Boost

• Offers a similar taste and experience to coffee without the caffeine, which can be beneficial for people who are sensitive to stimulants or want to reduce their intake.

5. May Support Blood Sugar Control

• Some studies suggest dandelion root may help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, though more research is needed.

6. Rich in Nutrients

• Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, K, calcium, and iron, contributing to overall health.

7. Supports Kidney Function

• As a natural diuretic, it can help the body eliminate excess fluid, potentially benefiting kidney health and reducing water retention.

8. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• May help reduce systemic inflammation, which is linked to many chronic conditions.

SOURCES FOR THIS ARTICLE

The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes. Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens Gade 2, DK-8000 C, Denmark, 2016.

Elemental profile of 24 common medicinal plants of Pakistan and its direct link with traditional uses. Institute of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Pakistan. Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, 2011.

The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum officinale Folium over a Single Day

Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, Laurel, MD.

2Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA.

3National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

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Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, Laurel, MD.

2Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA.

3National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

4

Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, Laurel, MD.

2Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA.

3National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

4

Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, Laurel, MD.

2Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA.

3National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

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Fibromyalgia humor about fatigue

                             

18 jokes about fibromyalgia and fatigue.

I hope you enjoy these jokes about fibromyalgia and fatigue. The benefit of humor has been proven over and over.

A review of literature indicates that humor could be related to pain tolerance through three possible mechanisms: 

• cognitive emotional processes, 
• changes in the neuroendocrine and immunological systems, 
• and muscle relaxation. HUMOR AND PAIN TOLERANCE. OFRA NEVO / GIORA KEINAN / MINA TESHIMOVSKY-ARDITI

I love finding amusing quips that relate to having fibromyalgia and sometimes I even create them.

This week I am sharing these, what I call "funny fibro's", around the topic of fatigue.  This is a topic that many people with fibromyalgia, or indeed any chronic pain condition can relate to as fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia for many of us.

I hope you get a smile when you read them. Maybe you won't be slapping your thighs with laughter but hopefully you will relate...

If you are interested in more fibromyalgia humor you can check out my pinterest board on that topic or search #funnyfibro on twitter to get the latest jokes and memes.

If you are interested in finding out more about research into humor and pain here are some related articles:

1. Do cheerfulness, exhilaration, and humor production moderate pain tolerance? A FACS study by Karen Zweyer, Barbara Velker, Willibald Ruch (2004)
2. Benefits of humor for mental health: Empirical findings and directions for further research by GRAEME GALLOWAY, ARTHUR CROPLEY (2009)
3. The peer effect on pain tolerance by Solveig Engebretsen, Arnoldo Frigessi, Kenth Engø-Monsen, Anne-Sofie Furberg, Audun Stubhaug, Birgitte Freiesleben de Blasio, Christopher Sivert Nielsen (2018)
4. Chronic whiplash, pain and pain tolerance by Solbjørg Makalani Myrtveit, Jens Christoffer Skogen, Børge Sivertsen, Ólöf Anna Steingrímsdóttir, Audun Stubhaug, Christopher Sivert Nielsen (2014)
5. Exposure to humor before and after an unpleasant stimulus: Humor as a preventative or a cure by ARNIE CANN, LAWRENCE G. CALHOUN, JAMEY T. NANCE (2009)

IF you are looking for more humor go here:

• Jokes about pain in Fibromyalgia
• 13 more jokes about Fibromyalgia at Fibromyalgia and humor
• Fibromyalgia humor with cats (largest collection all in one place)
• Fibromyalgia monsters - meet the fibro monsters
• Fibromyalgia humor - 11 memes

The Exercise Pain Barrier – are you fighting fibromyalgia or your mind?

Breaking through the fitness ‘pain barrier’.

This article was written by Em who is fighting fibro with fitness. If this is something that intrigues you, read on for her 13 tips.

If you live with Fibromyalgia then I think you instinctively know what I talk about when I talk about a pain barrier. After all for many of us it’s what we do every single day when we want to curl up and find some peace but our commitments mean that we have to keep moving, drawing on reserves and strength that we often forget we have. There aren’t many positives of living with fibro but for me my enhanced self awareness is one.

The pain barrier for me is pushing through when mentally and physically you don’t want to. Now of course I’m not talking about ignoring what the body needs and pushing myself too hard, that would be foolish and lead me to a worse place faster (yes of course I learnt this the hard way – I question if really there is any other way??)

I’m referring to re-starting or beginning to implement a challenging life change such as exercise. I’m referring to the active challenging of our negative thinking patterns and habitual behaviours. Working hard to get to the point where we finally start to feel the benefits and overcoming the worry that every body ache is doing us harm.

So here are my top tips for breaking through the pain barrier.

1. Prioritise this time for you. Tell yourself if you feel better, everyone around you will feel better too. Explain to your significant others what you’re seeking to achieve and ask for their support and/or join an online community (like this one!) 

2. If you stop now, when will you start? Keep your mind on your goals – picture them in your head. Remember how good you feel when you do physical activity: I think all of the times I am convinced I myself I wasn’t up to it but went and felt better for it. Equally think of all the times you quit something and regretted it.

3. Consider your timetable and needs and devise a realistic training plan – one that is manageable but consistently heads to where you want be. At first, your plan can be simple as “Go Exercise” – the rest will follow.

4. Examine your self awareness. My Grandmother used to say “you’ll never die for the want of an excuse!” That can be me to a tee! If you really don’t feel it up to it -don’t do it, but don’t give into your excuses either. Try to be honest with yourself and learn the difference.

5. Challenge your negative thoughts or fears – examine the truth of your thoughts. Because of the symptoms of chronic illness we often feel “I can’t” rather than “I can”. Don’t accept your thoughts without looking at them and don’t allow “ I can’t” to become your default. For example, what evidence do you have that exercise is bad for you? If you do have evidence, how can you adapt? – e.g. cycling is bad for my hip…. ok I’ll use the rowing machine instead. 

Em exercising at home using here stairs to strengthen her calves.

6. Sometimes I compromise by not going to the gym but exercising at home instead; 30 minutes at home is better than nothing at all. It doesn’t matter quite so much what you do; consistency is most important in these early days. I often find that giving myself these compromises usually gets me doing some form of exercise, because I’ve put no pressure on myself I perform better than I planned to, not because I forced myself but because I wanted to.

7. I’ve said it before but take your progress shots, they’ll inspire you. One you have a comparison set, they’ll remind you of your success and you can see what you’d like to work on. Once you see a difference, ask yourself do “do I want to go back to where I started?”

8. For further motivation, follow people whose fitness you admire, you tube, social media and of course blogs are excellent sources of advice and inspiration. 

9. If you can afford to, buy yourself some snazzy gym wear that you feel good in. You’ll want to go the gym to wear it!

10. Don’t be impatient – if you expect instant results you’re going to be disappointed. Every bit of the journey is progress. Celebrate your success every time you work out. Reward yourself with a soak in the tub or your favourite TV show for a job well done.

11. Learn from your sessions, identify how your body feels after each workout and use it to inform how you train next time. For example, if you’re fatigued in one area, train another, if a certain exercise doesn’t feel right, try a variation. If you find you didn’t recover very well from a session, do less next time (of course that works in reverse too!)

12. Try to fuel and hydrate your body with healthy foods and water. Don’t starve yourself, fatigue is already a factor for us, so help yourself by boosting your energy with good food and fluids. A fuel empty body will seriously affect your motivation and ability.

13. Remember it take 28 days to make and break a habit, in sheer days you can alter your mindset and change the pain barrier to routine and routine to fun, energy and good health.

Lastly feel proud that you’re doing this for you. Walk your journey held held high. There will be pitfalls but change often comes from challenge.

From Em who use to blog at Fibro My Story and who is @Fibromystory1 on twitter.  Em is concentrating on exercising and fighting fibro with fitness.