Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Help Fibromyalgia?

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and does it Help Fibromyalgia?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s most commonly used to treat depression, but research shows it may also help with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

How It Works

• A device with an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp.

• It sends magnetic pulses into specific areas of your brain—usually the motor cortex or prefrontal cortex.

• These pulses activate neurons and can help regulate brain activity linked to pain perception, mood, and fatigue.

A magnetic coil is positioned on the patient's head. IMAGE: Baburov

Types of TMS

• Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Delivers pulses in rapid succession. This is the most studied form for fibromyalgia.

• Deep TMS: Reaches deeper brain structures and is used for more complex conditions.

For Fibromyalgia

Studies suggest rTMS may:

• Reduce pain intensity

• Improve quality of life

• Ease fatigue, anxiety, and depression

• Offer relief lasting weeks after treatment

It’s typically done in a clinic, with sessions lasting around 30–40 minutes, several times a week for a few weeks.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), specifically repetitive TMS (rTMS), is emerging as a promising non-invasive therapy for fibromyalgia. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, rTMS may help modulate pain perception and improve mood—two major challenges for people living with fibromyalgia.

New Research:

rTMS Shows Pain Relief and Quality of Life Improvements

A 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that rTMS significantly relieved pain and enhanced quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. This supports growing clinical interest in using brain stimulation to manage chronic pain conditions.

More Than Just Pain Relief:

rTMS Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue

A 2025 study published in SpringerOpen reported that rTMS not only reduced pain, but also lowered anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels in fibromyalgia patients. These findings suggest that rTMS may offer a more holistic benefit, targeting both physical and emotional symptoms.

Functional Gains:

Improved Function and Lasting Effects

According to Neuralia TMS, a 2018 study in the Journal of Pain Research showed that TMS effectively reduced pain and improved function in people with fibromyalgia. Another study published on ScienceDirect in 2025 found that pain relief from rTMS lasted up to 8 weeks post-treatment, with an excellent effect size.

Real-World Therapy:

What Clinics Are Saying

Smart TMS reports that studies consistently show rTMS relieves pain and enhances quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. Beyond pain relief, TMS also appears to reduce fatigue and improve emotional well-being.

So, Does TMS Help?

The evidence is stacking up: rTMS may be a powerful tool in the fibromyalgia treatment arsenal. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and shows promise in reducing pain, fatigue, and mood-related symptoms. While more large-scale trials are needed, current research suggests that TMS could offer meaningful relief for many fibro patients.

Have you tried TMS therapy? Did it help your fibromyalgia symptoms? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear from real people living with fibro.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have not personally tried these therapies. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on published research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Different approaches work for different people, and what helps one person may not help another.

Sources: 

Oxford Academic  –rTMS for Fibromyalgia

SpringerOpen 

Neuralia TMS 

Smart TMS 

Neurotherapeutics

You might also like to read:

• 36 things to try when you have Fibromyalgia
• My experiences with starting hydrotherapy for fibromyalgia
• Keeping my house clean when chronically ill

Does Whole Body Vibration Help Fibromyalgia?

 

What is Whole Body Vibration and does it Help Fibromyalgia?

Whole body vibration (WBV) therapy is gaining attention as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia. While not as ancient as acupuncture, WBV is a modern physical therapy technique that may offer relief from some of the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Here's what the research says.

What is WBV

WBV stands for Whole Body Vibration. It's a therapeutic exercise technique where a person stands, sits, or performs movements on a platform that vibrates at specific frequencies. These vibrations stimulate muscle contractions and can enhance physical performance, balance, and circulation.

For people with fibromyalgia, WBV is being explored as a way to:

• Improve balance and coordination

• Enhance mobility and walking endurance

• Reduce fatigue and stiffness

• Potentially lower pain intensity

The idea is that the vibrations activate muscle fibers and improve neuromuscular function without requiring intense physical exertion—making it a gentle option for those with chronic pain or fatigue.

New Research:

Whole Body Vibration Improves Function in Fibromyalgia Patients

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effects of WBV training in fibromyalgia patients. 

The results? WBV led to meaningful improvements in activities of daily living, balance, and walking performance (6MWT). These gains may help reduce the risk of falls—an important benefit for fibro patients. However, WBV did not significantly improve pain intensity or overall quality of life. 

Researchers concluded that WBV may be a viable therapeutic option, but larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

What is the Six-Minute Walk Test?  (6MWT)

• It's a clinical test used to measure walking endurance and functional mobility.

• The person walks as far as possible in six minutes, usually on a flat, straight path.

• It’s commonly used to assess physical performance in people with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, COPD, heart failure, or arthritis.

So when the sentence says WBV (likely Whole Body Vibration therapy) improved walking performance (6MWT), it means participants were able to walk farther or more effectively during the six-minute test — a sign of improved physical function

 Clinical Trial Results:

The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia

In a randomized controlled trial, 40 participants (mostly women, average age 52.5) completed a WBV program. They continued using their regular medications (including Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Pregabalin, and Cyclobenzaprine). Participants showed notable improvements in function. 

Mixed Exercise + WBV:

Whole Body Vibration Combined With Mixed Exercise Shows Promise

Another study compared WBV plus mixed exercise (aerobic, strength, flexibility, and relaxation) to a control group. After six weeks, the results were compelling:

• Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL): Improved by 16% (absolute MD ‐16.02)

• Pain Intensity: Improved by 39% (absolute MD ‐28.22)

• Fatigue: Improved by 47% (absolute MD ‐33)

• Stiffness: Improved by 36.5% (absolute MD ‐26.27)

These outcomes met the 15% threshold for clinical relevance. Withdrawal rates were lower in the intervention group (8%) compared to controls (33%).

So, Does WBV Help?

The evidence suggests that WBV may help improve physical function, reduce fatigue, and ease stiffness in fibromyalgia patients. Pain relief and overall quality of life improvements are less consistent, and the quality of evidence is still considered low. But for those struggling with daily activities and balance, WBV might offer a new avenue of support.

How can you try WBV?

There are machines you can purchase to try this activity and regular use would be advisable. They say that they help lymphatic drainage and weight loss as well. 

Have you tried whole body vibration therapy? Did it help your fibromyalgia symptoms? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear from real people living with fibro.

Sources: 

The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial - 2021

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of whole body vibration training on fibromyalgia - 2025

Whole body vibration exercise training for fibromyalgia - 2017

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have not personally tried these therapies. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on published research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Different approaches work for different people, and what helps one person may not help another.

You might also like to find out more about:

• 36 things to try when you have Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia and stress
• Did Frida have Fibro?

A Built-In “Off Switch” for Chronic Pain — And Why It Matters Now

For those of us living with chronic pain, the idea of a future cure can feel like a cruel promise. We’ve heard it all before: “someday,” “soon,” “in the pipeline.” But this new research offers something different — not just hope, but a real, biological mechanism in the brain that could be targeted to turn pain down. Not in theory. In practice.

A stylized illustration of the human brain with a glowing hub in the brainstem,
symbolizing the newly discovered “off switch” for pain.

What Did They Find?

A team of scientists led by Dr. J. Nicholas Betley at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a group of brain cells that act like an “off switch” for long-lasting pain. These cells live in a part of the brainstem called the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN), and they’re activated when pain becomes chronic — the kind that doesn’t go away even after the injury heals.

But here’s the twist: these same cells also respond to things like hunger, fear, and thirst. When your brain decides survival is at stake — like when you're starving or in danger — it can actually suppress pain by flipping this internal switch.

How Does It Work?

The key player is a molecule called neuropeptide Y (NPY). When your brain is focused on something urgent (like finding food or escaping danger), NPY is released. It binds to special receptors (called Y1 receptors) on these brainstem neurons, and that quiets the pain signals before they reach the rest of your brain.

In other words: your brain already knows how to turn off pain. This research shows us where and how it does it.

Why This Matters for People in Pain

• It proves chronic pain isn’t “just in your head” — it’s in your brain’s wiring. That’s validating.

• It gives scientists a real target — these Y1R neurons — for developing new treatments.

• It opens the door to non-drug therapies — like behavioral tools (e.g., meditation, exercise, therapy) that might influence this pain circuit.

• It could lead to better diagnostics — using brain activity as a biomarker to prove and track chronic pain.

When Will This Help?

This isn’t a pill you can pick up tomorrow — but it’s not just a distant dream either. The discovery gives researchers a clear path: find ways to activate or mimic this “off switch” safely in humans. That could mean new medications, brain stimulation techniques, or even behavioral therapies designed to tap into this system.

So while it’s not a cure yet, it’s a concrete step — and one that finally focuses on the brain’s role in pain, not just the body’s.

Read the full research report at Penn University

Does Activity Pacing Really Help with Fibromyalgia? A Study Says Yes

 If you live with fibromyalgia, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Just pace yourself.” But what does that actually mean—and does it work?

A UK study tested a new way of teaching activity pacing to people with chronic pain and fatigue, including those with fibromyalgia. The results are promising and could help you better manage your symptoms.

What Is Activity Pacing?

Activity pacing is a strategy to help you balance activity and rest. Instead of pushing through pain or crashing after doing too much, pacing teaches you to:

• Break tasks into smaller chunks

• Take regular rest breaks

• Plan your day around your energy levels

• Avoid the boom-and-bust cycle

But here’s the catch: pacing advice can vary wildly depending on who you ask. That’s why researchers created a standardised activity pacing framework—a consistent way for healthcare professionals to teach pacing.

What Did the Study Do?

The study took place in a UK NHS pain clinic and included 107 adults with conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic back pain.

Participants joined a six-week rehabilitation program that followed the new pacing framework. Researchers tracked changes in symptoms like:

• Pain

• Fatigue (physical and mental)

• Depression and anxiety

• Self-confidence

• Physical and mental function

• Quality of life

They also looked at how well patients stuck with the program and how satisfied they were.

What Were the Results?

• 77% of eligible patients joined the study

• 89% attended at least five sessions

• Satisfaction scores averaged 9 out of 10

• Symptoms improved during the program

• Improvements were still noticeable three months later

In short: pacing helped. People felt better, functioned better, and learned how to manage their symptoms more effectively.

READ THE STUDY RESULTS

Other interesting articles:

• What works for me to help Fibromyalgia

• Practical Tips for Weather Sensitivity when living with Fibromyalgia

• Self-care strategies that help me manage pain

IMC-1 for Fibromyalgia: The Viral Trigger Theory, Latest Trial Status, and What it Means for Patients

THE LATEST NEWS: WHERE IS IMC-1 NOW? (as of October 2025)

Key Updates: The Status of IMC-1 (Dogwood Therapeutics)

The story of IMC-1 is one of the most exciting in fibromyalgia research because it doesn't just treat the pain; it tries to get to the root cause of why we feel sick.

To give you the clearest picture of where this potential treatment stands, here is a breakdown of the most important changes and what they mean for the fibromyalgia community:

Drug Developer Name Change

• Key Update: The company running the clinical trials has changed its name to Dogwood Therapeutics.

• What This Means for You: This is mostly a business-side change. It confirms that the research is still moving forward, but it's important context if you see different company names mentioned in old versus new articles.

Clinical Trial Status (Phase 3)

• Key Update: The drug's development is officially Ready for Phase 3. The FDA has reviewed and accepted the plan for the final, largest trials.

• What This Means for You: This is a good sign for the drug's safety and effectiveness so far. However, the trial is currently stalled because Dogwood Therapeutics is actively seeking a partner (another large pharmaceutical company) to help fund the massive cost of Phase 3 trials. It's ready to go, but they need the funding to proceed.

Current Availability

• Key Update: IMC-1 is not on the market and is not currently available to the public.

• What This Means for You: You cannot get this drug yet. Access will only be possible for people who enroll in the future Phase 3 clinical trials, once those trials secure funding and begin.

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The Viral Trigger Theory: A Simple Explanation

This is the most intriguing part of IMC-1. It tackles fibromyalgia by asking: What if an old, "sleeping" virus is causing all this trouble?

The Sleeping Virus Analogy

Think of it this way: Almost every person has an old virus, like the one that causes cold sores (Herpes Simplex Virus 1, or HSV-1), sleeping quietly in their body. It's not usually a problem.

The IMC-1 theory suggests that in people with fibromyalgia, this sleeping virus wakes up just enough to cause chaos:

1. The Alarm Goes Off: When you are under stress, get sick, or have surgery, this virus starts to stir.

2. The Immune System Panics: Your body's defense system sees the stirring virus and goes into a state of chronic panic—like a fire alarm that never turns off.

3. The Pain Switch: This constant, low-level immune stress is what researchers believe over-sensitizes your nerves, turning on the widespread pain and deep fatigue we know as fibromyalgia.

How IMC-1 Fights Back

IMC-1 is a combination of two established medicines:

• Famciclovir: This is a strong antiviral drug designed to force the sleeping virus back to sleep.

• Celecoxib: This is an anti-inflammatory drug that also helps stop the virus from waking up, while calming the chronic panic your immune system is in.

The goal is simple: turn off the alarm so your body can finally rest and heal.

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Trial Results: The Good News and the Catch

IMC-1 has gone through big tests, but the results were mixed:

• The Good News: In earlier trials, the drug showed that it could significantly reduce pain, fatigue, and anxiety. This is why the FDA gave it the special "Fast Track" status.

• The Catch: In the final Phase 2 trial, when they looked at all patients, the drug missed its main goal.

• The Big Discovery: Researchers found a pattern: the drug worked really well for patients who were new to clinical trials. It didn't work as well for patients who had been on lots of different drugs and in many past studies.

This discovery is a huge step forward! It taught the company that IMC-1 is likely most effective for a specific group of patients, and the new Phase 3 trials will focus on those people.

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What This Means for You Right Now (The Patient Takeaway)

IMC-1 offers hope because it's one of the few drugs trying to treat the cause—a viral trigger—rather than just masking the symptoms.

I find this theory so validating. It gives us a reason for the fatigue that isn't just 'in our heads' and we all know it is NOT in our heads.

My Advice While We Wait: Since IMC-1 isn't available, focus on supporting your immune system right now. 

Good sleep, stress reduction, and targeted vitamins (like magnesium or Vitamin D) can help keep your body balanced. 

If the IMC-1 theory is right, a strong immune system is your best defense!

Fibromyalgia and the Eyes: What We’re Finally Starting to See

 

For many of us living with fibromyalgia, the list of symptoms feels endless—and often invisible. Pain, fatigue, brain fog, sensory overload. But what if some of the discomfort we feel isn’t just neurological or muscular… but ocular?

A new study published in Rheumatology International has confirmed what many of us have long suspected: people with fibromyalgia have significantly higher rates of astigmatism, dry eye disease (DED), and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) compared to those without FMS. You can read the full article here. 

What the Study Found

Researchers in Turkey conducted a cross-sectional analysis of fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls. While visual acuity and eye pressure were similar between groups, the FMS group showed:

• Higher astigmatism in both eyes

• 36.6% prevalence of MGD (vs. 4.3% in controls)

• 60.6% prevalence of DED (vs. 21.4% in controls)

These findings suggest that ocular symptoms may be part of the fibromyalgia landscape, not just coincidental complaints.

Why This Matters

Many of us experience:

• Blurred vision

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)

• Eye pain or dryness

• Trouble reading or focusing visually

These symptoms are often dismissed or misattributed. But this research points to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and immune system involvement as possible culprits—both of which are central to fibromyalgia.

It’s not “just in your head.” It’s in your eyes, too.

Connecting the Dots: Irlen Syndrome, Astigmatism, and Sensory Processing

Some in the chronic illness and neurodivergent communities have wondered aloud: could there be a link between fibromyalgia and Irlen Syndrome—a visual processing condition that causes distortions, headaches, and light sensitivity?

While Irlen isn’t an eye disorder per se, it overlaps with many fibro-related symptoms. And with this new data on astigmatism and dry eye, the connection feels worth exploring. Could sensory dysregulation be the thread that ties these experiences together?

What You Can Do

• Ask for a full ocular assessment—especially if you experience visual discomfort

• Track your symptoms and bring them to your provider with language like: “I’ve read that fibromyalgia may increase risk for dry eye and astigmatism. I’d like to explore this further.”

• Consider tinted lenses or overlays if you suspect Irlen-like symptoms

• Validate your experience—even if no one else has named it yet

Fibromyalgia is more than pain. It’s a multisystem condition that affects how we see, feel, and move through the world. This study is one more step toward recognition—and one more reason to trust your body’s signals.

If you’ve felt like “one of those people who has everything and a lot more,” you’re not alone. You’re part of a community that’s finally being seen.

You may be interested in my previous post on The Eyes and Fibromyalgia which explains some ways to reduce eye symptoms and has interesting information from people with these issues in the comments section. 

You might also like to read:

• Do you allow yourself to ask for support?
• Self care strategies that help me manage pain
• Natural treatments for fibromyalgia

Immune System Clues to Fibromyalgia Pain: A New Study on Autoantibodies

This new Evidence Links Immune Antibodies to Pain in Fibromyalgia

A recent study published in PAIN investigated the presence and effects of specific antibodies in individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), commonly known as long COVID.

Key Findings:

1. Shared Antibodies: Both FMS and PACS patients were found to have elevated levels of IgG autoantibodies targeting satellite glial cells (SGCs). SGCs are supportive cells in the nervous system that play a role in modulating pain.

2. Differing Effects: While these antibodies are present in both conditions, only the IgG from FMS patients was found to be pronociceptive—meaning it can enhance pain perception. In contrast, the IgG from PACS patients did not exhibit this pain-enhancing effect.

Implications:

• The presence of these autoantibodies in both conditions suggests a potential autoimmune component in their development.

• The pronociceptive nature of FMS IgG indicates that these antibodies may contribute directly to the chronic pain experienced by FMS patients. ScienceDirect

• Understanding these mechanisms could lead to targeted therapies that address the specific immune responses involved in FMS and PACS.

This research highlights the importance of the immune system's role in chronic pain conditions and opens avenues for further studies into autoimmune contributions to diseases like fibromyalgia and long COVID.

📌 Why It Matters for People with Fibromyalgia:

1. Possible Cause of Pain Identified

• This supports the idea that fibromyalgia isn’t “just in your head” — your immune system may be playing a direct role in causing the pain.

• This moves fibromyalgia closer to being seen as a biological, autoimmune-linked condition.

2. Better Diagnosis in the Future

• If these antibodies can be reliably tested for, doctors might be able to diagnose fibromyalgia more accurately with a blood test instead of relying only on symptoms.

3. New Treatment Possibilities

• Treatments could be developed to block or reduce these harmful antibodies, potentially reducing pain for people with fibromyalgia.

• This could include therapies similar to those used in autoimmune diseases, like immunotherapy.

4. More Recognition and Validation

• This kind of research adds scientific legitimacy to fibromyalgia, which many patients have long sought.

• It helps push back against stigma or disbelief about the condition.

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🧠 Bottom Line:

For people with fibromyalgia, this study suggests that your pain may partly be caused by your own immune system misfiring — and that there may be real biological targets for future treatments.

SOURCE

Post acute COVID-19 syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome are associated with anti-satellite glial cell IgG serum autoantibodies but only fibromyalgia syndrome serum-IgG is pronociceptive

The causes of Fibromyalgia - latest theories (2025)

Fibromyalgia is a complex and poorly understood condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues ("fibro fog"), and other symptoms. Its exact cause remains unknown, but recent research has advanced our understanding. As of 2025, here are the most recent and emerging insights into possible causes and contributing factors of fibromyalgia:

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1. Central Nervous System Dysregulation

• Central sensitization: A key theory is that the central nervous system (CNS) becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals. This may involve altered neurotransmitter levels (e.g., increased substance P, decreased serotonin and norepinephrine).

• Brain imaging studies show abnormal pain processing and connectivity in regions related to pain and emotion.

2. Small Fiber Neuropathy

• Recent studies have found that many people with fibromyalgia have damage to small nerve fibers, which could explain pain and sensory abnormalities.

• This provides potential overlap with other neuropathic conditions and may offer new diagnostic avenues.

3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress

• Evidence suggests impaired energy metabolism and increased oxidative stress in fibromyalgia patients.

• This might contribute to fatigue and muscle pain.

4. Immune System and Inflammation

• Low-grade systemic inflammation and altered cytokine profiles have been observed.

• Some research suggests fibromyalgia may involve neuroinflammation, especially in the brain and spinal cord.

5. Gut Microbiome Imbalance

• Newer studies indicate significant differences in the gut microbiota of people with fibromyalgia.

• This supports a gut-brain axis connection, potentially affecting inflammation, pain perception, and mood.

6. Infections and Viral Triggers

• Post-infectious fibromyalgia is increasingly recognized, particularly following infections like:

  • Epstein-Barr virus

  • Lyme disease

  • COVID-19 (some long COVID symptoms closely resemble fibromyalgia)

7. Trauma and Stress

• Physical or emotional trauma, including adverse childhood experiences, is a known risk factor.

• Chronic stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates pain and stress responses.

8. Genetic and Epigenetic Factors

• Genetic predisposition plays a role, especially in serotoninergic and catecholaminergic systems.

• Emerging research is exploring how epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation) may influence symptom development.

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Takeaway:

Fibromyalgia is likely a multifactorial syndrome involving a combination of:

• Neurological dysregulation

• Immune and metabolic dysfunction

• Environmental triggers

• Genetic susceptibility

Ongoing research continues to explore biomarkers for diagnosis and more effective treatments. Find out more about these biomarkers here.

Related articles you may be interested in:

Findings Link Gut Bacteria and Fibromyalgia

Upper Trapezius Changes Linked to Fibromyalgia

Identifying Fibromyalgia Biomarkers discovered

Upper Trapezius Changes Linked to Fibromyalgia

This study reveals that muscle changes in Fibromyalgia can be seen in ultrasounds and that upper trapezius changes are linked to Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-term condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and memory issues. It affects about 2–3% of people globally. The exact causes of FM are still not well understood, but both genetic and environmental factors seem to contribute. 

Recent research suggests that central sensitization—a condition where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain—plays a role in FM.

In the past, FM has been diagnosed using tender points on the body. Studies have shown that muscles in these areas may have poor blood flow and signs of damage related to low oxygen levels. One muscle often affected is the upper trapezius (the muscle along the back of the neck and shoulders).

* Trapezius muscle * Original by sv:Användare:Chrizz

Use of Ultrasound in FM:
Ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive tool used to examine muscles. Newer methods like blob analysis can give more detailed images of muscle structure. Blob analysis looks at clusters of similar signals (called "blobs") in the muscle, helping to detect structural changes that might not be visible with standard imaging.

While blob analysis has been used to study other muscle conditions, it hasn’t been used before to assess muscles in FM patients. 

This study aims to fill that gap by examining the upper trapezius muscle using B-mode ultrasound and blob analysis in FM patients compared to healthy individuals.

Methods:
The study included 34 women with FM and 34 healthy women. Participants were evaluated using several scales to measure pain, fatigue, mental health, and quality of life. 

Ultrasound images of the upper trapezius muscle were taken and analyzed using blob analysis software to measure blob size, count, and brightness (echointensity).

Key Findings:

• FM patients had larger and more numerous blobs in the upper trapezius muscle compared to healthy individuals.

• Higher echointensity (brighter muscle areas) was found in FM patients.

• Blob size and count were linked to higher pain, fatigue, and central sensitization scores.

• These structural muscle changes could help explain ongoing pain and sensitivity in FM.

Conclusion:
This study is the first to use blob analysis with ultrasound to examine muscle changes in FM. 

The results suggest that FM is associated with measurable structural muscle changes, particularly in areas of pain. This technique may offer a more objective way to assess FM and understand its underlying mechanisms.

Source:

Structural changes in the upper trapezius muscle of fibromyalgia patients identified by quantitative ultrasonography: a cross-sectional study
Observational Research | Open access | Published: 22 April 2025

Identifying Fibromyalgia Biomarkers discovered

In a breakthrough effort to improve diagnosis, researchers have turned to cutting-edge tools like gene expression analysis and machine learning. By examining patterns in how genes are activated in fibromyalgia patients, the study identified three key genes that could serve as reliable biomarkers for diagnosis. 

SUMMARY 

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What Was Done?

Scientists studied gene activity from people with fibromyalgia and healthy individuals.

They used a smart computer program to find key differences.

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What They Found:

Three genes were different in people with fibromyalgia:

• DYRK3

• RGS17

• ARHGEF37

These genes affect:
🧠 Brain function
⚡ Cell communication
🧪 Body balance (like ion levels)

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Why It Matters:

These genes can help diagnose fibromyalgia more accurately using a simple test in the future.

 How Good Is It?

The computer model was tested and worked over 80% accurately in both training and testing groups.

✅ Training accuracy: 83%
✅ Testing accuracy: 82%

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What This Means for Patients:

• Faster, more accurate diagnosis

• Less guessing and more targeted care

• A step closer to better treatment

Muscle Relaxant Medications for Fibromyalgia

Managing chronic pain is no easy task, and for many people, muscle relaxants are part of the long-term plan to find relief. But how well do these medications actually work over time—and what are the trade-offs? 

In this study published in Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology on September 19, 2024, Dr. Benjamin Oldfield and his team take a deep dive into the long-term use of muscle relaxants for chronic pain. Through a systematic review of existing research, they explore how effective these drugs really are and what side effects patients might face with ongoing use.

Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Similar Conditions

Researchers looked at 11 studies involving 391 people to see how well certain muscle relaxant medications worked for fibromyalgia and related conditions. Out of these studies, 7 were high-quality clinical trials, and 4 were observational studies.

Here’s what they found:

Cyclobenzaprine

• Used in 5 studies, all clinical trials.

• Helped with sleep problems in 3 studies.

• Didn’t show much improvement in other symptoms compared to a placebo (a “sugar pill”).

• One study compared cyclobenzaprine to amitriptyline (another medication), and both worked equally well after 6 months.

• Side effects happened in 0% to 98% of people and included feeling sleepy, dry mouth, and numbness under the tongue for those using a version that dissolves under the tongue.

Tizanidine

• Used in 3 studies, all observational.

• Helped reduce pain while people were taking it.

• When people stopped taking it, their pain got worse again.

• Side effects (in up to 66% of people) included sleepiness, headaches, and dizziness.

Other Medications

• Chlormezanone and carisoprodol: These didn’t help with pain more than the placebo in the studies.

• Eperisone: In one study, it helped reduce pain better than another pain medication (celecoxib) after 2, 4, and 6 weeks.

• Chlormezanone caused nausea in nearly half of the participants, while no side effects were reported for carisoprodol or eperisone.

Notes:

• RCT = Randomized Controlled Trial (high-quality study)

• Cohort Study = Observational study (lower-quality evidence than RCTs)

SEE THE FULL STUDY IN THE JAMA NETWORK AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION HERE 

Have you tried a muscle relaxant for the chronic pain of Fibromyalgia? If so, I would love to read your experiences in the comments.