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?

Tonmya for Fibromyalgia: What You Need to Know

FAQ for the Fibromyalgia Community

🟣 What is Tonmya?

Tonmya is a new FDA-approved medication for adults with fibromyalgia. It’s a non-opioid, once-daily tablet that dissolves under the tongue at bedtime, designed to reduce pain and improve sleep.

🟣 How does Tonmya work?

Tonmya targets pain and nonrestorative sleep, two core symptoms of fibromyalgia. It’s absorbed quickly through the mouth’s mucosa, bypassing the liver’s first-pass metabolism. This helps reduce side effects and allows the medication to act faster.

🟣 What makes Tonmya different from other treatments?

• First new FDA-approved fibromyalgia drug in over 15 years

• Sublingual delivery (under the tongue) for faster absorption

• Lower risk of long-lasting metabolites that can cause side effects

• Designed to improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in fibromyalgia

🟣 How effective is it?

In clinical trials with over 1,400 participants:

• Tonmya significantly reduced daily pain scores compared to placebo

• Many patients saw a ≥30% improvement in pain after 3 months

• Improvements were seen as early as week one

🟣 What are the common side effects?

Reported side effects include:

• Mouth numbness or tingling

• Dry mouth

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Canker sores These were generally mild and occurred in a small percentage of participants.

🟣 Is Tonmya safe for everyone?

Tonmya is not recommended for:

• People allergic to cyclobenzaprine

• Those taking MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them

• People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, due to potential risks shown in animal studies

🟣 When will Tonmya be available?

Tonmya is expected to be commercially available in the U.S. by late 2025.

🟣 Can I ask my doctor about it now?

Yes. While it’s not yet on pharmacy shelves, you can start the conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you track availability and assess whether Tonmya might be a good fit for your treatment plan.

Read more in-depth information about Tonmya on this blog.

1. Drugs.com
2. AFSA
3. TONIX pdf

Big News for the Fibromyalgia Community: A New FDA-Approved Treatment Is Here

 

After more than 15 years without new treatment options, there’s finally a breakthrough: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tonmya™, a new medication specifically for fibromyalgia.

What Is Tonmya?

Tonmya (cyclobenzaprine HCl) is a non-opioid, once-daily tablet that you take under the tongue at bedtime. It’s designed to absorb quickly and help reduce pain while also targeting one of fibromyalgia’s most stubborn symptoms: nonrestorative sleep—that feeling of waking up tired no matter how long you’ve slept.

What Did the Research Show?

Tonmya was tested in three major clinical trials involving over 1,400 people with fibromyalgia. The results were promising:

• People taking Tonmya reported significant reductions in daily pain compared to those taking a placebo.

• Many participants experienced a 30% or greater improvement in pain after three months.

• The medication was generally well tolerated. Some reported mild side effects like mouth numbness, dry mouth, drowsiness, or canker sores.

Why This Matters

Fibromyalgia affects over 10 million adults in the U.S., most of whom are women. It’s a complex condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and cognitive challenges. For years, treatment options have been limited and often ineffective. Tonmya’s approval offers renewed hope for those who’ve felt unheard and underserved.

As Dr. Sharon Waldrop, a person living with fibromyalgia, shared:

“This approval is a promising step forward and brings renewed hope to millions.”

When Will It Be Available?

Tonmya is expected to be available in the U.S. by late 2025. If you’re interested in learning more or speaking with your healthcare provider, you can visit Tonix Pharmaceuticals.

If you’ve been living with fibromyalgia and feeling like nothing helps, this news might feel like a small light at the end of a long tunnel. It’s okay to feel cautious, curious, or even hopeful. You deserve options, and you deserve care that sees the full picture of your experience.

The Guaifenesin Protocol for fibromyalgia

Let’s break down the Guaifenesin Protocol for fibromyalgia in a simple way.

This is an idea from Dr. R. Paul St. Amand, who came up with it in the '90s. He thinks fibromyalgia happens because your body builds up too much phosphate, messing with your energy levels. His fix? Take guaifenesin, that stuff in Mucinex that helps clear mucus when you’re sick. The idea is it flushes out those phosphates to ease your symptoms. Here’s the deal in plain terms:

1. Taking Guaifenesin: You start with a small dose, like 300 mg twice a day, and tweak it based on how you feel. At first, your symptoms might get worse—that’s supposedly a sign it’s working, clearing out the bad stuff.

2. Dodging Salicylates: You have to  avoid salicylates, which are in things like aspirin, some meds, and even stuff like tea,and many foods including avocado, mint toothpaste, or lotions with plant oils. They can block guaifenesin from doing its thing, so you’ll need to check labels on everything—meds, soaps, cosmetics, you name it.

3. Low-Carb Diet (If Needed): If you’ve got blood sugar dips (pretty common with fibromyalgia), you might need to cut carbs to keep things steady.

Does It Work?

- What Fans Say: Some people swear by it, saying it cuts their pain and fatigue big time. Online reviews (like on Drugs.com) give it high marks, averaging 8.5/10 from over 100 people.

- The Science Part: There’s not much proof it works. A study from 1996 tested it on 40 women and found no real difference after a year. Another study in 2017 hinted it might help with back pain, but not fibromyalgia specifically. Most doctors aren’t sold on it because there’s no solid research backing it up.

- What’s Out There: The FDA has not okayed guaifenesin for fibromyalgia, and most experts stick to proven stuff like meds (like duloxetine or pregabalin) or therapies.

What to Know

- How to Do It: You’ll need to be super strict, especially with avoiding salicylates, which can be a pain because besides avoiding all salicylate foods you need to swap out your shampoo, soaps, moisturizers and makeup. You track symptoms with something called “body mapping” to see if it’s helping.

- Side Effects: Guaifenesin is usually safe—maybe some nausea or dizziness at worst. You might feel crappier at first, which they say is normal.

- Heads-Up: It’s a lot of work to avoid salicylates, (believe me I have tried due to allergy reasons) and it can hit your wallet replacing products. Plus, if it doesn’t work, those symptom flares can be rough.

My Two Cents

Talk to your doc first, especially one who knows this protocol. It’s not a mainstream fix, and there’s way more evidence for other treatments like meds or physical therapy. If you wanna try it, grab plain guaifenesin (like Mucinex, not the combo stuff) and be ready for some lifestyle changes. Just know it’s a bit of a gamble since the science isn’t there yet.

Is Guaifenesin Still Popular? - The Guaifenesin Protocol is still used by some folks with fibromyalgia, but it’s not super common. It’s more of a niche thing that’s kept alive by a small but dedicated group of believers, mostly based on Dr. R. Paul St. Amand’s work and patient success stories. You’ll find people discussing it on forums, blogs, and sites like Drugs.com, where recent reviews (some from 2024-2025) still give it high ratings, like 8.5/10 from over 100 users, saying it helps with pain and fatigue. There are also websites like guaifenesinprotocol.com and fibromyalgiatreatment.com pushing it, with active communities sharing tips on avoiding salicylates and finding the right dose.

That said, it’s not mainstream. Most doctors and fibromyalgia experts don’t recommend it because there’s still no solid scientific evidence backing it up—just one 1996 study that showed no real benefit and a lack of follow-up research. The medical community leans toward FDA-approved treatments like duloxetine or pregabalin, which have stronger proof. You might still see it pop up in alternative health circles or among patients frustrated with standard options, but it’s definitely not a go-to treatment in 2025. If you’re thinking about it, check with your doctor first, as it’s a commitment and not a proven fix.

This is an update from a previous post of mine in 2009 which you can read here. 

Read more about Dr Amand's book. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have not personally tried this therapy. This article is for informational purposes only. 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.

5 best things to help with fibromyalgia symptoms (according to those living with it.)

 

Here are 5 of the most commonly recommended things to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, based on feedback from people living with the condition, personal blogs, and fibro-focused communities:

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1. 💤 Pacing & Resting Without Guilt

“Learning to stop before you crash was a game changer.”

• Pacing involves balancing activity and rest to avoid flare-ups (also known as the push-crash cycle).

• Many people track energy levels and schedule rest breaks throughout the day—even during “good days.”

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2. 🧘‍♀️ Gentle Movement (Yoga, Stretching, Walking)

“If I don’t move, I stiffen up. If I overdo it, I crash. It’s a weird balance.”

• Regular low-impact movement is often reported to reduce stiffness, improve mood, and even help sleep.

• Popular choices include:

  • Restorative or chair yoga

  • Short daily walks

  • Tai chi 

  • Hydrotherapy or gentle aqua aerobics

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3. 🌿 Heat Therapy & Comfort Measures

“Heat packs are my lifeline—especially for my back and shoulders.”

• Common go-tos: microwavable heat packs, heated blankets, hot showers, or Epsom salt baths.

• Many find heat soothing for muscles and helpful in getting to sleep or easing flare-up days.

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4. 🍽️ Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Supplements

“I noticed a huge difference when I cut out sugar and gluten.”

• Some people with fibromyalgia feel better when they focus on whole foods, reduce processed foods, or cut inflammatory triggers.

• Common diet tweaks:

  • Mediterranean or “clean eating” approach

  • Limiting gluten, dairy, sugar, or caffeine

  • Adding foods like oily fish, berries, turmeric, leafy greens

• Popular supplements (after speaking with a doctor): magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s, CoQ10, and B vitamins. You can get my recommended brands here

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5. 🤝 Support & Mental Health Care

“Having someone believe me made all the difference.”

• Emotional support helps people cope with the isolation, unpredictability, and grief fibromyalgia can bring.

• What helps:

  • Online fibro support groups or communities 

  • Talking therapy, CBT, or mindfulness

  • Supportive friends, family, or partners who listen and validate

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💬 Bonus Voices from the Community:

• “I keep a ‘flare kit’—with my meds, heat pack, compression gloves, and a distraction like audiobooks.”

• “Tracking symptoms helped me connect the dots between food, sleep, and pain.”

• “No one fix works every day. It’s like a toolbox. You grab what helps most that day.”

There are a few links to Amazon products in this article. I am an affiliate and have a Fibro Store which means I do earn a small percentage if you purchase any of these product. (Just so you know).

Treatments for Insomnia in Fibromyalgia

Insomnia—trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early—is extremely common in fibromyalgia. It can make pain, fatigue, and brain fog worse, so treating it should be a priority, in my opinion. 

Personally I have had a long history of difficulty falling asleep, mainly due the inability to relax my muscles with Fibromyalgia. I also wake often, due to pain. I snore, which I think may be a contributing factor in waking often. I have vivd dreams that wake me. I also occassionally get night terrors which really are terrifying, especially the first time you get them and think there is someone else in the room. 

Considering all these symptoms I'm surprised that I have had Fibromyalgia for 30 years before anyone suggested a sleep study! I will be writing more about that soon. 

Here I have a summary of everything I have been told that helps insomnia. 

🌙 Treatments for Insomnia in Fibromyalgia

.

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🧠 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Gold standard treatment—especially effective for chronic insomnia.

• Helps reframe negative thoughts about sleep

• Teaches relaxation and sleep restriction techniques

• Typically done with a therapist or through apps like Sleepio or CBT-i Coach

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💊 2. Medications (used carefully)

For short-term or severe cases, your doctor may suggest:

• Amitriptyline (low dose): Common in fibromyalgia for pain and sleep

• Trazodone: Often prescribed for sleep in chronic pain patients

• Cyclobenzaprine: Muscle relaxant that also promotes sleep

• Zolpidem (Ambien) or eszopiclone (Lunesta): Short-term use only

• Doxepin (Silenor): Low-dose for sleep maintenance

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🌿 3. Natural Supplements

Use with medical guidance:

• Melatonin: Regulates sleep-wake cycles (especially helpful for circadian rhythm issues)

• Magnesium: Can help muscles relax and support sleep

• Valerian root or chamomile: Herbal remedies for calming the nervous system

• CBD or CBN (cannabinoids): Some report sleep benefits, but evidence is still emerging

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🛏️ 4. Lifestyle & Sleep Hygiene

Everyday habits make a huge difference:

• Set a fixed sleep and wake time (even on weekends)

• Avoid naps longer than 30 mins

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine (no screens, warm bath, soft music)

• Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

• Limit caffeine and alcohol after noon

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💪 5. Gentle Exercise (Timing Matters!)

• Daytime movement improves nighttime sleep

• Avoid intense workouts close to bedtime

• Yoga, stretching, or tai chi can also calm the nervous system

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😌 6. Relaxation Techniques

Calm your mind before bed:

• Guided meditation or yoga nidra

• Breathing exercises (like 4-7-8 technique)

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Journaling or gratitude lists to reduce nighttime rumination

Treatment options for many other sleep disorders common in Fibromyalgia can be found here.

Trial results of new treatment for Fibromyalgia targeting non-restorative sleep

Here I explain new data that was presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2021 Convergence showing that a sublingual tablet may reduce central sensitization in people with fibromyalgia who have non-restorative sleep. 

According to the Institute for ChronicPain central sensitization is a condition of the nervous system that is associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain. When central sensitization occurs, the nervous system goes through a process called wind-up and gets regulated in a persistent state of high reactivity.

Epsom salt baths for fibromyalgia pain

 Soak on it

More and more research indicates that Fibromyalgia patients suffer from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is extremely important to many functions in the body, and a deficiency can cause several of the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. There are great benefits in taking an Epsom salt bath, rich in hydrated magnesium sulfate, which is easily absorbed through the skin.

Treating Fibromyalgia migraines

Lately I have been experience more migraines than normal and any extra pain when living with fibromyalgia is upsetting. This sent me in search of both information and help about migraine relief and I have found some wonderful resources that I wanted to share for anyone experiencing migraines.

Image thanks to to Nik Shuliahin

What is the best supplement for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a widely misunderstood chronic condition that causes pain, fatigue, unrefreshed sleep and cognitive difficulties including taking in and remembering information.

Way back in 2003, a Mayo Clinic study, found that 93% of fibromyalgia patients were vitamin D deficient. But there was no Control Group in the study so it was mainly disregarded. 

In 2014, finally, a randomized placebo-controlled trial was done in Austria. 

Methods
The Control Group (CG) received placebo medication.
The fibromyalgia patients were given oral supplementation of up to 2400 units of vitamin D (cholecalciferol also called D3*) a day for 20 weeks. 

Their vitamin D levels rose up to about 50 and then, once they stopped the vitamin D, levels came back down to match the CG. 

Both groups were re-evaluated after a further 24weeks without cholecalciferol supplementation. 

The main hypothesis, of the research, was that high levels of serum vitamin D would result in a reduction of pain.  
Patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale score, the Short Form Health Survey 36, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and the Somatization subscale of Symptom Checklist. 

Results
A marked reduction in pain was noted over the treatment period in the fibromyalgia patients. Improving the vitamin D levels in FMS had a positive effect on the perception of pain.

Many tests have been carried out since on the value of Vitamin D on widespread pain including:

• Efficacy of vitamin D replacement therapy on patients with chronic nonspecific widespread musculoskeletal pain with vitamin D deficiency.
• Effect of vitamin D supplementation in chronic widespread pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Effects of Vitamin D Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia.
• Vitamin D in Pain Management.

The results of these tests have all been similar and all say that vitamin D supplementation is able to decrease pain scores and improve pain, musculoskeletal symptoms, level of depression and quality of life of patients.

In my humble opinion this makes vitamin D the supplement that all patients with Fibromyalgia, or undiagnosed widespread chronic pain should trial. 

See the Best Sellers in Vitamin D Supplements on Amazon.

* “D3 mimics the way our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight and it’s more easily absorbed, making it the best option for most people.”

Dr. Joe Feuerstein, Associate professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University and director of integrative medicine at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut

RESOURCES:
Effects of vitamin D on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Treatment for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia sufferers given fresh hope as common drug ‘eradicates pain’ 

Fibromyalgia – an agonising condition that causes pain all over the body – may be caused by insulin resistance, scientists say.

Sufferers of fibromyalgia and other forms of chronic pain have been given fresh hope following a groundbreaking new health study into how their symptoms could be treated successfully.

Researchers have found that the agonising condition may be caused by insulin resistance, and it could be treated using a common drug taken by diabetics.

Scientists hope their findings could lead to a major change in how chronic pain is treated and potentially save billions in painkillers

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body and other symptoms such as extreme tiredness, headaches , muscle stiffness and difficulty sleeping.

It can affect even the healthiest and fittest of people, and it has been included in an NHS list of 20 painful illness that can prevent someone from performing daily tasks.

The exact cause is unknown, there is no cure and it is thought to affect about seven times as many women as men.

Celebrities who suffer from the condition include pop star Lady Gaga, actor Morgan Freeman and singer Sinead O’Connor.

Revealing their findings, scientists from the University of Texas said they identified people with fibromyalgia using a common blood test, A1c, for insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes.

During their study they treated fibromyalgia patients with metformin, a drug used to combat insulin resistance in diabetics.

model of the metformin molecule, C₄H₁₁N₅.

All the patients experienced reduced pain, the scientists said.

They also found that the blood glucose levels of all the patients were much higher than the levels in normal people.

Neurology professor Dr Miguel Pappolla said previous studies had overlooked the connection between fibromyalgia and A1c levels.

He added: “The main reason for this oversight is that about half of fibromyalgia patients have A1c (blood glucose) values currently considered within the normal range.

“However, this is the first study to analyse these levels normalised for the person’s age, as optimal A1c levels do vary throughout life.

HbA1c in patients with fibromyalgia versus controls.

“Adjustment for the patients’ age was critical in highlighting the differences between patients and control subjects.”

Pre-diabetes sufferers who had slightly higher A1c values had a higher risk of developing headaches, a symptom of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders, he said.

SOURCE: HEALTH IS FITNESS

READ ORIGINAL REVIEW ARTICLE: Is insulin resistance the cause of fibromyalgia? A preliminary report

Fibromyalgia and compassion meditation - a study

READ THIS ARTICLE OR SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE VIDEO.

This study proves that the simple act of meditation exercises reduced Fibromyalgia symptoms to a point where they were no longer felt as severe! This is great news for all Fibro fighters. 

The study compared Attachment-based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) with relaxation techniques for treating fibromyalgia. It was conducted by researchers from the University of Derby, the Awake to Wisdom Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness Research in Italy, the Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, University of Zaragoza and Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu in Spain.

Fibromyalgia affects approximately three percent of adults in  Europe and the UK with more women diagnosed than men. So the researchers ran the study with 42 women diagnosed with Fibro who were split into two groups: one doing relaxation and the other doing compassion therapy.  

What is Compassion Therapy?

The Compassionate Mind Foundation, says that Compassion Therapy is:

“an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that draws upon our evolved capacity for compassion to facilitate the alleviation of human suffering”.

It was developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert, a psychologist from England who believed that compassion for ourselves and for others reduces intrusive feelings of shame and self-criticism.

Compassion therapy, in this study, used meditation exercises focusing on understanding the universality of suffering, gaining an emotional connection with other people's suffering, and the motivation to act to lessen suffering.

Meditation DOES NOT have to look like this... 

Compared to the relaxation control group, participants in the compassion therapy group demonstrated significant improvements across a range of psychological outcomes and reduced fibromyalgia symptoms by 36 percent. This is a big reduction. 

Dr. William Van Gordon, Lecturer in Psychology at University of Derby Online Learning, said: 

"The effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia, such as anti-depressants, has long been questioned and can lead to unwanted side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of compassion meditation as an alternative treatment for fibromyalgia."

When the study was completed, most participants in the ABCT group, who did meditation, showed significant improvements to the point where some no longer met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia.

"As fibromyalgia is linked with sickness-related absence from work, incapacity to work, reduced work productivity and high usage of health-care resources, these results are not only meaningful for the sufferers but could help to address the problem of absence from work and the cost implications of this."

Fibromyalgia symptoms were measured before and after the trial using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) which assesses the current health status of those with fibromyalgia syndrome in clinical and research settings.

Before the trial, both groups had an FIQ average score of over 60 which corresponds to a severe level of fibromyalgia symptoms. 

After the trial, the average score for the mediation group fell to 44, but the average score for the control group remained above 60.

In research, a reduction of 14 percent is deemed to be clinically important, but in this study the reduction in symptoms was in the order of 36 percent for fibromyalgia, 30 percent for psychological flexibility, 45 percent for anxiety, 54 percent for depression, and 38 percent for quality of life.

The amazing news is that the simple act of meditation exercises reduced Fibromyalgia symptoms to a point where they were no longer severe.

Meditation can be done anywhere in a comfy chair or lying down as well

THE VIDEO on YouTube

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