How Do You Know If You Have Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition where there is widespread / whole body pain that is often difficult to diagnose.  Some patients may spend years of going to different doctors, undergoing many tests (of which most, if not all, are “negative”), and they may be diagnosed with different conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or mononucleosis before a diagnosis of FM is finally given.  Needless to say, this process can be very frustrating!

The reason for this dilemma is that there is no single diagnostic test (blood test, x-ray/image finding, etc.) that verifies the diagnosis of FM, leaving doctors in a position to “rule out” all other possible “diagnose-able” conditions first, before considering FM as “the” diagnosis.  Another challenge is the fact that FM symptoms vary widely from one person to the next and even vary within the same person at different times of the year.  There are a few “guidelines” doctors can use to help secure the diagnosis of FM.

One such guideline is from The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) which requires that “widespread” pain be present throughout the body for at least 3 months (“widespread” is defined as pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist).  The ACR also has identified 18 points on the body of which at least 11 of the 18 “tender points” must be present to secure the diagnosis of FM.  There is debate as to the accuracy of this rather stringent criteria as FM symptoms can come and go and vary, making the 11 of 18 tender point findings sometimes change between visits.  Hence, widespread pain above/below the waist on both left/right sides of the body for at 3 months has become a more accepted indicator for diagnosing FM.

Yet another challenge in pinning down the diagnosis is that the FM sufferer may experience signs and symptoms seemingly unrelated to FM, such as stomach ache/digestive problems or headaches. This can lead the doctor down other paths before considering FM as a diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia can be primary (no other condition caused it) or secondary (other condition(s) lead to the development of FM).  Hence, the diagnosis process focuses on identifying conditions which can be identified through standard diagnostic tests, often overshadowing the diagnosis of FM.  Testing for conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea, diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, and/or others, often makes sense to both you and your doctor, but adds to the delay in diagnosing FM.  Here are some suggestions to help your doctor through this diagnostic maze:

• Ask questions:  Ask about what each test is for and what the next plan is if the tests are negative.  By increasing your understanding, this will reduce your frustration in this process.
• Keep records:  Obtain a copy of EVERY test you have and share the information with any new doctor or specialist.  This can save time and money!
• Find the “right” doctor:  Find a doctor you can trust and “talk to.” Not all doctors “believe” FM exists and some are close minded to considering it.  Try to locate a doctor with a lot of experience with FM cases and is willing to “…work with you.”
• Build a good relationship: Be open, honest and avoid anger, skepticism and don’t be confrontational.  Be upfront about what is frustrating you about your symptoms.
• Take care of yourself: Ultimately, “success” of treating FM demands a “team” effort between you and your doctor.  Managing stress (eg., deep breathing exercises), obtain care that works (eg., chiropractic, massage), eat a healthy diet (eg., gluten-free), exercise regularly but don’t overdo it, and get plenty of sleep and rest.

We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in your treatment planning and realize you have a choice of providers. If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

For more information on how we treat fibromyalgia, log on to: www.stopyourfibronow.com

Why We Hurt?

A book I highly recommend to anyone who deals with chronic pain is called Why We Hurt by Dr. Greg Fors.

He wrote the book after his daughter was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  He is a doctor of chiropractic and he was broken hearted watching his daughter crawl up the stairs to bed because she couldn’t walk.  He thought “how could this be ?  She has eaten nothing but organic food her whole life and she has been receiving good chiropractic care.  Why would she have this problem.”

So, he did a lot of studying.  He learned from some of the best experts in the country.  He was able to find out what was wrong with his daughter and cure it.

What was the problem ?  She had a claustidium infection in her small intestine that was spilling toxins into her system.  The toxins caused her to hurt all over like she had the flu.  Once the infection was treated properly, the pain went away.

The book is a great read.  The information in it is fantastic for both patients and doctors.  Though it is written for patients.  It outlines many different testing procedures that are helpful in finding out what is wrong and how to fix it.

Due to an arrangement I have with Labcorp Labs and Genova Diagnostics, I am able to order and analyze all the blood, urine and stool tests outlined in the book.  Because I have taken seminars with Dr. Fors, I have access to him if I have any questions, which is a huge help.  He’s a great guy.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, then this book would be a great thing for you to have.  You can get it at Amazon.com.

To find out more about how I treat chronic pain, log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com or go to my web-site www.painfree-greatposture.com.

Why Fibromyalgia Can Kill You!

I have been treating fibromyalgia for about 8 years now and it has been an adventure to say the least.  Unfortunately, many medical doctors don’t even think it exists.  The average fibromyalgia patient that comes to see me has seen four other doctors.  When I started eight years ago it was six.

The story is always the same.  Pills, pills, pills.  No results.  Live with it.

When treating a fibromyalgia patient I’ve always tried to focus on what might be causing the widespread pain.  I’ve found that about 80% of fibromyalgia patients have a particular type of misalignment in the spine that can be corrected.  When the misalignment is corrected, most of the pain goes away.

I say most, but not all, because I have found that for about half the fibromyalgia patients, spinal adjusting is not enough. They need help with other problems as well.  These problems can lead to other more serious diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer.

The problems have to do with inflammation (swelling) that comes from oxidative stress.  Oxidative stress is a term used to describe what happens when the body is overwhelmed by toxic foods and drugs.  As the body tries to process these toxins, it gets swollen and damaged.  The swelling is systemic, meaning that it happens all over.  It affects the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and digestive tract just as much as the muscles and joints.

The all over pain of fibromyalgia is really a warning signal that more serious problems are going on.

The good news is that it is treatable.  If the body is given the nutrients it needs, it will repair itself.  The pain will go away and many other illnesses can be prevented.

How do you find out if you are one of the fibromyalgia patients that needs nutritional therapy ?  You need to get your blood checked for signs of inflammation.  These are the same tests your MD would use to look for cardiac inflammatory problems.  Tests like CRP, homocysteine and fibrinogen.

In an MD’s office, they would treat the inflammation with drugs.  In my office, I order the blood tests and then I treat the problems with nutrition.  The side effects are non-existent, it works better and the body gets what it really needs.

To find out more about how I treat fibromyalgia, log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com

Reference:  “Why myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may kill you !: disorders in the inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways may explain cardiovascular disorders in ME/CFS”  Maes M, Twisk FN. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2009;30(6):677-93.

Fibromyalgia – Does This Sounds Familiar?

“I am exhausted and hurt all over.  I can’t get to sleep at night and when I do, I wake up at the drop of a dime.  I went to my doctor and they ran some blood tests and took some x-rays and said that nothing was wrong.  I just don’t know what is wrong or what to do about it.”

This is a classic history obtained from a patient suffering from fibromyalgia or FM.  Because the onset of fibromyalgia is slow and gradual, it is common for patients to postpone visiting their health care provider until the symptoms are quite significant. The diagnosis may also be delayed as many healthcare providers do not feel fibromyalgia is a legitimate medical condition and minimize the symptoms frequently categorizing them as “depressed,” which postpones an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

The classic definition as defined by the American College of Rheumatology includes at least a three-month duration of symptoms with the presence of 11 out of 18 potential tender points although diffuse, widespread pain not necessarily restricted to these exact locations may also represent an appropriate diagnostic finding in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is more common in females and affects approximately 2% of the population in the United States. The risk of developing fibromyalgia increases with age, usually developing during early and middle adulthood but can also develop in children and older adults. Other risk factors include a positive family history where one may be more likely to develop FM if a relative suffers with the same condition.

A major risk factor of developing fibromyalgia includes is disturbed sleep pattern and this remains controversial as to whether sleeping disorders are a direct cause or simply the result of fibromyalgia. However, in either case, people with FM cannot obtain deep “restorative” sleep and feel fatigued and tired upon waking in the morning. Sleep disorders including sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are often present in patients with fibromyalgia.

Certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroid, and other endocrine/hormonal conditions may preceded the onset of fibromyalgia in which case the condition is considered “secondary fibromyalgia.” Hence, a diagnostic evaluation usually includes a blood test for hypothyroid, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and a complete blood count to rule out infections and/or anemia. In most cases, these tests prove negative and the diagnosis is made by excluding other possible primary conditions.

Other causes can include physical and/or emotional trauma where a high-level of stress can trigger this condition. Although experts still debate why patients with fibromyalgia hurt so intensely, the current explanation centers around a theory called central sensitization. This is essentially a lower pain threshold where patients with FM feel pain much sooner than those without it because of increased sensitivity in the brain and/or spinal cord to incoming pain signals.

Treatment of FM relies on a multidiscipline, multifactorial approach including stress reduction, obtaining enough sleep, exercising regularly, pacing yourself, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Other highly effective treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic website, include chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and/or acupuncture. The concepts of chiropractic treatment includes restoring movement in restricted spinal joints resulting in improved nerve function and subsequently, improved overall function and reduced pain. Chiropractic care also includes cold laser, nutritional counseling and patient education. We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in your treatment of FM and realize you have a choice of providers. We would be honored to be part of your management team.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR FIBROMYALGIA! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 262-251-8306

Blood Tests for Fibromyalgia

While there are no blood tests that definitively tell you whather you have fibromyalgia, there are tests that tell you some critical information if you want to get better.

A large percentage of fibromyalgia patients have problems related to chronic inflammation.    The inflammation is caused mainly from poor nutritional practices and intake of toxic drugs.  This leads to pain in the muscles and joints, and can also lead to depression and skin sensitivity.

Two tests that you should seriously consider having run, if you have fibromyalgia are a Homocysteine test and a C-reactive protein test (CRP).

Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can damage the linings of your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.  It is also present in people who suffer from chronic pain and can be a primary cause of inflammation.

What causes Homocysteine to be high ?  A detoxification process called methylation isn’t working properly.  It isn’t working properly mainly because of nutrient deficiencies in the diet.

CRP is a special protein that is formed when there is inflammation in the body.  High levels are seen when you have a cold or flu or even if you have arthritis.  It may be responsible for some of the all over achy feelings some fibromyalgia patients feel.

These problems can be fixed and they can be a real key to getting out of your chronic pain.  Medical doctors try to treat them with drugs, but this approach has two big problems.  First, the drugs have all kinds of side effects, including stomach bleeding, liver disease, strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.  Second, the drugs don’t fix the nutrient deficiency and can actually cause your body to burn up more nutrients to detoxify the drugs.

The best way to work on this is to use vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that work on getting these inflammatory toxins out of the body.  And, working with a doctor who is familiar with fibromyalgia and can prescribe doses that will actually work for you based on blood testing.

For more information about how I treat fibromyalgia, go to www.stopyourfibronow.com.  You will learn about some of the methods that have helped my patients get out of pain fast.

Fibromyalgia – Important “Fibro Facts”

So you think you may suffer from Fibromyalgia (FM) and you’re trying to find out more information about FM…..but where do you start?  Certainly you can “Google” the word “fibromyalgia” and spend the rest of the day, week, or maybe month reading about the symptoms, clinical signs, the many treatment options and the different types of doctors who treat FM patients.  You will certainly learn a lot!  But you will still most likely remain confused as to what to do about it.

First, what is fibromyalgia? It is a chronic (long standing) painful condition resulting in widespread pain throughout the body and it’s usually difficult to isolate a cause or reason for such significantly disabling symptoms.  It is very common, affecting 3-6% of the general population (global) and 6-12 million Americans (2-4% of the US population). Woman are affected more than men (75-90% are women), and it is typically diagnosed between 20-50 years of age.  It affects people physically, emotionally, and socially.  The symptoms can fluctuate but it never completely disappears. The cause, though still debated, points to the central nervous system in which a “minor” pain signal reaching the brain is somehow magnified and perceived as more intense (this is called “central sensitization”).  This makes the FM patient hypersensitive to normal stimulations like a hug or a when hitting a bump in the road with the car.

How is it diagnosed? Prior to 1987, it was not recognized by the AMA as an illness or cause of disability.  In 1990, The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) reported the initial criteria for diagnosing FM.  There are no blood tests, x-rays, biopsies, EEG’s, EMG’s or other tests for FM.  Hence, a thorough history (frequently revealing fatigue, sleep problems, mental fog, depression, headache, and bowel problems) and examination ruling out other disorders is appropriate.  Diagnosis includes a history of widespread, chronic pain and the presence of multiple tender points (at least 11 of 18) located all over the body.

What is the treatment? Pain management has been the focus and this can include medication, ice/heat, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, counseling when anxiety/depression are issues, dietary strategies, sleep management, but perhaps most important is education – about FM and how to “live with it.” That is, learning how to “control it” since no one has found the “cure.”  Exercise in short durations of time by walking or swimming (not too strenuous). Expect post-exercise soreness so don’t overdo it initially, or you’ll be “convinced” you shouldn’t be exercising.  Diet – avoid glutens/grains and emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean meats (grass fed chicken, beef, and fish), and consider nutritional support from a multiple vitamin, calcium/magnesium, fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids), Vit D3, and Co-Q10.  Find a good “team” of doctors – chiropractic, family doc, and rheumatologist who YOU are comfortable with and who will work together for you.  Don’t expect miracles – it may lead to disappointment.

We recognize the importance of including chiropractic in the team to help those suffering with FM.  If you, a friend or family member require care for fibromyalgia, we would be honored to offer our services.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR FIBROMYALGIA!
For more information log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com

Fibromyalgia and the Spinal Cord

The theories about how the widespread pain of fibromyalgia occurs are numerous.  Far too many to go over in one article.  But the main theory that guides my treatment is a theory called spinal cord hypersensitivity.

To explain it, I have to lay down a little groundwork so you get a better understanding.  You will need to know a little bit about how the nervous system works.  Don’t worry, its not that difficult.

You may have noticed at some time in your life that you walked into a room and it smelled bad.  After being in the room a while, you probably noticed that you don’t smell it any more.  This is a normal function of your nervous system.  It filters out un-necessary information, so you can concentrate on other things.

Your body will also do this with pain, at least to a certain extent.  You cut your finger, it hurts for a while, then it goes away.  Partly because it is healing and partly because your brain realizes it’s just a cut finger and you don’t need to feel it as much anymore.

The filtering function happens in your spinal cord.  In a normal person’s spinal cord, sensations of pain get lessened over time.  In someone with fibromyalgia, the opposite happens, the pain gets worse.  So think about what would happen if you came into a room, it smelled bad, and the longer you sat there, the worse it got.  Well, welcome to the world of fibromyalgia.  The longer you have the pain, the worse it gets.

The phenomenon is called central sensitization and it was written about extensively in the January 2004 edition of the scientific journal, Pain.  The study explored how people with neck injuries and people with fibromyalgia get pain.  They concluded that “sensitization explains, at least in part, pain in the absence of detectable tissue damage, as found in both conditions.”

To treat fibromyalgia successfully, the issue of central (spinal cord) sensitization must be addressed.  In my office, we concentrate on getting rid of any posture problems that may be causing the cord to be stretched and irritated.  I also work on the patient’s diet and lifestyle to get rid of anything they may be eating that would cause the nervous system to be irritated or inflamed.  The treatment is very successful and allows people with fibromyalgia to return to a more normal life.

To learn more about how I treat fibromyalgia, log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com.

Can Fibromyalgia be Caused by an Infection?

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome where patients feel pain in multiple areas of the body.  They can often feel sick, like they have the flu and suffer from chronic fatigue or depression.

One of the interesting studies to come out in the last few years about fibromyalgia found that 100% of the people tested had dysbiosis problems in their small intestine.

What is Dysbiosis ?  Normally your small intestine should have certain bacteria in it that help you to digest your food.  In dysbiosis, bacteria, fungi and parasites that should not be there, are growing in the intestines.  These bad bugs create toxins that get absorbed into your system.  The toxins cause inflammation, pain and a feeling of sickness.

You can find out if you have dysbiosis by running certain lab tests.  Urine tests to look for organic acids that are byproducts of harmful micro-organisms can help pinpoint what problems you are having.  The best test is a comprehensive stool culture that will be able to see exactly what is growing in you intestines.

From there, treatments can be prescribed that will eliminate the harmful micro-organisms and replenish the helpful micro-organisms.  By doing this, you will eliminate many of the toxins floating around in your body that cause pain and fatigue.

In my experience with treating fibromyalgia, solving the dysbiosis problem is not the complete answer to the pain.  However, it is one big step up the ladder to a full recovery.

To find out more about how I treat Fibromyalgia go to www.stopyourfibronow.com.

Fibromyalgia: What Is It And What Can Be Done?

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder. It is complex because different systems of the body are affected and treatments need to be both comprehensive and specific. Fibromyalgia overlaps with other diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, which shares many of its characteristics. The patient usually has general fatigue and due to pain, may be impaired in their capacity to work.

Fibromyalgia literally means painful muscles and tendons, and patients will say there are painful areas throughout their body. They may have low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and painful knees. Not every patient will have the same painful areas but all patients will suffer multiple painful sites.

Because of this widespread pain, it is thought that there is a central cause in many patients such as hormone or brain regulation. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can be elevated in many patients.

Many patients also show problems at local (called peripheral) areas such as the spine. They may also have a history of injury to these areas and may have suffered sprains and strains. When these problems occur, the patient may not be able to function as before. They may be unable to do work or engage in physical activities. This can then create a downward spiral because it is movement that most fibromyalgia patients lack. When one does not exercise, spinal pain can become more severe. It is well known that prolonged bed rest actually increases low back pain.

By getting painful disorders of the spine and other joints addressed through chiropractic care, the patient can then re-engage in activities.

Because diet can be so important to overall well being and healing, it needs to be addressed in any comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment program. Many patients have poor diets and many more still are also overweight and obese. Nutrient deficiencies need to be countered, but diet does not end with meat, potatoes, and iceberg lettuce. Certain foods can actually promote more inflammation, which generally means more pain. There are dietary approaches that can decrease the promotion of inflammation.

Patients also need to consider psychological factors such as depression, which can compound the physical problems. Even if the patient is not clinically depressed, chronic pain will alter mood and their motivation to work or exercise. A positive mental attitude is important to adhering to a comprehensive treatment program. The patient is not passive and is instead an active participant in their recovery.

By approaching diet, exercise, spinal health, and other physical and psychological factors, the patient may be more able to decrease some of their fibromyalgia symptoms. Because the symptoms are widespread, a comprehensive treatment program will be the approach that will most likely succeed.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR RELIEF.

To Get More Information Log on to: www.stopyourfibronow.com

Fibromyalgia Its Real and Its a Global Problem

What do I mean by global? Well it does occur in countries around the world, but more to the point, fibromyalgia is only one piece of a complex full-body puzzle. Patients with fibromyalgia will report widespread pain in the neck, back and in other areas, but there’s also much more to the story.

Usually, patients will have sympathetic activation-stressed nerves, which can result in a depressed immune system, obesity, TMJ problems, and even high blood pressure. Headaches are also quite common, as are other aches and pains. Fibromyalgia sufferers usually have a long list of symptoms they have had over the years.

And after years of pain, most patients have avoided certain movements and exercises, thus further diminishing their quality of life.

This can all seem daunting to many doctors who want to find a pill for every pain. You may have also been prescribed antidepressants thinking this would get at this global bodily disorder.

I’m Dr. Paul Kramer DC and I’ve treated many fibromyalgia patients over the years. There is not one thing that seems to help these types of patients-no silver bullet. If there were such a cure, I’d do it tomorrow.

Rather you need to address the problem globally by correcting misalignments of the spine and extremities.  Correcting your posture does absolute wonders in relieving pain. Diet is also an issue. For many patients they will need to lose weight and I can assist in doing this in a controlled way. Most patients need guidance about certain foods and fats that promote inflammation, which is a key point in addressing symptoms.

There may also be certain chemicals that you are ingesting that are contributing to the problem, rather than helping.
Lastly, all of my patients need to start exercising. Being a couch potato is no solution for fibromyalgia. Inactivity and inflexibility just makes joint and muscle pains worse.

I start patients off with simple daily stretches to add flexibility followed by walking. Some patients can barely get out of bed, so we start with walking to the end of the block. The goal is to get up to 15-30 minutes of fast paced walking each day. Once your weight is down to a manageable level, I encourage patients to join a gym, so they can develop more strength in all of their muscles. This comprehensive approach I believe is key to addressing fibromyalgia symptoms, as well as other important health problems that often accompany it.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF!

Log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com