Evidence of Chiropractic Treatment Insufficient For Fibromyalgia
Original article
There is no evidence to suggest chiropractors are effective in treating people with fibromyalgia, according to a new review of existing literature on the subject.
Professor Edzard Ernst of the Peninsula Medical School at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, carried out the study.
"Many patients use chiropractic as a treatment of fibromyalgia and many chiropractors seem to be convinced that it is effective for that condition," he explained in the medical journal Clinical Rheumatology.
"The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of randomised clinical trials testing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for fibromyalgia."
Professor Ernst reviewed three previous research articles on the effect of chiropractic treatment for the condition, which were found through six electronic searches through online databases.
The three studies were judged to have "poor" methodological quality and they "generated no evidence to suggest that chiropractic care is effective for fibromyalgia".
"Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that chiropractic is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia," Professor Ernst concluded.
Fibromyalgia is also known as chronic widespread pain and occurs mainly in women. The disease affects the muscles, and the intense pain, fatigue and depression associated with the condition make it distressing for sufferers, many of whom may find that they cannot continue with their daily activities.
At present, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, though patients are advised to exercise, seek counselling if they are depressed and discuss medication to improve symptoms with their GPs.
The Arthritis Research Campaign is currently carrying out a major clinical trial to find out if a combination of exercise and cognitive behavioural therapy improves the symptoms of chronic widespread pain, which includes fibromyalgia.
Showing posts with label fm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fm. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Awareness About Fibromyalgia Needed
Taken from ShrevePort Times
Provided by Member Susana
Originally Posted May 12th
Today is the sixth annual National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. The first Walk of F.A.M.E. (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything) was held in 2008. This year the National Fibromyalgia Association has changed the Walk of Fame to include virtual walkers since some Fibromyalgia sufferers simply can't participate in an organised walk or run. Their symptoms simply don't allow them to exert themselves physically.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterised by chronic, body-wide pain, persistent fatigue, chronic headaches, cognitive or memory impairment, low blood pressure, blurred vision, gastrointestinal disorders and non restorative sleep. Instigators include trauma, neurological conditions, neurohormonal changes, autoimmune irregularities and myofascial pain. More than 6 million Americans, 90 percent of them female, suffer with Fibromyalgia, affecting relationships with family members, friends and employers. There is no cure. Effective treatment consists of concerted efforts of educated patients and physicians.
I've joined the cause this year. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1989 and have spent some years since in debilitating fashion and some in relative remission. The past seven months have probably been the most difficult for me with Fibromyalgia. The disorder is exacerbated by stress, and I've had quite a bit in the past short while. My husband's grandfather passed away in August, followed by our house burning down in October. A total loss, including losing one of our precious dogs, our boxer, Baby, who saved our lives. Our company's been bought out, and adapting is hard, in addition to fear of downsizing.
I am usually a positive person; I think all my friends would say that I'm one of the most positive people they know, always laughing, always finding the bright lining in things. It is because of this that many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia are misunderstood and believed to be "fine." Many of us don't let the trials and tribulations, the pains of every day, and the impossible fatigue stop us on most days.
The Lyrica commercial leaves much to be desired. It portrays a person who has Fibromyalgia as "not one to lay down and quit" only if they take Lyrica. This is a bad commercial and a bad portrayal of the many of us who suffer from this disorder. Most of us don't lay down and quit any time; on the contrary, we fight to function normally and be considered normal. It's those times when we can't that really get us down, in addition to the perception that we are "fine" because there are no outward signs of the disorder.
Please join me in supporting the cause: Contribute to research at www.fmaware.org. Even if you can't or don't desire to contribute, you can still make a difference by recognising the limitations of those of us who have Fibromyalgia. A little understanding goes a long way.
Provided by Member Susana
Originally Posted May 12th
Today is the sixth annual National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. The first Walk of F.A.M.E. (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything) was held in 2008. This year the National Fibromyalgia Association has changed the Walk of Fame to include virtual walkers since some Fibromyalgia sufferers simply can't participate in an organised walk or run. Their symptoms simply don't allow them to exert themselves physically.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterised by chronic, body-wide pain, persistent fatigue, chronic headaches, cognitive or memory impairment, low blood pressure, blurred vision, gastrointestinal disorders and non restorative sleep. Instigators include trauma, neurological conditions, neurohormonal changes, autoimmune irregularities and myofascial pain. More than 6 million Americans, 90 percent of them female, suffer with Fibromyalgia, affecting relationships with family members, friends and employers. There is no cure. Effective treatment consists of concerted efforts of educated patients and physicians.
I've joined the cause this year. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1989 and have spent some years since in debilitating fashion and some in relative remission. The past seven months have probably been the most difficult for me with Fibromyalgia. The disorder is exacerbated by stress, and I've had quite a bit in the past short while. My husband's grandfather passed away in August, followed by our house burning down in October. A total loss, including losing one of our precious dogs, our boxer, Baby, who saved our lives. Our company's been bought out, and adapting is hard, in addition to fear of downsizing.
I am usually a positive person; I think all my friends would say that I'm one of the most positive people they know, always laughing, always finding the bright lining in things. It is because of this that many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia are misunderstood and believed to be "fine." Many of us don't let the trials and tribulations, the pains of every day, and the impossible fatigue stop us on most days.
The Lyrica commercial leaves much to be desired. It portrays a person who has Fibromyalgia as "not one to lay down and quit" only if they take Lyrica. This is a bad commercial and a bad portrayal of the many of us who suffer from this disorder. Most of us don't lay down and quit any time; on the contrary, we fight to function normally and be considered normal. It's those times when we can't that really get us down, in addition to the perception that we are "fine" because there are no outward signs of the disorder.
Please join me in supporting the cause: Contribute to research at www.fmaware.org. Even if you can't or don't desire to contribute, you can still make a difference by recognising the limitations of those of us who have Fibromyalgia. A little understanding goes a long way.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Co-enzyme Q10 distribution in blood is altered in patients with Fibromyalgia
Source
OBJECTIVE: Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Signs and symptoms associated with muscular alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction, including oxidative stress, have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim was to study CoQ(10) levels in plasma and mono nuclear cells, and oxidative stress in FM patients.
METHODS: We studied CoQ(10) levels by HPLC in plasma and peripheral mono nuclear cells obtained from patients with FM and healthy control subjects. Oxidative stress markers were analysed in both plasma and mono nuclear cells from FM patients.
RESULTS: Higher level of oxidative stress markers in plasma was observed respect to control subjects. CoQ(10) level in plasma samples from FM patients was doubled compared to healthy controls and in blood mononucleosis isolated from 37 FM patients was found to be about 40% lower. Higher levels of ROS production was observed in mono nuclear cells from FM patients compared to control, and a significant decrease was induced by the presence of CoQ(10).
CONCLUSION: The distribution of CoQ(10) in blood components was altered in FM patients. Also, our results confirm the oxidative stress background of this disease probably due to a defect on the distribution and metabolism of CoQ(10) in cells and tissues. The protection caused inmononuclear cells by CoQ(10) would indicate the benefit of its supplementation in FM patients.
OBJECTIVE: Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Signs and symptoms associated with muscular alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction, including oxidative stress, have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim was to study CoQ(10) levels in plasma and mono nuclear cells, and oxidative stress in FM patients.
METHODS: We studied CoQ(10) levels by HPLC in plasma and peripheral mono nuclear cells obtained from patients with FM and healthy control subjects. Oxidative stress markers were analysed in both plasma and mono nuclear cells from FM patients.
RESULTS: Higher level of oxidative stress markers in plasma was observed respect to control subjects. CoQ(10) level in plasma samples from FM patients was doubled compared to healthy controls and in blood mononucleosis isolated from 37 FM patients was found to be about 40% lower. Higher levels of ROS production was observed in mono nuclear cells from FM patients compared to control, and a significant decrease was induced by the presence of CoQ(10).
CONCLUSION: The distribution of CoQ(10) in blood components was altered in FM patients. Also, our results confirm the oxidative stress background of this disease probably due to a defect on the distribution and metabolism of CoQ(10) in cells and tissues. The protection caused inmononuclear cells by CoQ(10) would indicate the benefit of its supplementation in FM patients.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study.
Taken from here
Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: Rheumatol Int. 2008 Oct 14. [Epub ahead of print] Sendur OF, Turan Y, Tastaban E, Yenisey C, Serter M.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Adnan Menderes University Medicine School Hospital, Aydin, Turkey. PMID: 18853166
We proposed to assess antioxidant status and nitric oxide in fibromyalgia (FM) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Additionally, the association between the serum antioxidant levels and clinical findings in FM patients was also investigated.
Thirty-seven FM patients and 37 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Severity of fatigue and pain were determined by Visual Analogue Scale. Functional capacity in daily living activities was evaluated by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. Serum NO, catalase and glutathione were measured.
Serum glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in FM patients than controls. However, no significant difference was seen in serum NO levels between the two groups. A significant correlation was evident between serum NO level and pain. Additionally, the correlation between glutathione level and morning stiffness was found to be significant.
These findings support other studies, we assume that these two antioxidants might have impact on the pathogenesis of FM disease.
Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: Rheumatol Int. 2008 Oct 14. [Epub ahead of print] Sendur OF, Turan Y, Tastaban E, Yenisey C, Serter M.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Adnan Menderes University Medicine School Hospital, Aydin, Turkey. PMID: 18853166
We proposed to assess antioxidant status and nitric oxide in fibromyalgia (FM) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Additionally, the association between the serum antioxidant levels and clinical findings in FM patients was also investigated.
Thirty-seven FM patients and 37 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Severity of fatigue and pain were determined by Visual Analogue Scale. Functional capacity in daily living activities was evaluated by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. Serum NO, catalase and glutathione were measured.
Serum glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in FM patients than controls. However, no significant difference was seen in serum NO levels between the two groups. A significant correlation was evident between serum NO level and pain. Additionally, the correlation between glutathione level and morning stiffness was found to be significant.
These findings support other studies, we assume that these two antioxidants might have impact on the pathogenesis of FM disease.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
What Is Fibromaylgia?
(As I'm pretty sure that I mentioned in the previous post I'm pretty bad at explaining illnesses so here's something that explains it better then I could have)
Taken from the Athritis Victoria website
Fibromyalgia is a name given to a group of symptoms marked by generalised pain and muscle stiffness. These symptoms can be felt in all different areas of the body. Extreme fatigue (tiredness) and sleep problems are also common in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the painful areas, but seems to be due to an overactive pain system. Fibromyalgia is different to polymyalgia rheumatica, a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the muscles.
If you'd like to learn more - symptoms, cause, managment etc - I highly recommend checking out the website. Follow the link at the top of this entry. It's all on the one page.
Taken from the Athritis Victoria website
Fibromyalgia is a name given to a group of symptoms marked by generalised pain and muscle stiffness. These symptoms can be felt in all different areas of the body. Extreme fatigue (tiredness) and sleep problems are also common in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the painful areas, but seems to be due to an overactive pain system. Fibromyalgia is different to polymyalgia rheumatica, a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the muscles.
If you'd like to learn more - symptoms, cause, managment etc - I highly recommend checking out the website. Follow the link at the top of this entry. It's all on the one page.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
First Post & What Is ME/CFS
I think the first post is always the hardest and I myself always have a hard time starting it so I guess maybe dispensing with the small talk this time round might be best.
I've started this blog as a compliment to the Blue Butterflies Forum. The forum I started over a year ago. It's an alternative get together for sufferer's of ME/CFS & FM. I have had ME/CFS, since 2005, and I'm a bit of an alternative person.
What do I mean by alternative?
Well when it comes down to it I'm an atheist but I like to call myself an open minded atheist. I dabble in a bit of Buddhism, crystal work and other alternative healing, spirituality and paganism. All that jazz is what I mean by "alternative". So if you're a pagan, spiritualist, atheist or just open minded and curious you might like the forum. If it's not your cup of tea then that's fine, you can still read the blog of course!
As for the whole ME/CFS & FM question...
For all my writing skills I'm terrible at explaining exactly what Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Fibromyalgia (I try to avoid having to explain it) is let alone writing it up so I'm going to take a piece from another site that has it so well written out I am beyond impressed.
This is for the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Fibromyalgia will be the next post.
What Is ME/CFS?
Taken from the WA Society Website
ME/CFS is a complex chronic disease affecting multiple body systems/organs. The disease is characterised by abnormal persistent or relapsing fatigue, post-exertional malaise/fatigue, sleep dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, muscle/joint pain and headaches. Post-exertional malaise/fatigue, which is a hallmark of the disease, describes the worsening of symptoms and incapacitating malaise/fatigue experienced by those affected following physical or mental exertion, sometimes even of a trivial nature.
Individuals may also experience their own unique constellation of accompanying symptoms which may include impaired concentration and memory, swollen lymph nodes, recurrent feverishness, food intolerance, nausea, disorientation and cognitive and sensory overload amongst others (see Symptoms).
The severity of the disease and symptoms vary from one individual to another and can in very rare instances be fatal (see Severity). It is frequently known to develop following infection or may have a more gradual onset and has the potential to cause devastating and possibly lifelong disability in those affected.
Although the disease is generally referred to as ME/CFS, ME and CFS are not identical. To understand the differences between ME and CFS and the confusion and misunderstanding this has caused see Brief History.
If you'd like to learn more please follow this link
Thanks for reading
Bonnie
I've started this blog as a compliment to the Blue Butterflies Forum. The forum I started over a year ago. It's an alternative get together for sufferer's of ME/CFS & FM. I have had ME/CFS, since 2005, and I'm a bit of an alternative person.
What do I mean by alternative?
Well when it comes down to it I'm an atheist but I like to call myself an open minded atheist. I dabble in a bit of Buddhism, crystal work and other alternative healing, spirituality and paganism. All that jazz is what I mean by "alternative". So if you're a pagan, spiritualist, atheist or just open minded and curious you might like the forum. If it's not your cup of tea then that's fine, you can still read the blog of course!
As for the whole ME/CFS & FM question...
For all my writing skills I'm terrible at explaining exactly what Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Fibromyalgia (I try to avoid having to explain it) is let alone writing it up so I'm going to take a piece from another site that has it so well written out I am beyond impressed.
This is for the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Fibromyalgia will be the next post.
What Is ME/CFS?
Taken from the WA Society Website
ME/CFS is a complex chronic disease affecting multiple body systems/organs. The disease is characterised by abnormal persistent or relapsing fatigue, post-exertional malaise/fatigue, sleep dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, muscle/joint pain and headaches. Post-exertional malaise/fatigue, which is a hallmark of the disease, describes the worsening of symptoms and incapacitating malaise/fatigue experienced by those affected following physical or mental exertion, sometimes even of a trivial nature.
Individuals may also experience their own unique constellation of accompanying symptoms which may include impaired concentration and memory, swollen lymph nodes, recurrent feverishness, food intolerance, nausea, disorientation and cognitive and sensory overload amongst others (see Symptoms).
The severity of the disease and symptoms vary from one individual to another and can in very rare instances be fatal (see Severity). It is frequently known to develop following infection or may have a more gradual onset and has the potential to cause devastating and possibly lifelong disability in those affected.
Although the disease is generally referred to as ME/CFS, ME and CFS are not identical. To understand the differences between ME and CFS and the confusion and misunderstanding this has caused see Brief History.
If you'd like to learn more please follow this link
Thanks for reading
Bonnie
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