Understanding Fibromyalgia: Lessons
from the Broader Pain Research Community
David A. Williams, Daniel
J. Clauw
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain
condition marked by centrally mediated
augmentation of pain and sensory
processes. Skepticism has marked the
history of this condition, but more
recent study has identified
neurobiological underpinnings supporting
many of the symptoms associated with
this condition. Early research in FM had
unprecedented latitude within the
rheumatology community to borrow heavily
from theory and methods being applied in
chronic pain research more generally.
These insights facilitated rapid
advances in FM research, not the least
of which was the abandonment of a
peripheral focus in favor of studying
central mechanisms associated with
central augmentation. Currently,
rapid-paced discovery is taking place in
FM genetics, patient assessment, new
therapeutic targets, and novel methods
of treatment delivery. Such insights are
not likely to be limited in application
just to FM and could have relevance to
the broader field of pain research as
well.
Perspective
This
manuscript reviews the history of FM and
its diagnosis, evidence supporting
central augmentation of pain in FM,
potential mechanisms of central
augmentation, current approaches to
integrated care of FM, and areas of
active collaboration between FM research
and other chronic pain conditions.
Here's a
great site for Men with Fibromyalgia.
Spouses or SO's of Men with Fibromyalgia
are also welcome. Very interesting.
Click here
OFFERUTAH.ORG newly designed Support
Board!
Over
the last year, we have had a
"message Board" for patients and
caregivers to share ideas on how to
cope with CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia or
to discuss how they are feeling.
Over time, most of us have lost the
ties to loved ones and friends we
once had. This "Support Board" is
intended to be a place to find new
friends who understand our
illnesses. It should also be a
place to pick up good ideas on how
to cope with our illnesses.
Our
previous board was regularly
attacked by spammers. This new
board has great security features to
keep "spammers" out. Take a look
and see what you think.
To
join in, just go to OFFER's website,
http://www.offerutah.org/index.htm
and click on the 'Support Board'
button in the side menu. Just
follow the instructions to
register. If you have questions,
click on 'FAQ' or email the
administrator.
Offer's
Website
Visit OFFER's web
site for additional resources to
important health information and CFS/FM
research studies at:
http://www.offerutah.org under
Resources
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OFFER ever sell or give you
email address or any other
personal information to anyone.
Individuals who
have had severe, unexplained fatigue for
at least six months and who have no
serious abnormalities on medical tests
are wanted for a study of chronic
fatigue. Patients who qualify for the
study will be asked to complete three
questionnaires over a six month period.
Participating in the study will not
alter the treatment that your physician
gives you. The purpose of the study is
to evaluate whether patients treated by
certain types of physicians improve
faster than patients treated by other
types of physicians.
If you may be
interested in participating in this
study, please contact the study
coordinator, Kathleen O’Connor at (801)
587-4741. For more information email
kathleen.oconnor@hci.utah.edu or
visit our website at:
Researchers in the Department of
Anesthesiology at The University
of Utah are seeking individuals
interested in participating in a
clinical study to evaluate
rehabilitation programs for
treating Fibromyalgia.
If you:
* Have been diagnosed with
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
* Are between 21 and 65
years of age
* Do not exercise
regularly ( less
than 30 minutes per
week)
You may be
eligible for
this study.
This study
includes
evaluations and
10 consecutive weekly, 2 ½ hour treatment sessions. All evaluations and
treatments are
at no cost to
you.
If you are interested, please
call The Pain Research Center at
801-585-7697 or
As an extension of the
youth panel, a video has been created by Scott
Stevens and Peggy Allen, featuring Lauren Allen,
Jessica Turner, Jenny Wilson - young women with
CFS. The purpose is to describe problems they have
experienced as CFS students dealing with their
schools. A 10-minute version was edited from the 43
minute complete film which was presented at the May
meeting of the CFS Advisory Board in Washington
D.C. We will preserve the longer version as well as
the 10-minute presentation.
IF YOU HAVEN'T CHECKED OUT THE NEW OFFER WEBSITE
YOU'RE IN FOR A TREAT! IT HAS ADDED NEW
INFORMATION AND LOTS OF VIDEOS FROM OFFER'S
CONFERENCES AND EDUCATION MEETINGS!
"The great pleasure in life is doing what people
say you cannot do."
Author: Walter Bagehot
Please
Note: the inclusion of information in this
newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement
by OFFER. Please consult your medical care provider
before using any medication or therapy.
Copyright 2007
This
message was sent from OFFER UTAH. It was sent from: OFFER
(Organization for Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Education and Research,
1002 E South Temple Ste 408, Salt Lake City, UT 84102. You can
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