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Lewis Reports- Fibromyalgia Update.
November, 2009.
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Since the last Fibromyalgia Update, research in the area of fibromyalgia has continued to gather pace. I have recently attended a conference summarising the last 12 months of research. The amount of new information is vast and in the coming months I will share this information with you.
Sleep Important in Fibromyalgia Recovery
This is yet another study showing that getting optimal sleep is important for recovering from fibromyalgia and handling life stresses as well.
89 women with fibromyalgia kept a daily diary of both their sleep quality and fibromyalgia symptoms.
The authors concluded: "Sleep duration and quality were prospectively related to mood affect and fatigue. Furthermore, the effects of inadequate sleep on negative affect were cumulative.
LI Comment: There are now many sleep laboratory studies showing that those with very poor sleep might have a type of disorderd sleep breathing ( a type of sleep apnoe). Poor sleep can be due to any form of stress and contributes very significantly to poor memory and concentration.
When individuals without fibromyalgia have even mild stress they developed a characteristic slightly abnormal sleep pattern which consist of frequent arousals from deep sleep. Throughout the night these individuals go in and out of deep sleep. It is as if the brain is on alert just in case there is a need to become physically active at short notice.
Once the stress has resolved the sleep pattern returns to normal. In individuals with fibromyalgia " frequent arousal" occur but do not naturally resolve.
This common sleep disordered pattern is associated with the development of many symptoms.
A more detailed discussion of abnormal sleep patterns and its effects will be presented at our next Seminar in February, 2010. ( see below for details)
Best Websites for Fibromyalgia:
Researchers at Rush University Chicago assesses the top 20 sites using Google. these sites were rated for accuracy, no promotion, graphics, ease of use, links and comprehensive information
TOP 4
webnd
medlineplus
mayoclinic
fmaware.org
An Animal Model to Study Fibromyalgia.
Scientists have discovered a way of producing the symptoms of fibromyalgia in mice. This method reduces certain brain chemicals using a variety of specific drugs.
Once the brain chemicals are depleted mice demonstrate the symptoms of widespread musculoskeletal pain and lowered mood.
This animal model confirms the important role of brain chemical changes in fibromyalgia and opens the way for more experiments to find methods to beneficially and safely adjust the brain chemicals.
Tai Chi Is Effective in Treating Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Chenchen Wang1, C. Schmid1, R. Kalish1, J. Yinh1, Don L. Goldenberg2, R. Rones1 and T. McAlindon1, 1Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 2Newton-Wellesley Hosp, Newton, MA
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disorder best managed with multidisciplinary therapies. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbances, functional limitation and poor quality of life. Tai Chi (TC) is an ancient Chinese exercise with an integrated mind-body approach to enhance both physical and mental health, and may be especially suited to the therapy of FM.
Methods: We conducted a 12-week, single-blind, randomized trial of TC (classical Yang style) vs. attention control (stretching and wellness education) for FM.
The 60-minute group sessions occurred twice-weekly.
The primary endpoint was change in the FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score at 12 weeks.
Secondary endpoints included tender point count, patient and physician global assessments, sleep quality (PSQI), timed chair stand, 6-minute walk, grip strength, depression, self-efficacy and quality of life.
We repeated these measures at 24 weeks to test durability of response.
Results: The mean of the age of 66 subjects was 50y (SD 11), disease duration 11y (SD 7), Participants' baseline expectations of benefit from an exercise intervention were similar [TC=3.7 (SD 0.8), controls=3.9 (SD 0.7)].
At 12 weeks, patients assigned to TC exhibited significantly greater improvement in FIQ score , patient global assessment, sleep quality, physical function, depression, and health status.
The reduction in pain intensity met the definition of a clinically-meaningful improvement.
At week 24, patients who continued TC exhibited durable benefits in FIQ score, sleep quality and quality of life.
The two groups did not differ in medication usage. No adverse events were observed.
Conclusion: TC appears highly efficacious for treatment of both physical and psychological components of FM. TC may be a useful adjunctive treatment in the multidisciplinary management of this difficult disorder.
New My Stories, Living With Fibromyalgia.
We frequently receive inspirational stories from individuals with fibromyalgia. We have decided to post them with the author's permission in the hope thet the stories will useful to readers. Click here to read the stories of those seeking a pathways to wellbeing.
Dates for the next seminar and MORE Than MeditaitIon Course
Our seminar, Living a Calmer Life will be held on Saturday afternoon, 6 February, 2010. For details click here
The next meditation course commences 25 Februaury, 2010. Early Bird registration closes 12 Feb. For details click here.
4. A Special Offer From the Wellbeing Shop
As we are nearing the festive season we have a special price for the My Health Organiser.
Offer 1. Buy 2 Organisers and get one free. A saving of $30.
Offer 2. Buy 3 Organisers and get a free copy of the DVD, Living Well With Fibromyalgia: Finding Your Balance. A saving of $39.95
These offers are only available until December 15. Click here for details.
Until next time
Yours in good health
Daniel.
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