“Fibromyalgia Is Not a Rheumatologic Disease Anymore”

Since the 1950s, when it was first described by Dr. Graham, "fibrositis" or fibromyalgia was thought to be a rheumatologic disorder because it was characterized by musculoskeletal pain similar to other rheumatologic diseases.^[1]

In 1990, The American College of Rheumatology established diagnostic criteria based on the scoring of 18 potential tender points.^[2] It turns out, however, that these tender points have nothing to do with fibromyalgia. Biopsy of the tender points shows no pathologic changes, and numerous studies have not shown any abnormalities in the musculoskeletal tissues that are painful.

Current evidence points to a neurologic disorder of central pain processing.^[3] Fibromyalgia patients experience pain differently and have lower pain thresholds compared to normals. Research has demonstrated that various pain-related processes in the brain and spinal cord are abnormal in fibromyalgia.^[4] But more work remains to be done.

Market surveys show the number one class of drugs used to treat fibromyalgia is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.^[5] Since fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory disease, it is not surprising we have a lot of treatment failures.

The pharmaceutical industry knows this, and they are viewing fibromyalgia as the prototypical central pain state. The 2 main drug classes of interest are the dual receptor reuptake inhibitors. But again, these drugs only cover up the symptoms.

From: http://www.medscape.com/orthopedics

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Dr. Dingsor’s opinion:

Our approach of care works to normalize the nervous input to the spine and the brain through lowering the pain input from the nervous system. This approach, combined with exercises and nutrition, works by helping you raise your pain threshold.

Key points for you to consider if you suffer from this painful problem:

-          Do not take anti-inflammatories. They will cause more harm than good. The research they’ve done has show no abnormalities within the tissues that are painful.

-          Do get your spine adjusted regularily to help modulate the pain input into your central nervous system

-          Adjust your diet to include more foods that help modulate pain such as more fruits and vegetables and less grains, sugars, and fried omega 6 foods.  Click Here for a free guide to improving your diet.

Dr. Bryan Dingsor is the owner of Watertown Chiropractic P.C. in Watertown, SD.  He specializes in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions and weight loss.  For an appointment, please call 605-882-2304 Today.