Weekly Breaking Research Updates

Weekly Breaking Research Updates

by | Apr 13, 2015 | Uncategorized

Scientific breakthroughs happen every day!  In an effort to help our patients stay up to speed on the most cutting edge treatment options available for them, our scientists monitor current research and publish weekly research updates (below).

If you’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Hanna to discuss your treatment options, please contact us.

Ketamine 

 

Wastewater analysis to monitor spatial and temporal patterns of use of two synthetic recreational drugs, ketamine and mephedrone, in Italy

S Castiglioni, A Borsotti, I Senta, E Zuccato – Environmental Science & Technology, 2015

Wastewater analysis was applied in a four-year monitoring study to assess temporal and

spatial patterns of ketamine and mephedrone use in the general population in Italy.

Composite raw wastewater samples were collected from sewage treatment plants (STPs) …

 

The use of ketamine as an antidepressant: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

CM Coyle, KR Laws – Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and …, 2015

Objective The current meta-analysis examines the effects of ketamine infusion on

depressive symptoms over time in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder

(BD). Methods Following a systematic review of the literature, data were extracted from 21 …

 

Intravenous Ketamine to Facilitate Non-Invasive Ventilation in a Patient with a Severe Asthma Exacerbation

E Kiureghian, JM Kowalski – The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2015

Background Despite advances in outpatient treatment and an improved understanding of

the pathophysiology, asthma continues to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality

in the United States. While there is certainly a component of chronic inflammation, the …

 

Perioperative low-dose ketamine improves postoperative analgesia following Cesarean delivery with general anesthesia

M Haliloglu, M Ozdemir, N Uzture, PO Cenksoy… – The Journal of Maternal- …, 2015

Abstract Objective: In this study, the effect of perioperative uses of low dose ketamine on

post-operative wound pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing elective

Cesarean section was evaluated. Methods: In randomized, double blind clinical trial, 52 …

 

The Clinical Effect of Fentanyl in Comparison with Ketamine in Analgesic Effect for Oncology Procedures in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Crossover Trial

C Monsereenusorn, P Rujkijyanont, C Traivaree – JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL …, 2015

Material and Method: A randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial was conducted with 55 children

undergoing painful procedures (intrathecal chemotherapy and/or bone marrow

aspiration/biopsy). Patients were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to …

 

Dexmedetomidine, Ketamine, and Midazolam for Oral Rehabilitation: A Case Report

BWS Kim, RM Peskin – Anesthesia Progress, 2015

Abstract Intravenous sedation is frequently provided by anesthesiologists for phobic patients

undergoing elective dental treatment in outpatient settings. Propofol is one of the most

commonly used anesthetic agents that can result in apnea and respiratory depression, …

 

Ketamine May Be Related to Minor Troponin Elevations in Children Undergoing Minor Procedures in Emergency Department

M Serinken, C Eken – The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2015

Objective Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic agent that has an increased frequency of

usage in the last years particularly in emergency departments. In the present study, we

aimed to determine whether ketamine is related to myocardial injury in children …

 

Anesthesia and neuromonitoring

EN Menga, GJ Spessot, JA Bendo – Seminars in Spine Surgery, 2015

… Commonly used intravenous anesthetics include propofol, dexmedetomidine, etomidate,

barbiturates, ketamine, and benzodiazepines. … Using a canine model, Glassman et al. 13 reported

consistent and reproducible TcMEPs with ketamine and etomidate. …

 

Inflammatory Biomarkers as Differential Predictors of Antidepressant Response

K Hashimoto – International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2015

… situation. This article discusses inflammatory molecules as predictive biomarkers

for antidepressant responses to several classes of antidepressants, including the

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine. …

 

Spinal cord neuron inputs to the cuneate nucleus that partially survive dorsal column lesions: A pathway that could contribute to recovery after spinal cord injury

CC Liao, GE DiCarlo, OA Gharbawie, HX Qi, JH Kaas – Journal of Comparative …, 2015

… tranquilized with an intramuscular injection (IM) of ketamine hydrochloride (10-25 mg/ kg, IM)

and Page 4 of 55 John Wiley & Sons Journal of Comparative Neurology … In preparation for the

injection, each monkey was tranquilized with ketamine hydrochloride (10mg/kg, …

 

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

 

[PDF] Comparison of amiodarone and propafenone for maintenance of stable sinus rhythm after bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in …

Y Beşir, O Gökalp, U Yetkin, E Çelik, H İner, B Lafçı… – Türk Göğüs Kalp Damar …, 2015

ABSTRACT Background: This study aims to examine the effects of amiodarone versus

propafenone for maintenance of stable sinus rhythm after left atrial bipolar radiofrequency

ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in patients with mitral valve disease and …

 

New Technologies and Approaches to Endoscopic Control of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

LL Fujii-Lau, LMWK Song, MJ Levy – Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North …, 2015

… Radiofrequency Ablation. Technique. Focal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheters

(Barrx; Covidien, Mansfield, MA) have been used to treat GI bleeding in the setting of

gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) (Fig. 3) and radiation proctitis. …

 

Dichorionic triplet pregnancies: risk of miscarriage and severe preterm delivery with fetal reduction versus expectant management. Outcomes of a cohort study and …

M Morlando, L Ferrara, F D’Antonio, A Lawin‐O’Brien… – BJOG: An International …, 2015

… Ultrasound-guided laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation of the pelvic vessels of one

of the monochorionic fetuses was used in all cases of reduction from three to two fetuses

for selective reduction of one of the two monochorionic fetuses. …

 

Interventional MR elastography for MRI‐guided percutaneous procedures

N Corbin, J Vappou, E Breton, Q Boehler, L Barbé… – Magnetic Resonance in …, 2015

… [27] showed that the Young’s modulus of the treated liver tumor in swine increases from 6 to 40

kPa approximately during a 5 min-long radiofrequency ablation by providing elastographic

information every 30 s. The monitoring of thermal ablations with MRE is limited by the …

 

[HTML] Editorials & Opinions

JP Tasto – Am J Orthop, 2015

… Published December 2014. Accessed March 6, 2015. « Back To: Editorials & Opinions. Did

you miss this content? Cutaneous Burn Caused by Radiofrequency Ablation Probe During

Shoulder Arthroscopy. More From The American Journal of Orthopedics …

 

Hysteroscopy and heavy menstrual bleeding (to cover TCRE and second generation endometrial ablation)

M Bongers – Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & …, 2015

… cryo-ablation (HerOption™, Cooper Surgical, Trumbull, CT) [14], and bipolar radiofrequency

(Novasure™, Hologic … The difference between the first and the second-generation endometrial

ablation are several. … Under direct vision the total endometrium can be resected or ablated. …

 

Atrioesophageal fistula and pneumocephalus after pulmonary vein isolation

BD Wilson, JH Morshedzadeh – European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging, 2015

… Catheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation is an increasingly common procedure,

and atrioesophageal fistula is a rare and often fatal complication. High clinical suspicion,

rapid diagnosis, and surgical therapy may prevent death. …

 

Gastroparesis as a Complication of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

T Aksu, S Golcuk, TE Guler, K Yalin, I Erden – The American Journal of Cardiology, 2015

… ventricular ejection fraction, M=male; N=normal; PIN=patient identification number; R=

radiofrequency. … more reasonable avoiding cryo-energy at lower temperatures while ablating

inferior PVs … The most possible mechanism of gastroparesis related with AF ablation is collateral …

 

The impact of left atrial surface area and the second generation cryoballoon on clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation cryoablation

H Greiss, A Berkowitsch, M Wojcik, S Zaltsberg… – Pacing and Clinical …, 2015

… 16 Impact of LA area on outcome In our previous studies performed on patients ablated with CB,

we found NLA area to be predictive for outcome, but absolute LA area was not predictive. … Raviele

A, Themistoclakis S, Rossillo A, Bonso A, Natale A. Radiofrequency ablation …

 

Persistence of Phrenic Nerve Palsy Following 28 mm Cryoballoon Ablation: A Four Year Single Center Experience

Y Saitoh, G Irfan, G Ciconte, G Mugnai, J Sieira… – Pacing and Clinical …, 2015

… Great attention must be paid when ablating with the large 28 mm CB2 due to the … large cryoballoon

for treatment of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation: medium-term outcomes and

non-randomised comparison with pulmonary venous isolation by radiofrequency ablation. …

 

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD)

 

Hydromorphone for neuropathic pain in adults

D Aldington, P Cole, R Knaggs, C Stannard, S Derry… – The Cochrane Library, 2015

… Types of participants Studies will include adults aged 18 years and above with one or more chronic

neuropathic pain condition including (but not lim- ited to): 1. cancer-related neuropathy; 2. central

neuropathic pain; 3. complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type II; 4. human …

 

Fentanyl for neuropathic pain in adults

S Derry, R Knaggs, PJ Wiffen, C Stannard, D Aldington… – The Cochrane Library, 2015

… Types of participants Studies will include adults aged 18 years and above with one or more chronic

neuropathic pain condition including (but not lim- ited to): 1. cancer-related neuropathy; 2. central

neuropathic pain; 3. complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type II; 4. human …

 

The role of glia in the spinal cord in neuropathic and inflammatory pain

EA Old, AK Clark, M Malcangio – Pain Control, 2015

… microglia pool. Nat Neurosci 14: pp. 1142-1149; Alexander, GM, Rijn, MA, Hilten,

JJ, Perreault, MJ, Schwartzman, RJ (2005) Changes in cerebrospinal fluid levels

of pro-inflammatory cytokines in CRPS. Pain 116: pp. 213-219; …

 

[HTML] To study the incidence and risk factors of early onset neonatal sepsis in an out born neonatal intensive care unit of India

M Jajoo, K Kapoor, LK Garg, V Manchanda, SK Mittal – Journal of Clinical …, 2015

… [6] Screening tests such as total and differential leukocyte counts, band cells, absolute neutrophil

counts (ANCs), and rapid immunological techniques like C-reactive proteins (CRPs) assays may

help in the diagnosis of septicemia; however, they lack the capacity to detect …

 

[PDF] Psychological Aspects of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

H Hooshmand, EM Phillips, FL Vero Beach

Abstract. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is

a complex form of neuropathic pain associated with hyperpathia; neurovascular instability;

neuroinflammation; and limbic system dysfunction. As the condition becomes chronic, the …

 

[PDF] COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS) REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY (RSD) DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

H Hooshmand, EM Phillips, FL Vero Beach

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a

disease that usually starts after a relatively minor trauma. In the early stages there is a

sympathetic component in the development of the disease, but with passage of time, quite …

 

[PDF] Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Sympathectomy

H Hooshmand, EM Phillips

Abstract. Sympathectomy may provide temporary pain relief, but after a few weeks to months

it loses its effect. Sympathectomy and the application of Chemical Sympathectomy

(neurolytic agents eg, phenol, alcohol, etc.) should be limited to patients with life …

 

[PDF] REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY (RSI) DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

H Hooshmand, EM Phillips, FL Vero Beach

… Careful history taking, neurological evaluation, along with such tests as quantitative

sensory testing (QST) and infrared thermal imaging (ITI) is helpful to differentiate RSI

from other causes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). …

 

Polysomnographic Characteristics in Nonmalignant Chronic Pain Populations: A Review of Controlled Studies

MF Bjurstrom, MR Irwin – Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2015

… Glossary of terms. AHI apnea/hypopnea index. ArI arousal index. BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic

factor. CNS central nervous system. CRPS complex regional pain syndrome,. CWP chronic

widespread pain. EEG electroencephalography. FM fibromyalgia. HC healthy controls. …

 

Fibromyalgia

 

Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ‘Fibromyalgia Participation Questionnaire’to the Spanish population: study protocol

M Gomez-Calvente, I Medina-Porqueres… – Rheumatology International, 2015

Abstract There are few high-quality instruments to evaluate the participation and social

functioning of fibromyalgia patients. The Fibromyalgia Participation Questionnaire (FPQ) is a

questionnaire that evaluates these aspects with high reliability and validity in its German …

 

What Constitutes Appropriate Treatment of Post-Lyme Disease Symptoms and Other Pain and Fatigue Syndromes?

AC Steere, SL Arvikar – Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2015

… This chronic syndrome, which sometimes meets criteria for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue

syndrome, is not specific for Lyme disease [8]. Such symptoms may follow other infections or

physical or emotional trauma, or the inciting cause may not be apparent. …

 

Central sensitization in humans: assessment and pharmacology

L Arendt-Nielsen – Pain Control, 2015

… J Pain 4: pp. 372-380; Balasubramaniam, R, Leeuw, R, Zhu, H, Nickerson, RB, Okeson, JP,

Carlson, CR (2007) Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in fibromyalgia and failed

back syndrome patients: a blinded prospective comparison study. …

 

Chronic pain and the adaptive significance of positive emotions.

AD Ong, AJ Zautra, MC Reid – 2015

… Indeed, such in- terventions may prove to be particularly important for patients with specific chronic

pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, who show a core affective disturbance that is characterized

by an overall deficit in posi- tive emotion (Finan, Zautra, & Davis, 2009). …

 

Chronic widespread pain: clinical comorbidities and psychological correlates Running title: Genetics of CWP

A Burri, S Ogata, J Vehof, FMK Williams, B Box – 2015

… 3 1. Introduction Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is the cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia. … four

items pertaining to the “pain subscale” were drawn from the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology

Symptom Screening questionnaire (LFESSQ).[34] The four items ask about pain …

 

Hydromorphone for neuropathic pain in adults

D Aldington, P Cole, R Knaggs, C Stannard, S Derry… – The Cochrane Library, 2015

… Pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia. … Journal of Pain 2008;9(2): 105–21. [DOI:

10.1016/j.jpain.2007.09.005] Gaskell 2014 Gaskell H, Moore RA, Derry, S, Stannard

C. Oxycodone for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults. …

 

Tarasoff’s catch-22.

SR Huey – 2015

… REFERENCES Davis, MC, & Zautra, AJ (2013). An online mindfulness intervention targeting

socioemo- tional regulation in fibromyalgia: Results of a randomized controlled trial. … Daily affect

relations in fibromyalgia patients reveal positive affective disturbance. …

 

Fentanyl for neuropathic pain in adults

S Derry, R Knaggs, PJ Wiffen, C Stannard, D Aldington… – The Cochrane Library, 2015

… Pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia. … Durogesic® DTrans. www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/

medicine/17088/ (accessed 16 December 2014). Gaskell 2014 Gaskell H, Moore RA, Derry, S,

Stannard C. Oxycodone for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults. …

 

Polysomnographic Characteristics in Nonmalignant Chronic Pain Populations: A Review of Controlled Studies

MF Bjurstrom, MR Irwin – Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2015

… CNS central nervous system. CRPS complex regional pain syndrome,. CWP chronic widespread

pain. EEG electroencephalography. FM fibromyalgia. HC healthy controls. IL interleukin. MFP

myofascial pain. NREM non-rapid-eye-movement. NSM non-sleep migraine. OA …

 

Methods to Measure Peripheral and Central Pain Sensitization Using Quantitative Sensory Testing: A Focus on Individuals with Low Back Pain

AR Starkweather, A Heineman, S Storey, G Rubia… – Applied Nursing Research, 2015

… In order to evaluate and compare centralized mechanisms, the QST protocol of the German

Research Network on Neuropathic Pain was used in a group of 21 patient with fibromyalgia

(mean duration 13.4 years), 23 individuals with chronic back pain (mean duration 15.9 years …

Being More Active with Fibromyalgia

Being More Active with Fibromyalgia

by | Feb 23, 2015 | Uncategorized

Hand squeezing a stress ball happy senior woman sitting on gym ball, and exercise Woman swimming

 

 

 

 

Speak with your doctor before making changes to your diet or exercise routine. Physical activity may help you to manage fibromyalgia. Studies show that even light exercise can have a positive effect on your symptoms and daily activities.

Being more active may help to:

  • Reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia
  • Improve your sleep
  • Increase your physical fitness so that your daily activities are less painful

Sometimes even light activity can be painful when you have fibromyalgia, but incorporating exercise into your daily routine may help ease the pain. You could go to the gym or simply increase the amount of physical activity within your day.

Before you begin incorporating physical activity to treat fibromyalgia pain talk to your healthcare provider about how your pain affects you. Work together to identify an exercise regimen that fits into your fibromyalgia treatment plan, and that suits your lifestyle.

Types of exercise for fibromyalgia

Some studies have shown that physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. Try one of these activities:

Walking

You can incorporate walking into your everyday life by walking around your home or yard, taking the stairs, walking in the mall, or parking at the far end of the parking lot.

Water-based activities

If you have access to a warm pool, water-based activities, such as swimming, water walking, and aquarobics, are a great place to start.

Stretching

Gentle stretching is good for you both physically and mentally. It can help improve flexibility, increase blood flow to the muscles, reduce stress and calm your mind.

Movement and breathing exercises

Less strenuous exercise such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates and Gyrotonic may help to increase your balance, core strength and flexibility.

Strength training

Light weight training or resistance training, where you use your own body weight to strengthen your muscles, may help to make you stronger and fitter.

Important things to keep in mind

Start low and slow.

Start with a few minutes a day with one of the recommended exercises and stick with it. Over time, gradually increase the amount of time and intensity.

Don’t push yourself too much.

If you overexert yourself, you may do more harm than good. Even if you feel great and want to do more in the moment, you could feel the pain and soreness the next day.

Pace yourself.

If your physical ability is limited one day, don’t overcompensate by overdoing it the next day when you feel more up for it. Find a balance of short periods of activity and rest that works for you.

Be patient.

Anyone starting an exercise routine can expect to experience some soreness in the beginning. If you continue at a pace that suits your capabilities, this may subside over time.

Warm up your muscles before and after each exercise session.

Set goals and track your progress.

Setting realistic goals in partnership with your healthcare provider will help you to stay motivated. By tracking your progress, you’ll be able to see the effect that physical activity may have on your fibromyalgia pain.

Recognize your barriers.

Understanding and anticipating the things that could stand between you and your physical activity can help you find ways to address and plan around them. If you don’t have access to a gym, can you exercise at home or outside? If you exercise outside, can you walk in the mall if the weather is bad?

Get support.

Starting and maintaining an exercise routine is easier with support from your family and friends. Connect with other people who have fibromyalgia in your local community or online; discuss your activity goals and invite them to join you in your efforts. Keep your family involved as well.

Keep at it.

While it may be painful to exercise with fibromyalgia, try to stick to your routine so you can experience the benefits. Always listen to your body and tailor your activity based on how you feel.

Keep track of your fibromyalgia management

Keeping a daily record can help you manage fibromyalgia and communicate better with your healthcare provider. Over time, you’ll be able to see how your exercise regimen is impacting your pain and how you feel every day. Print a free “Fibro Log” from the American Chronic Pain Association today.

Try These Top Three Exercises for Fibromyalgia

Try These Top Three Exercises for Fibromyalgia

by | Jan 14, 2015 | Uncategorized

Dealing with Fibromyalgia on a daily basis is a trial that many have to deal and battle with in their life. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain all throughout the body such as the muscles, and joints. The pain is intense especially when pressure is applied to these pressure points also known as tender points. These tender points are at the shoulders, back of the neck, hands, knees, around the neck, and the hip joints.  Research has found that the illness may be hereditary being passed down the family line and more women than men have the disorder.  Treating Fibromyalgia by providing relief of the pain and other symptoms of the illness is a tricky task but it can be done.  Exercising with Fibromyalgia takes time and effort to gain relief from the pain, along with improving sleep, and alleviating other symptoms of the disorder.  Weight loss may help with reducing additional pain in the body such as pain in the legs, cardiovascular functioning, Lack of exercise and conditioning of the body brings on symptoms of increased sensitivity to pain, along with osteoporosis,  degenerative disc disease (DDD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lower back pain, weakened muscles in the back, lumbar, pelvis area, and thighs.   Patients who suffer with Fibromyalgia need to exercise a minimum of two times a week for a minimum of 25 minutes each time of exercise. Doing this may help to reduce symptoms of the illness.  If you’re just starting out with exercising it is best to start out slow by picking out a low to moderate intensity of exercise such as walking in the mall, water aerobics, swimming, yoga, tai chi, etc.  As time goes by then increase the amount of time and intensity when you feel ready to do that type of move.

1. Try warm water aerobics in the pool which is the perfect environment to relieve pain and stiffness in the body.  The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is a program that allows patients to exercise gently in the warm water which in turns helps to build up their strength and ability to be more flexible.  Many patients who participate in this exercise activity will find their pain will have decreased and lessened stiffness.

2.  Expand your mind and body with Yoga.  Yoga allows the person to train their mind, body and spirit This type of exercise fits within the alternative and complementary medicine. There are many different types of physical yoga or also known as Hatha (poses). The different types of yoga are such as Bikram which focuses on stamina and purification using heated rooms that are over 100 degrees, or Vinyasa/power yoga which helps to increase stamina, strength and flexibility.

3. Look into applying the mind-body practices Tai Chi and Qigong into your fitness schedule. Both of these practices originated in ancient China.  Anyone of any age and health condition can do these of type of movements.   Tai Chi  which is an exercise focused on easy movement mobility, breathing and improving relaxation.  Tai Chi is a low impact type of aerobics with the focus on reducing pain, and stiffness.  With Tai Chi there are 12 movements with half are basic and the other half are advanced movements. Qigong reduces stress, improves the immune system, lowers blood pressure, improves overall stamina, cardiovascular, and digestive function.

Top Three Key Supplements for Fibromyalgia

Top Three Key Supplements for Fibromyalgia

by | Jan 14, 2015 | Uncategorized

 

fibrosupp

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder involving widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems and mood disturbances. It is not known what definitively causes this disorder, and right now, there is no cure. Treatments available, though, including over-the-counter supplements, to help relieve symptoms. If you have fibromyalgia, talk to your health care provider before taking any supplements to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you to use.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is needed by every organ in the human body. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that this mineral helps build strong teeth and bones; activates enzymes; plays a role in producing energy; and helps regulate calcium, copper, zinc and other nutrient levels. A 2008 study by O.F. Sendur and colleagues, published in the journal “Rheumatology International,” found that individuals with fibromyalgia had significantly lower magnesium levels. According to UMMC, preliminary studies show that magnesium and malic acid may help relieve pain and tenderness in fibromyalgia patients when taken for at least two months. Study results have been mixed, and more extensive research needs to be done.

5-HTP

The amino acid tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, and then converted into serotonin. Serotonin affects mood and behavior, and it is thought that 5-HTP may improve sleep, mood, anxiety and pain sensation, states UMMC. Individuals with fibromyalgia are sometimes prescribed antidepressants because lower levels of serotonin have been associated with the condition. According to UMMC, while not all studies have found the same results, some studies showed that 5-HTP eased fatigue, morning stiffness, pain and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. Talk with your doctor before using this supplement, especially if you are already taking an antidepressant.

SAMe

The compound S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, is naturally found in nearly every tissue of the body. It helps break down neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and melatonin, among other things. When used as a supplement, SAMe may help relieve some symptoms of fibromyalgia, states Rxlist.com. It has been used to help treat depression and osteoarthritis and can help with similar symptoms in sufferers of fibromyalgia. UMMC states that injectable SAMe has been effective in helping reduce depressed mood, pain and fatigue, along with joint pain, in individuals with fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor before using SAMe to treat any medical condition.

Considerations

Along with these supplements, there are medications that may be helpful in easing symptoms of fibromyalgia. According to MayoClinic.com, other treatments include anti-seizure drugs to help reduce nerve pain, analgesics to loosen stiff joints and provide pain relief, and antidepressants to help with fatigue and depression. Talk therapy, getting enough sleep and regular exercise can also ease stress and provide fibromyalgia relief. What works for one patient may not be effective for another, so it is best to find what helps you the most.

Fibromyalgia: Preventing Flareups

Fibromyalgia: Preventing Flareups

by | Jan 13, 2015 | Uncategorized

If you’re living with fibromyalgia, simple steps you can do right now can help prevent a painful fibromyalgia flare.

For the 5 million Americans living with fibromyalgia, the discomfort that characterizes this condition never really goes away. But from time to time, sudden bouts of intense pain, fatigue, and other symptoms — known as fibromyalgia flares — will also occur. While there’s no definitive way to avoid occasional flares, you can be proactive and develop strategies to keep your symptoms in check, according to Sharon Ostalecki, PhD, a nationally recognized fibromyalgia patient advocate.

Preventing a Flare: Focusing on Self-Management

  • Journaling. “Take 10 minutes every day to jot down things like what activities you did, what medication you started, sleep, or if you ate something new,” Ostalecki suggests. “Journaling is the key to discovering your flare triggers, so you can try to avoid them.” She notes that it can take up to 48 hours for an event to trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up, and if it’s not noted somewhere, you might not remember or recognize the correlation.
  • Delegating and saying no. “Many people with fibromyalgia are perfectionists and like to do everything themselves, from all the cleaning to all the cooking,” says Ostalecki, who includes herself in this category. “But you have to learn to let others do things for you because even mild overexertion can lead to a severe flare-up.”
  • Stress management. “Stress tightens you up, and when you have fibromyalgia, the muscles don’t let go,” Ostalecki explains. “Find something that reduces stress for you before it gets to that painful point. I like listening to books on tape, for instance.”
  • Standing tall. Learning and maintaining proper posture is crucial to managing fibromyalgia, because posture errors that push the head too far forward or cause slouching can lead to muscle fatigue, followed by increased tension and pain.
  • Proper diet. Protein intake is vital to those with fibromyalgia “because it’s the only macronutrient that builds and maintains muscle,” says Ostalecki, who earned her doctorate in nutrition. “A diet low in protein results in more nodules, more pain, and consequently more exhaustion.”

Preventing a Flare: Finding What Works for You

You can best assess whether a particular therapy is working by following these steps:

  1. Start only one new treatment at a time.
  2. See if you feel better when you use the treatment.
  3. Stop the treatment, and see if you get worse.
  4. Restart the treatment, and see if you improve again. If you do, you can be fairly confident that this treatment has a positive effect on you.

Preventing a Flare: Staying Positive, Outwardly Focused, and Upbeat

Finally, as hard as it may be, trying not to let fibromyalgia become the focus of your life is an important step in staying well and avoiding flares, says Ostalecki, who’s also executive director of H.O.P.E., a non-profit organization that works to increase fibromyalgia awareness. “Find something that brings you joy, whether it’s your dogs, your garden, your painting, or whatever,” she advises. Without such an emotional outlet, “chronic pain will become all you talk about, and that will impact your relationships.” Strained relationships bring more stress and likely more symptoms — exactly the outcome you want to avoid.

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