Category: Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia presents a multitude of challenges affecting individuals physically, psychologically, and socially. Despite global recognition, its true cause remains unknown, and it can be difficult to manage. 

People with fibromyalgia face a plethora of impactful symptoms and rarely do any two cases present the same. This leads many to begin wondering: What does fibromyalgia pain really feel like? This is a common question, and you’re not alone in seeking answers.

This page aims to clearly define fibromyalgia, providing helpful information about its intricate characteristics. We’ll discuss the physical presentation of its various symptoms, clarifying why identifying and managing this condition can be particularly challenging. 

We’ll also share how new techniques, like Neurofunctional Pain Management, are offering hope for effective and long-term pain relief for people with fibromyalgia. 

Importantly, this fresh approach steers clear of harsh painkillers and invasive procedures, providing a more sustainable strategy for those grappling with this debilitating condition.

Our goal is to provide you with information that gives you the confidence to take the initial steps in understanding and managing the complex and painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. Let’s begin with an overview of fibromyalgia.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is considered a “disorder of pain regulation,” causing chronic pain and discomfort that significantly affect the musculoskeletal system and make daily life exceedingly challenging for individuals.

People diagnosed with fibromyalgia have an amplified perception of pain because the brain is processing pain signals incorrectly. This leads to widespread discomfort throughout the body or isolated pain in specific “pain points,” often triggered by certain factors.

In addition to persistent and fluctuating pain, individuals with fibromyalgia also face sleep disturbance, fatigue, and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and “fibro-fog,” which involves difficulty with attention and quick decision-making.

While research into the exact cause of fibromyalgia is ongoing, it’s currently believed that factors like genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma contribute to its onset. 

Severity Of Pain Caused By Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia symptoms vary from person to person, creating a unique experience for each individual. It’s considered a chronic disorder with long-lasting effects, and the best way to understand its symptoms is by picturing them on a spectrum.

People with fibromyalgia can experience significant variations in their symptoms. At times, there’s a steady, ongoing discomfort, and at other times, there are waves of more intense pain, described as acute flare-ups. This variation is what we mean by pain moving along a broad spectrum.

In the chronic phases of fibromyalgia, it is common to have persistent musculoskeletal aches, along with accompanying fatigue or psychological challenges. On the other hand, acute attacks, known as “fibro-flares,” are accompanied by more severe and debilitating pain. 

It’s important for those with fibromyalgia to understand its broad spectrum of pain variations. It can help people find effective treatments that address the condition as it fluctuates between acute and chronic episodes. Exploring the potential triggers of fibromyalgia flare-ups is also beneficial, and we’ll discuss this topic next.

What Triggers Fibromyalgia Flare-ups?

A fibromyalgia flare can be caused by various factors, and while it’s expected that individual experiences will vary, common triggers include:

• Stress or grief
• Weather changes
• Infections
• Physical exertion or injuries
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Changes in diet or sleeping patterns

A fibro-flare episode can bring sharp or stabbing pains to specific areas of the body. If it’s particularly severe or affects multiple areas, it can be completely debilitating, lasting for hours or even days. In some cases, individuals may need supplementary treatments alongside their regular management plan to address the worsening symptoms during fibro-flares. 

By being aware of your fibro-flare triggers, it’s possible to minimize their impact on your daily life and reduce the likelihood that they occur. However, given that fibromyalgia can result in both acute and chronic pain, where does it usually appear in the body? We’ll discuss this in the next section.

Areas Affected By Fibromyalgia Pain

Unlike most musculoskeletal conditions, fibromyalgia symptoms are not isolated to just one area of the body; rather, they affect different parts of the body. Let’s take a closer look at these areas below: 

Head

Fibromyalgia often causes head discomfort, resulting in tension headaches, jaw pain, or earaches. These head pains can also contribute to feelings of fatigue and fibro-fog, where people lose their sense of clear thinking. In another article, we’ve discussed the connection between migraines and fibromyalgia, where you can learn more.

Shoulders And Neck

Aches and pains throughout the neck and shoulders are normal for individuals with fibromyalgia. The complex network of muscles in these areas tends to hold significant tension, making them susceptible to discomfort. Repetitive movements in some daily activities may exacerbate these symptoms.

Hips

The hips, as large weight-bearing joints, are prone to chronic fibromyalgia pain. Individuals who experience discomfort in their hips may notice difficulties with regular mobility, adding to the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia.

Arms And Legs

Fibromyalgia-related pain commonly targets the arms and legs. Chronic aching and stiffness in these areas can limit a person’s ability to achieve simple tasks like taking long walks, shopping, or cleaning. The arms and legs are particularly vulnerable during an acute fibro-flare, with people experiencing intense, stabbing pains that can be debilitating.

Hands And Feet

Fibromyalgia pain can also affect the hands and feet, causing aches, tingling, or numbness. This can impact a person’s ability to wear certain shoes, stand or walk for long periods, and even maintain normal hand dexterity.

Chest

Chest pain is a less common but noteworthy symptom of fibromyalgia that individuals should be mindful of. It’s important to be able to identify the nature of chest pain, establish its true underlying cause, and address it appropriately. 

This is crucial for ensuring this symptom is well managed and avoiding it being mistaken for a more serious health concern such as heart or lung conditions.

Upper And Lower Back

Many individuals with various health conditions experience chronic pain in the upper and lower back. As a symptom of fibromyalgia, back pain usually causes widespread discomfort that can alter everyday movements and even disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and mental strain.

The potential diversity of fibromyalgia symptoms can significantly limit a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Beyond physical discomfort, symptoms can significantly affect a person’s work and career, potentially resulting in financial concerns. 

Moreover, certain symptoms may prevent participation in social activities, leading to social isolation and giving rise to psychological impacts.

When these far-reaching consequences are acknowledged, it’s easy to see why those dealing with fibromyalgia search for effective treatments to address pain as well as improve their overall quality of life. Let’s now discuss some practical home therapies for managing fibromyalgia discomfort.

Fibromyalgia Home Remedies

While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, many people find these practical home remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help manage its milder symptoms and reduce flare-ups. 

• A balanced diet: Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help to control certain symptoms. Other diets, such as vegetarian, Mediterranean, low FODMAP, or gluten-free, have also been seen to lessen symptom severity in some people. It’s about finding what works best for you and your health and working closely with a doctor or dietitian.
• Good sleeping habits: Sleep is so important for managing fatigue related to fibromyalgia and can be underestimated in its ability to provide the body with essential rest for healing and recovery. Good sleep hygiene means establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment. This can include maintaining a suitable temperature, managing light, and ensuring a quiet setting for the bedroom.
• Regular exercises: Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve muscle strength and flexibility, improve blood flow, and reduce stiffness, which may help ease painful symptoms. Regular aerobic exercise can also be beneficial for promoting good sleep cycles. 
• Massage: A gentle self-massage can bring temporary comfort for fibromyalgia aches and pains and is a simple way to manage fibromyalgia discomfort at home. Individuals can ease their muscle tension and improve blood flow by using a simple technique of light circular motions across tender points. Massages can also encourage relaxation for both the body and mind. 

• Heat and cold therapy: Heat and cold therapy is another simple yet effective way of promoting pain relief and a sense of comfort. Use a warm compress or heating pad on the sore areas to ease muscle stiffness. Cold packs can also reduce acute inflammation and numb painful areas, providing temporary relief.

For individuals dealing with more severe symptoms of fibromyalgia, a doctor may prescribe medications or suggest specific therapies. We’ll talk about these conventional treatments in the next section.

Conventional Treatment Options For Fibromyalgia

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to tame the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a collaborative approach involving specialists like rheumatologists, physiatrists, and psychiatrists becomes necessary to create a treatment plan. 

Treatments should focus on improving symptoms, minimizing side effects, and preventing the condition from getting worse. The final management strategy will vary for each person, depending on their specific symptoms. 

It’s important that individuals with the condition are involved in this decision-making process, ensuring they understand the potential risks and benefits.

Below are some of the conventional treatments currently used to address fibromyalgia symptoms:

Medications

The most researched medications for fibromyalgia include antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Common choices are tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are often used first. 

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and milnacipran are also options if SSRIs aren’t effective. 

Anticonvulsants like pregabalin and gabapentin can also be prescribed to manage fibromyalgia pain. They work by reducing the heightened perceptions of painful sensations caused by overstimulated or damaged nerves.

Doctors may prescribe dual therapy if one medication doesn’t provide sufficient relief. This means taking multiple pills to induce broader effects and better symptom management.

Therapies

People with fibromyalgia pains may find more targeted relief from certain allied health therapies. For example, physical therapy uses tailored exercises to improve overall body function and ease pain. Occupational therapy can similarly assist individuals in adapting their daily work and home activities for increased levels of comfort and independence.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another valuable tool for managing both the physical and emotional aspects of fibromyalgia. It’s often recommended for those who haven’t responded well to initial treatments or prefer avoiding harsh medications. 

In CBT, a therapist works collaboratively with the person suffering from fibromyalgia to develop unique coping strategies for the person’s specific symptoms and triggers. 

It’s important to understand that fibromyalgia is a complex condition that requires a thoughtful pain management plan to care for both physical symptoms and overall mental health and well-being.

If you’re searching for advanced solutions that go beyond these conventional treatments, you may want to consider Neurofunctional Pain Management. This breakthrough method is designed not just to alleviate fibromyalgia pain but also to elevate your overall well-being. Let’s move on to explore the details and understand how this innovative approach works.

The Neuragenex Protocol For Fibromyalgia Pain Management

At Neuragenex, we understand the challenges of fibromyalgia and prioritize providing effective strategies that reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Our cutting-edge protocols utilize Neurofunctional Pain Management (NFPM) techniques, aiming to ease symptoms, improve daily functioning, and boost overall well-being without resorting to harsh medications. 

One key technique is electroanalgesia, a non-invasive therapy designed to target pain signals right down to the nerve level. This therapy also stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving and feel-good compounds.

Specialized IV therapy is also an important part of our protocol, as it provides essential nutrients tailored to individual needs. By addressing individual deficiencies, IV therapy can address symptoms such as muscle aches, poor sleep, fatigue, and fibro-fog.

Furthermore, we acknowledge the intricate relationship between fibromyalgia and mental well-being, which is why our program includes lifestyle counseling. This essential aspect offers customized education and support in areas such as diet, exercise, and wellness strategies.

Our experienced team strives to boost confidence and provide tools that promote lasting improvements in symptoms, empowering individuals to better cope with this chronic condition. 

Our goal is to magnify your quality of life by offering the chance of lasting relief from painful and debilitating symptoms. Learn more about the Neuragenex treatment for fibromyalgia on our dedicated page.

You Can Magnify Your Quality Of Life Without Drugs Or Surgery

Understanding what fibromyalgia pain feels like is the first step towards finding effective management. Remember, if you or someone you care about is dealing with the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia, it’s important to speak to a medical professional about appropriate strategies for relief.

While medications and conventional therapies can be valuable options, it’s equally important for individuals to explore alternative methods that can positively impact their quality of life. 

Neuragenex offers a sustainable, whole-person approach to fibromyalgia pain that manages both chronic symptoms and acute fibro-flares. Our goal is to reduce dependence on drugs and empower individuals to take control of their overall health and well-being. 

Remember, you can lead a more fulfilling life despite the challenges of fibromyalgia with Neuragenex and the innovative tools of Neurofunctional Pain Management.

Affecting 20 million and 4 million Americans respectively, neuropathy and fibromyalgia are among the most common pain conditions affecting adults of all ages. These disorders can lead to chronic widespread pain and cause severe limitations to your everyday personal and professional life. 

But despite how common fibromyalgia and nerve pain are, a lot is yet to be understood about these conditions, including their causes and nature. Nonetheless, thanks to recent research, a connection between nerve dysfunction and fibromyalgia pain has started to emerge. In turn, these findings may open up the path to new, innovative treatment options for patients battling chronic pain. 

In this guide, we’ll look at how the whole-person program developed by Neuragenex – Neurofunctional Pain Management – targets the underlying causes of chronic pain and offers patients a non-invasive and non-drug therapeutic approach. Let’s get started.  

Is Fibromyalgia Neuropathic In Nature?

To understand the connection between fibromyalgia and nerve pain, it is first important to clarify how these conditions are defined:

• Neuropathy: Neuropathy – or simply nerve pain – is a term used to describe the symptoms deriving from damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which are the nerves located outside the brain and the spinal cord.
  
  In turn, damage to nerve fibers interferes with the natural transmission of signals to and from the brain. Depending on whether sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves are affected, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• • Pain, numbness, tingling or burning sensations, and extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature
  • Involuntary muscle movements, like cramps, spasms, and fasciculations
  • Problems with bodily functions you don’t have direct control over, such as sweating, heartbeat, and digestion 

• Fibromyalgia: Initially categorized as “arthritis-like” pain, fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in mood and memory. 

Given the “invisible” nature of fibromyalgia, this disorder remains difficult to diagnose and manage. What’s more, research is still ongoing to determine the nature and causes of this condition. 

According to studies, fibromyalgia is linked to disturbances in the normal processing of pain signals deriving from dysfunction of the central nervous system, i.e. the brain or spinal cord. In turn, patients with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain or experience excessive pain in response to stimuli that should normally be painless or mildly uncomfortable. 

People with fibromyalgia also tend to suffer from hypersensitivity to light, temperature, sounds, and smells, as well as difficulties with autonomic functions like increased sweating and irregular heartbeat. All of these are symptoms that can be traced back to altered neurological function. 

It has also been seen that fibromyalgia is more likely to occur in people who suffer from nerve damage and pain. According to a 2019 study, nearly 50% of people with fibromyalgia also had small fiber pathology, which is a form of neuropathy that causes burning pain and prickling sensations. 

Research conducted in 2014 on skin samples of people with and without fibromyalgia showed that those diagnosed with this condition have a much lower density of nerve fibers on the outer layer of the skin. 

Other aspects that indicate that fibromyalgia may be neuropathic in nature include:

• Fibromyalgia causes symptoms that are similar to the ones caused by nerve damage (i.e. tactile allodynia and hyperalgesia).
• Common symptoms of fibromyalgia such as involuntary muscle movements and contractions that occur without visible cause are often due to damaged nerve fibers that fire spontaneously and become excessively excitable. 
• Both neuropathy and fibromyalgia have a genetic component and are more likely in people with a family history of these conditions. 

Although ongoing research shows even more similarities between the two conditions, the physiological changes that cause fibromyalgia (pathophysiology) are unclear. Because of this, according to a 2018 review, fibromyalgia does not meet the “current criteria for the definition of neuropathic pain.”

Below, we’ll look at the aspects that set fibromyalgia and neuropathy apart. 

Fibromyalgia Vs. Neuropathy: How These Conditions Differ

Although fibromyalgia and nerve pain may be interconnected and have overlapping symptoms, there are critical differences between these two conditions that are worth noting. 

This knowledge can help you identify your symptoms correctly, facilitate an accurate diagnosis, and find an adequate management strategy as swiftly as possible.  

Tender Points

One of the main similarities between fibromyalgia and nerve pain is that these two conditions cause pain throughout the body, often described as burning or prickling. Both disorders are also associated with numbness, tingling sensations, and excessive sensitivity to external stimuli. 

However, a closer examination shows some differences. 

Historically, according to the official guidelines published in 1990 by the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia was diagnosed by examining 18 sites in the body. These sites included regions in the upper arm, the back of the shoulders, the upper edge of the breast, the knee, the leg, the hip bone, and the base of the skull. 

If, at the time of examination, patients experienced pain in at least 11 of these 18 “tender spots”, they were diagnosed with fibromyalgia. These diagnostic criteria were updated in 2010 following findings that show how the pain caused by fibromyalgia tends to move across the body and change in location and intensity over time. 

On the other hand, nerve pain caused by neuropathy follows what’s known as the “dying-back phenomenon” or axonal degeneration. This process dictates that the longer nerves, which are also those located the furthest from the brain and the spinal cord, are the first ones to be affected by degenerative damage. Thanks to this process, the more important nerves in the peripheral nervous system that connect to vital organs are protected for longer. 

Because of the “dying-back phenomenon”, you’ll begin to experience pain, numbness, and extreme sensitivity to touch in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes. Over time, the pain can progress and start affecting your arms and legs before spreading across the body.

Underlying Causes

As we have seen above, the causes of fibromyalgia are unclear. Current hypotheses show that dysfunction of the nervous system may be involved. However, other studies present different theories. 

For example, a 2020 study explored the connection between fibromyalgia and gut microbiome composition, while 2021 research links this pain condition to dysfunction of the immune system. What’s more, in most cases, the onset of fibromyalgia is associated with another major health event, such as a traumatic injury or mental health illness. 

When looking at the causes of neuropathy, different patterns emerge. Nerve damage can be caused by several conditions, including:

• Diabetes and unmanaged blood sugar levels 
• Tumors that press on the nerves
• Some medications, such as those used in chemotherapy
• Infections like HIV/AIDS, shingles, and hepatitis B and C
• Alcohol use disorder
• Exposure to toxins
• Vitamin imbalances (i.e. vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Traumatic injury 
• Kidney disease

It is important to note that up to 30% of cases of neuropathy are idiopathic, meaning that they have no known cause. 

Diagnostic Criteria

Until 2010, fibromyalgia used to be diagnosed through a physical examination, during which a doctor would gently press on the 18 tender spots of the body. However, following the updated diagnostic criteria published by the American College of Rheumatology in 2010, doctors now use a wide range of tools to diagnose this condition, including

• A review of a patient’s family and medical history
• An examination of the symptoms experienced
• A complete blood count
• Tests for vitamin deficiencies
• Thyroid function assessments
• Tests to check for celiac disease
• Rheumatoid factor (the presence of autoantibodies that determine the development of rheumatoid arthritis)

When it comes down to diagnosing neuropathy, doctors will use similar tools to the ones seen above. However, they may also use electrodiagnostic tests, biopsies, and neurological examinations to determine the location, cause, and extent of nerve damage. 

Imaging tests like CT and MRI scans may be recommended to ascertain the presence of anomalies (i.e. tumors) pressing on and damaging a certain nerve. 

Similarities In Their Symptoms

One of the aspects that makes fibromyalgia and neuropathy so difficult to diagnose and manage is that their symptoms are often similar or overlapping. Next, we’ll look at the most common telltale signs of these conditions. 

Tingling Sensation

Damage to nerve fibers or their protective sheath (myelin) interferes with the normal transmission of signals relating to pain, touch, temperature, and vibration. When your nerves are damaged or are unable to send these signals as they should, you may experience what’s known as paresthesia, or tingling and prickling sensations. 

Paresthesia is also associated with other symptoms, including:

• Numbness 
• Excessive sensitivity to touch (allodynia) 
• Experiencing pain in response to stimuli that should be painless (hyperalgesia)
• Heat intolerance

The inability to properly experience sensation can lead to severe complications. For example, if your toes are numb, you may inadvertently expose your feet to extreme heat or cold, or let an infected wound go untreated. When this happens, you may suffer tissue degeneration and ulcers which, in diabetic patients, account for up to 75% of nontraumatic limb amputations. 

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain arises as a complication of nerve damage. When the nerves responsible for carrying motor signals to the brain are damaged, you may begin to experience involuntary muscle movements, painful cramps, and spasms. 

As your disorder progresses, you may lose your ability to voluntarily move your muscles, which translates into balance and coordination problems, as well as the shrinking of the muscle mass. 

What’s more, both fibromyalgia and neuropathy interfere with how your brain processes painful and non-painful signals, causing physical sensations to appear more intense. 

Fatigue 

Alongside widespread pain, chronic fatigue is one of the most debilitating aspects of both fibromyalgia and neuropathy. This symptom occurs due to the fact that damaged nerves are unable to support the contraction and relaxation of the blood vessels that supply muscles around the body. The difficulty of supplying muscles with enough oxygen and blood translates into an excessive drain of energy, which results in constant fatigue. 

This symptom is also aggravated by chronic pain and the impact on mental health it can have. A 2020 study shows that, among those with neuropathy, 65.6% also suffered from depression, and 73.7% from anxiety disorders. In turn, these mental health disorders are known to cause persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of energy, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. 

Sleep Disturbances

As we have seen above, both neuropathy and fibromyalgia cause increased sensitivity to touch. These painful sensations tend to become more noticeable at night when there are fewer distractions and external stimuli. In turn, for people with nerve pain, even the light brushing of the bed sheets on the skin can become excruciatingly painful. 

The pain and discomfort you experience at nighttime can prevent you from falling asleep and staying asleep, which can impact your daytime productivity and increase your levels of fatigue and stress. 

According to estimations, 70% of people with nerve damage experience sleep disturbances, and 96% of people with fibromyalgia are problem sleepers. Some of the most common sleep disorders affecting those diagnosed with neuropathy or chronic pain include insomnia, trouble falling asleep, and non-restorative sleep. 

Examining Shared Treatment Approaches For Symptom Management

If neuropathy is often challenging to diagnose, fibromyalgia is even more so. According to 2018 estimations, patients tend to wait over six years to obtain an accurate diagnosis and, in most cases, the root cause of their chronic pain remains unknown.

Because of this, most treatment programs for fibromyalgia and nerve pain aim to help patients manage their symptoms, rather than target the underlying condition that is causing chronic pain. 

Here are the shared treatment approaches for these two conditions, their benefits, and their limitations.  

Medication

Medications are considered the go-to solution for patients struggling with widespread chronic pain. The most commonly used classes of drugs for chronic pain include:

• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain relievers, often available as an over-the-counter solution. 
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants can increase the activity of the neurotransmitters in the spinal cord responsible for reducing pain signals. These drugs can also induce sleep, helping patients with chronic pain feel more restful and less fatigued during the daytime. 
• Anti-seizure medications: Antiepileptic drugs disrupt pain signals traveling to the brain, thus reducing the intensity of painful sensations in people with nerve pain. 
• Narcotics and opioids: Drugs like oxycodone temporarily block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Nearly half of patients with neuropathy between 2014 and 2018 were prescribed opioids to manage their pain. 

It is important to note that both neuropathy and fibromyalgia are chronic conditions, which means that you’d need to take medications regularly to manage ongoing pain and distress.

But the side effects of this decision cannot be overlooked. The regular consumption of painkillers, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and opioids can lead to a cascade of side effects, including the increased risk of stroke and heart attack, ulcers, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and addiction. 

Physical Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy play an important role in helping patients manage their chronic pain and adapt their lifestyle to prevent severe complications. 

In particular, a review published in 2000 shows that physical therapy and regular cardiovascular fitness exercises can reduce pain, boost energy levels, and promote overall musculoskeletal health. It is also important to note that regular physical activity can improve muscle strength and flexibility, and help people fight the risk factors for both neuropathy and fibromyalgia, such as diabetes, obesity, and poor cardiovascular health. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, as well as other natural remedies like massages, meditation, and mind-body exercises (e.g. yoga), can have multiple beneficial effects. Firstly, acupuncture has been seen to induce an overall sense of well-being and trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkilling hormones. 

Additionally, these therapies can help relax tense muscles, which prevents painful spasms and cramps. Lastly, massages can support the circulation of blood and oxygen around the damaged nerve endings, thus preventing further damage. 

While these therapies may help people with chronic pain, they don’t work equally well for all patients, and results may only be temporary. 

TENS Unit

Possible internal link to “TENS Unit For Neuropathy – Is It Your Best Treatment Option?”

TENS – or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – refers to a therapy that involves targeting a painful area with low-frequency electrical pulses. The electrical current has a similar effect to the one of acupuncture: it may help relax tense muscles, alleviate pain, and support blood and oxygen circulation around the areas affected by pain. 

TENS units are available as an over-the-counter solution and, given that they are only able to deliver low-frequency pulses, they are considered generally safe. However, the relief this therapy provides is only limited to the duration of the treatment and cannot be considered a long-term solution. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management For Fibromyalgia And Neuropathy Pain

Although a lot is yet to be understood about the connection between fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, one aspect is certain: most treatments prescribed for these conditions are inefficient at best and harmful at worst. 

Fortunately, taking medications daily to ease your pain or facing the prospect of living with your condition for years to come are no longer the only options. Thanks to the innovative treatment program pioneered by Neuragenex, you can target the underlying cause of your chronic pain, prevent complications, ease discomfort, and, ultimately, magnify your quality of life. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management is a whole-person approach that aims to target all of those lifestyle and health factors that contribute to or aggravate your chronic pain. Thanks to non-invasive, non-drug, and non-chiropractic therapies, this customized treatment program can help you make positive changes, understand the nature of your conditions, and build the foundations of long-term health. 

Some of the key pillars of Neurofunctional Pain Management are:

• Electroanalgesia: Electroanalgesia is a pain management method that leverages high-frequency electrical pulses. Professionally administered, this therapy supports the body’s regenerative power by stimulating the blood flow around the painful area. It also interferes with the signaling of pain signals and triggers the release of painkilling hormones such as endorphins. The combination of these actions provides long-lasting relief from pain. 
• IV therapy: Ad hoc IV mixes are designed based on the imbalances that emerge from complete blood counts. Delivered intravenously, minerals, vitamins, and nutrients can correct deficiencies that may be aggravating your nerve pain. In the case of fibromyalgia and neuropathy, these include vitamin D, vitamin B12, and copper, among others. IV therapies also provide long-lasting hydration, which supports the function of essential bodily processes. 
• Lifestyle counseling: Through patient education and lifestyle counseling, you’ll be able to identify and change risk factors for pain conditions. An expert lifestyle counselor will guide you in the process of designing an exercise, nutrition, and stress management program that supports your overall health. 

Obtain Appropriate Treatment To Find Effective Relief

Obtaining a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or neuropathy can be a life-changing moment, especially when facing the prospect of not being able to access an efficient treatment program for your condition. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. 

With Neurofunctional Pain Management, you can start working towards a pain-free, healthy life – without medications or surgery.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a treatment that uses electrical signals to relieve pain. It works by sending low-pulse electrical currents to the area of pain, which stimulates the nerve endings. 

This can help reduce pain by blocking the feeling of pain and stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. In addition, because the currents are sent through the body via electrodes that are placed on the skin, it also creates a massaging effect that can reduce tension and inflammation.

However, even though TENS therapy can help provide short-term pain relief, it may not be effective enough to relieve pain from more chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder that affects an estimated four million adults in the United States. It causes pain throughout the body, particularly in the muscles and joints. In addition, patients with fibromyalgia may also experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. As such, the condition can be incredibly debilitating.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, many believe that it may be related to genetics as well as hormonal imbalances. Other factors contributing to the condition include stress, physical trauma, infections, and certain medications. Unfortunately, due to the lack of understanding surrounding fibromyalgia, it is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

Does TENS Work For Fibromyalgia?

Because fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain disorder, inhibiting the transmission of pain signals should be an effective way to treat the symptoms. That said, the relief offered by TENS therapy may be limited and short-term. Although many patients have reported that TENS treatment has provided some relief, it doesn’t work for everyone. 

Not to mention, when it comes to using at-home TENS units, there’s a lot of potential for user error, which can significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, placing the electrodes in the wrong area or using the wrong frequency can result in ineffective treatments.

The Research Between Fibromyalgia And TENS Unit

The fibromyalgia activity study with TENS (FAST) is a study that was conducted to determine if TENS treatment had a positive effect on patients suffering from fibromyalgia-related pain and fatigue. 

Research collected during the trial indicated that there is evidence that if TENS is used during physical activity, it can help to decrease activity-induced pain, resting pain, and fatigue. However, it’s also been found that at-home TENS units are nowhere near as effective and take longer to administer relief.

Is The Intensity Of TENS Enough? 

TENS units have three primary settings: amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate. The correct settings depend on the condition of the patient and their specific needs. As such, using the wrong settings will limit the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Additionally, lower-intensity home TENS units may not be powerful enough to provide adequate relief for people with chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia. This is because TENS units can only deliver low-pulse currents, which don’t penetrate deep enough to provide significant long-term relief.

For instance, at-home units only deliver up to 250 pulses per second. There are a few reasons for this. First, a higher pulse rate requires more power, meaning more wattage — this isn’t usually available in residential settings. Secondly, a high-wattage electrical stimulation unit may be unsafe for home use.

At Neuragenex, we use electroanalgesia therapy, which is a high-pulse electrical stimulation treatment with a standard pulse rate of 8,300 pulses per second. By administering a higher pulse rate, the electrical current will reach deeper into the muscle tissue, providing faster and longer-lasting relief. This is especially beneficial for those with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

Are TENS Units Safe?

If correctly used, TENS units are safe. Despite electricity being involved, TENS units don’t use a lot of voltage, which is why at-home units can only deliver up to 250 pulses per second. However, if used improperly, TENS units can still pose a risk. 

For example, you’ll want to ensure the electrodes aren’t placed too close together. Additionally, the electrodes shouldn’t be placed near the eyes, mouth, head, genitals, or reproductive organs, as this could cause potential harm.

It’s also important to mention that people with certain conditions shouldn’t use any kind of electrical stimulation at all, such as if they have a pacemaker. It is recommended that people speak to their doctor before using a TENS unit, as they can advise on the best settings and placement of electrodes.

The Neuragenex Protocol For Fibromyalgia

At Neuragenex, we focus on providing long-term pain relief by employing a Neurofunctional Pain Management approach to treating chronic conditions. This means that we take a whole-person approach to pain management with a drug-free, non-chiropractic, non-invasive treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the symptoms.

Because TENS treatment isn’t effective enough for long-term pain relief and may not always provide effective short-term relief for some patients, we use electroanalgesia. Electroanalgesia is an FDA-cleared electrical stimulation therapy that more effectively targets and stimulates the sensory nerves, which means you may have a much better chance of experiencing long-term pain relief.

Additionally, we supplement our electroanalgesia therapy with IV therapy, which helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers by delivering essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatories directly into the bloodstream. 

This is particularly important for people with fibromyalgia, as certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium, are essential for the functioning of nerve cells and muscles.

Finally, as a part of our whole-person Neurogenex protocol, we also provide lifestyle counseling tailored to the individual. This includes advice on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, which may all help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Take A Comprehensive Approach To Treating Fibromyalgia 

Instead of temporarily masking the symptoms of fibromyalgia using TENS therapy or risking potential side effects from invasive treatments or pain medications, we offer a safe and effective non-invasive approach to pain management. 

Our Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol is designed to address the underlying causes of pain and provide long-term relief from your fibromyalgia pain.

Over four-million people in the United States suffer from the condition of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain and irritation in targeted points of the body– usually in the back and arms. These pains, when left untreated, can often cause patients to have nightly insomnia and general frustration in daily activity. However, while these conditions affect roughly 2% of the United States adult population, diagnosis of the condition of fibromyalgia remains an elusive prospect for physicians who desire to find an effective treatment for their patients. 

The mysterious nature of this disabling condition continues to frustrate physicians and patients across the United States. As a matter of clarification, the condition of fibromyalgia is real and is recognized and has an entry in the 10th edition of The International Classification of Diseases which is seen as one of the most reputable sources for diagnosis of disability. For all intents and purposes, fibromyalgia is a legitimate condition and often results in chronic debilitating pain for the affected patient. Those who claim they’ve experienced the pain of fibromyalgia and seek medical attention or treatment are often met with skepticism from their physicians or treatment centers who have no clinical method of diagnosing the condition or finding the cause other than subjective information from the patient.

As Joseph Bernstein MD said about patients of fibromyalgia: “They leave us feeling ignorant because we do not understand them and feeling impotent because we cannot cure them. They hector us for notes certifying their disability without providing the usual signifiers of legitimacy” (2016). Although an understandable frustration mounts between doctor and patient, it is the physician’s responsibility to  find an effective treatment that will alleviate the alleged pain their patients are experiencing. And although diagnosis of the cause is frustrating for physicians, Bernstein also concedes that, “we have to be open to the possibility physicians can be part of the problem . . . Perhaps we find ourselves on a pedestal of wisdom we do not deserve”. Although there is not enough known about the condition, it is important that doctors maintain a healthy level of patience and tolerance for the claims of their patients. 

Meanwhile, patients need to understand that little is known about what causes fibromyalgia. Most of the time, doctors who specialize in treatment of pain conditions will examine the body for signs of a cause. If a physician can locate and diagnose a condition’s cause, they will better know how to treat it. The issue with fibromyalgia is that there are no apparent physical signs for the cause of fibromyalgia. While there is no clinical method of diagnosing the physical cause of fibromyalgia, many have turned to finding a psychiatric cause for fibromyalgia. 

Speculation for a psychiatric origin of the disability is not new and mental illness has been determined by some physicians to be the primary cause of this debilitating pain.  Because the condition cannot be diagnosed by conventional pain management clinical diagnostics, Dr. Bernstein concedes that, “ . . . it is possible that fibromyalgia is more psychiatric than musculoskeletal”, and that perhaps “ . . . patients have been encouraged to anchor their lives around their misery. Yet none of these factors make fibromyalgia any less real”. Dr. Bernstein’s claim that perhaps patients are “encouraged” to center their lives around the pain suggests that he may believe that the conditions of fibromyalgia are driven by psychosomatic means– psychosomatic meaning a physical manifestation of symptoms from mental distress. 

Perhaps it is the mental distress– the depression, anxiety, or stress– that is causing a manifestation of widespread pain. Physicians Fatmanur Kocak and Emine Eda Kurt have determined in a 2018 study that “[i]ndividuals with fibromyalgia often have comorbid anxiety, depression, and/or other pain syndromes”. These determinations suggest that some who suffer from fibromyalgia may wish to seek psychiatric attention; however, this does not detract from the physical pain that patients experience. 

While the search for the causes of fibromyalgia continues, doctors and patients look for effective treatment, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical. In the end, patients and doctors want a treatment that works to treat the pain and a solution may be found with the unique and proprietary Neurofunctional Pain Management protocols offered by Neuragenex. 

Because all pain experienced in the body is related to the central nervous system, treatment must also target the pain signaled throughout the central nervous system. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are a result of its association with the central nervous system. We now know that fibromyalgia routinely manifests in patients who may have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression. However, these conditions affect the body in different places and different ways, even different for individual patients, and result in unmitigated pain. 

Along with solutions to several conditions of pain, Neuragenex offers a solution to the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Because pain conditions are a result of the firing of nerves in the central nervous system, the method of relieving pain is the is largely similar to other chronic pain conditions, which makes Neuragenex one of the best options for patients seeking non-medication based treatment. Neuragenex uses a proprietary treatment protocol called Neuralgesia, which is combination of high pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration to create an effective and enduring pain relief. Neuragenex is the industry pioneer of Neurofunctional Medicine, and Neurofunctional Pain Management and these concepts are the basis of the Neuralgesia treatment protocol. 

Patients often report relief of pain and improvement in just one visit. Patients that complete a full course of therapy may be able to find pain relief for several months without the need for medications, surgeries, or invasive procedures. The mission of Neuragenex is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify quality of life without medications, surgery, or invasive procedures. Let Neuragenex help you on your journey of pain relief.

Four-million adults in the United States suffer from the effects of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain and irritation in targeted points of the body. These pains can often cause patients to have nightly insomnia overall sleep deprivation over time. However, while these conditions affect roughly 2% of the United States adult population, diagnosis of this chronic pain condition remains an elusive prospect for physicians who desire to find an effective treatment for their patients.

The mysterious nature of this disabling chronic pain condition frustrates physicians across the United States. However, fibromyalgia is recognized and has an entry in the 10th edition of The International Classification of Diseases which is seen as one of the most reputable sources for diagnosis of disability. For all intents and purposes, fibromyalgia is a legitimate condition and can result in debilitating ongoing chronic pain that can impact quality of life and cascade into a wide range of other health problems. Those who claim they’ve experienced the pain of fibromyalgia and seek medical attention or treatment are often met with skepticism from their physicians, but there is real pain and there are real negative health effects caused fibromyalgia.

So what are the causes of Fibromyalgia?

Genetics or Family History

Many patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia will recognize their symptoms of chronic pain to be akin to the symptoms of other family members, especially their progenitors. If a patient suffers from the effects of fibromyalgia, it is possible that their condition will present itself in their family members as well.

Gender

Fibromyalgia is more commonly diagnosed in women rather than men. The direct reason for this is unknown, however patients should be made aware that they are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia and experience its effects if they are female.

Emotional/Physical Trauma

Patients who are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia will often report having suffered traumatic emotional or physical experiences. Triggering events can present a range of health problems throughout life, chronic pain from persistent fibromyalgia is just one of the many possible downstream effects of physical or emotional trauma.

Regardless of the causes of your fibromyalgia condition, Neuragenex offers a solution to this condition and wide range of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. Many patients have experienced relief from the pains and irritations of fibromyalgia through our patented and the FDA approved devices and treatments, such as TENS devices Patients who may have been wary of taking medication or undergoing expensive surgery and invasive procedures to alleviate their symptoms, can instead resolve their chronic pain and restore overall health using our innovative therapy combination of electroanalgesia technology and IV nutritional and hydration therapies. These two therapy models combined along with our extensive diagnostic process, is a powerful combination of therapy for fibromyalgia. Many patients experience immediate relief and experience significant pain reduction after just one session. Neuragenex uses patented and FDA approved electroanalgesia medical devices to deliver high pulse high frequency electrical stimulation to produce a deep and long lasting pain relief effect. Our technology is not what you may see in other offices offering some lesser version of an electrical stimulation device. Most other devices are low power and low pulse per second wave devices that offer very limited relief. Our device sends waves of energy that produce an effect called sustained depolarization of pain neurons. This effect created a pain relief that can become enduring over time with multiple treatments in succession. Our technology is not only used to treat the effects of fibromyalgia but a wide range of other chronic pain conditions stemming from age related degeneration, health related conditions, and accidents both physical and mental.

A study done by Clarence Cone, MD, PhD at the University of Virginia found that Electroanalgesia technology used by Neuragenex has been proven to reduce pain reporting through pain neurons. This will result in our patients experiencing less and less pain over the course of multiple treatment session from fibromyalgia and many other painful conditions. Sessions with Neuragenex often result in immediate and long-lasting pain relief. Patients express relief from the pain but also the peace of mind that they do not need to rely on potentially addictive medications that have undesirable side-effects.

Introduction to Fibromyalgia and its Prevalence

Four-million adults in the United States suffer from the effects of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain and irritation in targeted points of the body. These pains can often cause patients to have nightly insomnia overall sleep deprivation over time. However, while these conditions affect roughly 2% of the United States adult population, diagnosis of this chronic pain condition remains an elusive prospect for physicians who desire to find an effective treatment for their patients.

Fibromyalgia: A Recognized Chronic Pain Condition

The mysterious nature of this disabling chronic pain condition frustrates physicians across the United States. However, fibromyalgia is recognized and has an entry in the 10th edition of The International Classification of Diseases which is seen as one of the most reputable sources for diagnosis of disability. For all intents and purposes, fibromyalgia is a legitimate condition and can result in debilitating ongoing chronic pain that can impact quality of life and cascade into a wide range of other health problems. Those who claim they’ve experienced the pain of fibromyalgia and seek medical attention or treatment are often met with skepticism from their physicians, but there is real pain and there are real negative health effects caused fibromyalgia.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Genetics or Family History

Many patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia will recognize their symptoms of chronic pain to be akin to the symptoms of other family members, especially their progenitors. If a patient suffers from the effects of fibromyalgia, it is possible that their condition will present itself in their family members as well.

Gender

Fibromyalgia is more commonly diagnosed in women rather than men. The direct reason for this is unknown, however patients should be made aware that they are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia and experience its effects if they are female.

Emotional/Physical Trauma

Patients who are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia will often report having suffered traumatic emotional or physical experiences. Triggering events can present a range of health problems throughout life, chronic pain from persistent fibromyalgia is just one of the many possible downstream effects of physical or emotional trauma.

Neuragenex: Innovative Solutions for Fibromyalgia Relief

Regardless of the causes of your fibromyalgia condition, Neuragenex offers a solution to this condition and wide range of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. Many patients have experienced relief from the pains and irritations of fibromyalgia through our patented and the FDA approved devices and treatments, such as TENS devices Patients who may have been wary of taking medication or undergoing expensive surgery and invasive procedures to alleviate their symptoms, can instead resolve their chronic pain and restore overall health using our innovative therapy combination of electroanalgesia technology and IV nutritional and hydration therapies. These two therapy models combined along with our extensive diagnostic process, is a powerful combination of therapy for fibromyalgia. Many patients experience immediate relief and experience significant pain reduction after just one session.

Advanced Electroanalgesia Technology for Pain Management

Neuragenex uses patented and FDA approved electroanalgesia medical devices to deliver high pulse high frequency electrical stimulation to produce a deep and long lasting pain relief effect. Our technology is not what you may see in other offices offering some lesser version of an electrical stimulation device. Most other devices are low power and low pulse per second wave devices that offer very limited relief. Our device sends waves of energy that produce an effect called sustained depolarization of pain neurons. This effect created a pain relief that can become enduring over time with multiple treatments in succession. Our technology is not only used to treat the effects of fibromyalgia but a wide range of other chronic pain conditions stemming from age related degeneration, health related conditions, and accidents both physical and mental.

A study done by Clarence Cone, MD, PhD at the University of Virginia found that Electroanalgesia technology used by Neuragenex has been proven to reduce pain reporting through pain neurons. This will result in our patients experiencing less and less pain over the course of multiple treatment session from fibromyalgia and many other painful conditions. Sessions with Neuragenex often result in immediate and long-lasting pain relief. Patients express relief from the pain but also the peace of mind that they do not need to rely on potentially addictive medications that have undesirable side-effects.