New updates in research include neuroinflammation and looking at connections with autoimmune conditions. We still need public health and hospital institutions to get on the same page so we can accurately update all medical providers. Information is inconsistent on the internet. This page was organized from updated research and information presented by the American College of Rheumatology.
Fibromyalgia is defined slightly different depending on which website you pull up on the internet. The American College of Rheumatology defines Fibromyalgia as a common neurologic health problem. It’s a chronic (long-term) illness characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, memory problems (brain fog), and tenderness (sensitivity to touch). Many Fibromyalgia patients are also diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and patients are at higher risk of having Fibromyalgia if you have a rheumatic disease like osteoarthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Other commonly found comorbid conditions include depression, anxiety, Migraines, overactive bladder, pelvic pain and Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ).
The cause of Fibromyalgia is still unclear. It can affect women and men of all ages.
Fibromyalgia has been described as Central Pain Amplification disorder, meaning the volume of pain sensation in the brain is turned up too high. Central sensitization clearly occurs in Fibromyalgia, but it doesn’t fully explain it. Recent research show neuroinflammation by the means of brain glial activation taking place in Fibromyalgia.
Events & Tools
Resources, webinar and workshop events
Meet us at Miles for Migraine – Phoenix and Houston
Support Fibro is headed out on the road and we're supporting friends Miles for Migraine…
Giving Tuesday 2022 | Fund Fibromyalgia
It's that time of year where we amplify the giving for nonprofit organizations like ours!…
Brandi Clevinger
Brandi is a Navy veteran living in South Carolina with her four sweet children. She is a fibromyalgia thriver, Certified Health Coach, creator of Being Fibro Mom, and contributor to the Fibromyalgia Magazine. Brandi enjoys reading, writing, and creating smoothie recipes.
Suzanne Kopecki
Suzanne is a Certified Health Coach in the bay area, wife, mother of three beautiful children, a psychology student working towards her BA, and creator of FibroMomBlog.
Melissa Swanson
Melissa is a Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor, award winning author of Ravyn’s Doll: How to Explain Fibromyalgia to Your Child, creator of Fibro Warriors Living Life, wife and mother.
Bridging Communication
The Family & Fibromyalgia program will foster connections between Fibromyalgia families, local communities, schools, and medical experts.
Fill out the form to get involved with this program.
- Patient Advisors
- Group Coaching
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- Webinars/Workshops
- Content Creator
- School Advocates
- Fundraising
If you are interested in being involved with the Family Program. Please send us a message here.
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