Latest News
The latest news on fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome is posted below in support of Fibromyalgia Network's mission to educate patients and the media with ad-free reporting.
Phone:
(800) 853-2929 • E-mail: editor@fmnetnews.com
Website: www.fmnetnews.com • Facebook: www.facebook.com/FibroNetwork
Editor: Kristin Thorson • Assistant Editor: Janis Leibold
Writing/Copy Editing Staff: Kelsey Thorson, Mayra Moreno, Joshua Craig
A New Step in Water Aerobics Therapy - September 30, 2011
Adding water aerobics can make a difference in an overall treatment plan, and fibromyalgia patients seem to like it. Read the complete article.
Keeping Your Body Aches Under Control - August 23, 2011
Contracting a muscle in one area can increase pain in another for people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Disease Severity Markers? - July 28, 2011
Researchers are looking to develop objective disease severity markers for fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Nurse Practitioners Offer Better Care - June 30, 2011
Nurse Practitioners may offer fibromyalgia patients a better option when it comes to primary care. Read the complete article.
Sun Therapy for Fibro - May 26, 2011
A new study shows UV rays may also reduce fibromyalgia pain. Read the complete article. Read the complete article.
Repetitive Activity & Fibro - April 29, 2011
New study shows that repetitive tasks quickly escalate fibro pain. Read the complete article.
A Simple Insomnia Treatment? - March 31, 2011
An inexpensive supplement combo showed promising results for people with insomnia and this same approach may also be helpful for fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Taking Care of Others Benefits Fibro Patients - February 28, 2011
New study looks at the overall health of fibro patients who are employed or are involved in caregiving. Read the complete article.
Simple Therapy Relieves Shortness of Breath - January 31, 2011
Feeling short-winded and hungry for air? This symptom may frequently occur in people with fibromyalgia, and a study shows that two different water therapies can reduce the strain in your chest in just three weeks. Read the complete article.
Physician Attitudes about Fibromyalgia - December 30, 2010
In general, physician attitudes toward fibromyalgia and perceptions of patients are horrible. But a new book can help you fight back against these unfounded critiques. Read the complete article.
Can Estrogen Help Fibromyalgia Pain? - November 29, 2010
Estrogen supplementation during peri- and post-menopause in women with fibromyalgia is thought be beneficial, but does it really reduce pain? Read the complete article.
Fibromyalgia Fatigue Is More Than Being Tired - November 22, 2010
Forty fibromyalgia patients from three countries reveal that fatigue is the second most bothersome symptom after pain. Read the complete article.
Treating One Area Can Reduce Overall Fibromyalgia Pain - October 25, 2010
Can treating your most troublesome muscle or joint lead to a significant drop in your overall fibromyalgia pain? Yes, according to a recent study. Read the complete article.
Tests Prove Fibromyalgia is Not Depression - September 30, 2010
Fibromyalgia can be distinguished from depression, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Sherbrooke in Canada. Read the complete article.
Another Retrovirus in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - August 27, 2010
Is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) caused by a retrovirus? This question will require more investigations, but a study published this week found that 86.5 percent of the patients tested appear to be infected with a murine leukemia virus (MLV). Read the complete article.
Fibromyalgia Symptom Treatment Priorities - July 30, 2010
If patients could determine how symptoms might relate to one another, doctors might do a better job of individualizing care for people with fibromyalgia. A recent study attempted to answer these questions. Read the complete article.
Is Menopause Making Your Fibro Worse? - June 30, 2010
As estrogen levels start to decline in peri-menopause and hit rock bottom in menopause, this triggers symptoms that could go untreated and might make your fibromyalgia worse. Read the complete article.
Patients Weigh in on New Diagnostic Criteria - June 7, 2010
Nearly 10,000 people responded to a survey by the Fibromyalgia Network that revealed the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) new criteria to diagnose fibromyalgia. Read about the preliminary survey results.
Do Nutritional Supplements Really Work? - June 4, 2010
Several different energy producing and anti-oxidant supplements might be beneficial for reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Tell us what works for you. Read the article and take the survey.
Researchers Document Severity of Fibromyalgia - May 26, 2010
Fibromyalgia patients report disabilities in daily living activities that are as severe as rheumatoid arthritis, and more severe than osteoarthritis or other painful conditions, a recent study reveals. Read the complete article.
Celebrate Fibromyalgia Awareness Day! - May 12, 2010
The Fibromyalgia Network invites you to celebrate Fibromyalgia Awareness Day this May 12, 2010. We want to remind everyone what we are celebrating and how far fibromyalgia awareness has come. Read the complete article.
Gulf War Illness, Fibromyalgia Share Common Symptoms - April 28, 2010
Research on fibromyalgia patients can help doctors understand pain experienced by Gulf War veterans. Read the complete article.
Think You Have Fibromyalgia? - April 14, 2010
After 20 years, doctors are proposing a new set of criteria to diagnose fibromyalgia. Learn about the preliminary changes, how they will affect you, and see how you measure up against the new diagnostic criteria. Read the complete article and take the survey.
Will Your Fibromyalgia Med Work? - March 31, 2010
The chances that a medication will effectively reduce your fibromyalgia symptoms are usually less than 50 percent, and quite often the drug will produce intolerable side effects. Given these odds, the trial and error process is a difficult road for fibromaylgia patients to take. However, a recent study by researchers in the United Kingdom may help. Read the complete article.
Energy Makers Eroding in Fibromyalgia - February 26, 2010
Researchers have shown that the muscles of fibromyalgia patients have a substantial drop in the number of mitochondria, the part of the cell known for its energy-producing abilities. Read the complete article.
A Little Omega-3 Could Reduce Your Pain and Fatigue - January 29, 2010
Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplements can benefit your joints and cardiovascular system, but what about the pain of fibromyalgia? Read the complete article.
Could Fibro Make Arthritis Worse? - December 31, 2009
Have you ever considered if having fibromyalgia puts you at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis? Read the complete article.
Effective Treatment Leads to Better Brain Function - November 20, 2009
Three exceptional reports that illuminate what is happening in the brains of people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
XMRV Virus Linked to CFS - October 29, 2009
A report of a retroviral link to chronic fatigue syndrome can be exciting and alarming news. Read the complete article.
Creatine Supplementation Shows Promise - September 30, 2009
Studies show that supplementing 5 grams a day of creatine can improve cognitive function and build muscle strength, yet it's relatively free of side effects. Read the complete article.
Researchers Use Exercise to Illuminate How You Feel - August 27, 2009
During and after exertion is when CFS and fibromyalgia patients say they feel the worst, so that's where researchers are looking to generate biomarkers. Read the complete article.
GI Symptoms & Novel Therapy - July 30, 2009
If acid reflux is burning you up at night, an old and inexpensive medication may be just what the doctor ordered. Read the complete article.
Imaging the Effects of Savella - June 30, 2009
The pain inhibitory system is the suspected area where Savella (milnacipran) works to reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Even Mild Exercise Can Reduce Pain - May 29, 2009
You might not have to work as hard as you think to benefit from an exercise program. Read the complete article.
Naltrexone Offers Novel Approach to Pain Relief - April 29, 2009
A preliminary trial using low doses of this drug is showing reduced pain in fibromyalgia patients. Read the complete article.
No Power to Your Punch? - March 31, 2009
A biochemist in Spain has identified an enzyme abnormality that might shed light on why you feel so drained of energy. Read the complete article.
Chronic Opioid Therapy Guidelines Offer Direction for Physicians -
February 27, 2009
While patients are rightfully concerned about not receiving adequate pain relief, physicians harbor fears about drug abuse, safety issues, and government oversight. Read the complete article.
Calling the Kettle Black ... editorial comment - February 27, 2009
Controversy sells, and that was what the Associated Press banked on as it ran an article that implied the drug industry fabricated fibromyalgia. But the article makes no sense. Read the complete article.
Savella (milnacipran) FDA-Approved for Fibro - January 29, 2009
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jan. 14, approved Savella as the first drug specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia ... and not just the pain. Read the complete article.
Defend Yourself with a Good Night's Sleep - December 30, 2008
Persistent pain and disturbed sleep create a tremendous stress on the body that could potentially drag down a person's immune system. Read the complete article.
Hypnosis or the Power of Suggestion - November 24, 2008
Hypnosis combined with suggestion can be a powerful tool against pain. Read the complete article.
Get Ahead of the Wintertime Blues - October 31, 2008
Don't dread the wintertime blues. Get a jump start in heading off the symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Read the complete article.
Placebo Treatments: Misleading and Potentially Harmful - October 31, 2008
Prescribing placebos to fibromyalgia patients is an acceptable practice to half of the U.S. internists and rheumatologists who responded to a recent survey. Read the complete article.
Reduced Hippocampal Function in Fibromyalgia - September 30, 2008
An American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association (AFSA) funded study brings science closer to understanding what is happening in the brains of fibromyalgia patients. Read the complete article.
Spreading of Pain: Women vs. Men - August 28, 2008
While healthy women have a lower pain threshold than healthy men, this does not explain why more than twice as many women develop fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Fibro Patients Challenged when Processing Words and Colors - July 31, 2008
A simple screening test for memory and concentration difficulties may have falsely labeled you as "normal." Read the complete article.
FDA Approves Cymbalta (duloxetine) to Treat Fibromyalgia - June 27, 2008
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Cymbalta (duloxetine) on June 16 for treating fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Are You Becoming Cold-Sensitive? - May 30, 2008
The quest for humans to escape cold weather during their retirement years may have a physiological basis. Read the complete article.
Diagnosing FM Saves Money - March 27, 2008
This study looks at why the medical costs per year of fibromyalgia patients dropped after being diagnosed. Read the complete article.
Novel Way to Aid Sleep, Relieve Anxiety in Fibromyalgia - February 26, 2008
Growth hormone secretion from the brain's hypothalamus-pituitary system is substantially low in one-third of fibromyalgia patients. Read the complete article.
Doctors Respond to New York Times Article - January 22, 2008
NY Times article questions validity of fibromyalgia and prompts response from medical community. Read the complete article.
Walking, Strengthening Exercises, or Education - November 27, 2007
You may be wondering: "What form of exercise is best and how do I get started?" Read the complete article.
Heat Tones Down Central Nervous System Pain - October 31, 2007
Can the application of heat realistically tone down the central nervous system pain that is the hallmark of fibromyalgia? Read the complete article.
Improving Doctor-Patient Relationships - September 28, 2007
This clinical trial by German doctors demonstrates how doctor-patient relationships can improve with a little education. Read the complete article.
Can Physician Attitudes Influence Symptoms? - August 28, 2007
Fibromyalgia patients who believe their doctors are serious about treating their symptoms may improve both physically and psychologically. Read the complete article.
Researchers Study Lyrica/Seroquel Combo Therapy - July 31, 2007
Being able to use one medication to treat fibromyalgia would be ideal, but may be unrealistic. Read the complete article.
FDA Approves Lyrica, First Drug to Treat Fibromyalgia - June 21, 2007
The FDA approved Lyrica (pregabalin) as the first drug with an indicated use for people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Is Caffeine Disrupting Your Sleep? - May 29, 2007
Does it really matter if you have just a little bit of caffeine-containing chocolate dessert before you go to bed at night? Read the complete article.
IACFS Presents Award to Kristin Thorson - May 14, 2007
IACFS recognizes Fibromyalgia Network and American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association founder for substantial contributions. Read the complete article.
Study Links Fibromyalgia to Metabolic Disease - April 12, 2007
Patients with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome may be at greater risk for metabolic disease, new research shows. Read the complete article.
Board Changes Name of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - March 15, 2007
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have fought for ten years to get the name of their condition changed. Read the complete article.
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