Fibromyalgia Syndrome: New Breakthrough In Diagnosis & Treatment

Attitudes about fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have come a long way, but they still have a long way to go.

I have a friend named Tess whose doctor diagnosed her aching hands, arms and legs as fibromyalgia about two years ago. But even though she has a doctor who is knowledgeable about this unique condition, she still senses a clear scepticism on his part. And although she's fully aware that many medical professionals still regard FMS as being all in the head, she knows that her pain is real. She also knows exactly where it is, and its not in her head.

About 1 in 100 people develop fibromyalgia at some stage of their lives. Most of them are women, and - unlike my friend Tess whos only 30 - most of them experience their symptoms later in life. But thanks to a wide range of research over the past decade, those who suffer from FMS have been given new hope as well as more effective treatment options. And now, a relatively new method of diagnosis may revolutionise the way this disorder is perceived.

Heads examined

Ironically, the key to this new FMS diagnosis technique actually IS in the head - or, more specifically, the brain. US rheumatologist Dr Daniel Clauw, of the University of Michigan, explained how he studied the blood flow in the brains of FMS patients, compared with the brain blood flow of healthy subjects.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dr. Clauw observed that the area of the brain that registers pain showed an increase of blood flow when FMS patients were given a low-pressure stimulus. The identical stimulus showed no change in the brains of control group subjects. But when a more intense stimulus was administered to the control group, the blood flow increased in the same way as it had when the FMS group received the low-pressure stimulus. Dr. Clauw says his research finally offers visual proof that FMS patients experience hypersensitivity in the pain processing areas of their brains.

This possible breakthrough in the diagnosis of FMS is much-needed and long overdue. In the interview, Dr. Clauw notes that its typical for FMS patients to be examined by a number of different doctors before the accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made. Nevertheless, Dr. Clauw points out that his research may not lead to a widespread use of his MRI technique - and doesnt necessarily need to. Now that hes demonstrated that FMS patients are experiencing genuine pain, he feels its enough for doctors to simply listen to their patients. As he puts it, When they tell you theyre tender, theyre tender.

Mum's relief

After a fibromyalgia diagnosis is made, the question of treatment is almost as problematic as recognising the disorder. How do you treat aching and burning sensations that may vary in location and intensity from day to day? Inevitably, many attempts to manage the disease have only masked the symptoms with prescription drugs and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS).

At HSI we've written many times about the special challenges of treating fibromyalgia. In a past e-alert, I told you about an FMS treatment called relaxin. This naturally occurring hormone is best known for its role during pregnancy. Since the 1930s, scientists have been aware of how relaxin softens the tissues of the birth canal, promotes cell proliferation to help the uterus grow, and allows ligaments and other connective tissues to elongate. Relaxin transforms the pregnant womans body to accommodate its changing needs.

After realising that women typically experience relief from fibromyalgia and other pain disorders during pregnancy, scientists hypothesised that the relaxin hormone may be responsible, since its production quadruples during pregnancy. To test the theory, they began using it to treat patients suffering from FMS.

Patients treated with relaxin experienced significant and, in many cases, immediate relief. Further studies have shown that it also offers remarkable benefits in fighting age-related diseases, like osteoporosis, and effectively reduces many of the physical signs of ageing, like dry skin and hair, with no side effects. And since the relaxin hormone is present in both sexes, research shows it can help men address pain and ageing disorders, as well.

Even though this hormone therapy appears to be safe and effective, talk to your doctor before including relaxin as part of your regimen.

Other options

In a previous e-alert, we told you about a study reported in the British Medical Journal that showed how more than half the FMS patients in a group of 66 reduced their symptoms and experienced less discomfort after a 3-month aerobic exercise programme, using a treadmill or stationary bike for one hour, twice each week.

Some fibromyalgia patients have successfully tried acupuncture, massage and other natural methods to address their condition.