Fibromyalgia Syndrome Research articles from November

Some of the most interesting research relevant to Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Fibro) that has been published over the last month and discussed in the FibroAction Research section is summarised here.

Spa Therapy in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Spa therapy can be useful as part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating Fibromyalgia Syndrome, a recent article concludes.

A review of research confirmed that spa therapy (including mud packs and thermal baths) should be a valid tool in the multidisciplinary approach of Fibro, as it may be useful for pain that patients experience.

Autonomic Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is common in Fibro and may play a part in a number of symptoms, according to a recent article by American Fibro expert Roland Staud MD.

Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system can be a condition in its own right - Dysautonomia - and it is usually characterised by either Neurocardiogenic Syncope (fainting) and/or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (heart beat racing when moving from lying down to sitting or sitting to standing). Palpitations and dizziness are part of this condition and are also possible symptoms of Fibro. For more information on Dysautonomia, try the Dysautonomia Information Network.

Significance of trigger points and tender points

An article was published in a German journal that discussed the importance distinguishing between Myofascial Trigger Points and Tender Points in people with Fibro.

It is important that, in patients with Fibro and Myofascial Pain, both conditions be diagnosed, as their treatment is very different and they may be affecting and/or amplifying and perpetuating each other. Fibro often requires a complicated treatment program, but local, specific treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points, either by manipulative therapy or injection, is often dramatically effective with prompt relief of symptoms. For more information on tender points and trigger points, please see the FibroAction patient article 'Tender Points, Trigger Points and Pressure Points'.

Older simpler treatments effective for IBS

A recent article in the British Medical Journal, that was reported on by the BBC, suggested that old and often overlooked treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be as effective as newer medications.

Older treatments for IBS are often recommended by patient experts, but are frequently overlooked or not considered properly by gastroenterologists, who often think there isn't any positive evidence for their use. A team of researchers has now reviewed the evidence and concluded that soluble fibre, antispasmodics (such as hyoscine), and peppermint oil are all effective.