Scoliosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the side. It can affect any part of the spine, but the most common regions are the chest area (thoracic scoliosis) and the lower section of the back (lumbar scoliosis).

In most cases, the reasons for the change in shape are not known but in other cases, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida are factors in the development of scoliosis.

The majority of children with scoliosis do not require treatment as the curve corrects itself as the child grows. However, based on the degree of curvature and the age of the child, a combination of bracing and physical therapy is often recommended.

A very small number of patients with scoliosis may require surgery. Complications of scoliosis include chronic pain, respiratory deficiencies, and decreased exercise capacity.

Contents of this article:

1. Signs and symptoms in children
2. Signs and symptoms in babies
3. Risk factors
4. Causes
5. Diagnosis
6. Treatments

Fast facts on scoliosis
Here are some key points about scoliosis. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Often, the causes of scoliosis are not known
• Only a small number of scoliosis patients require surgery
• Symptoms in babies include a bulge on one side of the chest
• Scoliosis affects females more often than males

Often, the clothes of patients with scoliosis do not hang properly.

Scoliosis signs and symptoms in children

• The head is slightly off center
• The ribcage is not symmetrical - the ribs may be at different heights
• One hip is more prominent than the other
• Clothes do not hang properly
• One shoulder, or shoulder blade, is higher than the other
• The individual may lean to one side
• Uneven leg lengths

Scoliosis signs and symptoms in babies

• A bulge on one side of the chest
• The baby might consistently lie curved to one side
• In more severe cases, the heart and lungs may not work properly, and the patient may experience shortness of breath and chest pain

Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain but, for the majority of individuals, scoliosis is not overtly painful.

Risk factors for scoliosis

The risk factors for scoliosis include:

• Age - scoliosis signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt that occurs just before puberty.
• Gender - females have a higher risk.
• Genetics - people with scoliosis are more likely to have close relatives with the same condition than people without scoliosis.

Causes of scoliosis

Below are some of the possible causes of scoliosis:

• Neuromuscular conditions - these affect the nerves and muscles and include cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
• Congenital scoliosis (present at birth) - this is rare and occurs because the bones in the spine developed abnormally when the fetus was growing inside the mother.
• Genes - at least one gene is thought to be involved in scoliosis.
• Leg length - if one leg is longer than the other, the individual may develop scoliosis.
• Other causes - bad posture, carrying backpacks or satchels, and some injuries.

Diagnosis of scoliosis

Most commonly, the doctor will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders. The doctor can, with the aid of a tool called an inclinometer (Scoliometer), measure the degree of scoliosis. If necessary, the patient will then be referred to an orthopedic specialist who deals with the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments.

• Imaging scans - the pediatrician or orthopedic surgeon will order an X-ray to evaluate for scoliosis, as well as determining the shape, direction, location, and angle of the curve.
• If there are further symptoms, such as back pain, or if symptoms are severe, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered.

Treatments for scoliosis

The majority of children with scoliosis have mild curves and don't need treatment. In such cases, the doctor will recommend regular follow-ups every 4 to 6 months to monitor the curve of the spine in clinic and periodically with X-rays.

The following factors will be considered by the doctor when deciding on treatment:

• Gender - females are more likely than males to have scoliosis that gradually gets worse.
• Severity of the curve - the larger the curve, the greater the risk of it worsening over time. S-shaped curves, also called "double curves," tend to get worse over time. C-shaped curves are less likely to worsen.
• Curve position - if a curve is located in the center part of the spine, it is more likely to get worse compared with curves in the lower or upper section.
• Bone maturity - the risk of the curve worsening is much lower if the patient's bones have stopped growing. Braces are more effective while bones are still growing.

Casting

Casting instead of bracing is sometimes used for infantile scoliosis to help the infant's spine to go back to its normal position as it grows. This can be done with a cast made of plaster of Paris.

The cast is attached to the outside of the patient's body and will be worn at all times. Because the infant is growing rapidly, the cast is changed regularly.

Braces

If the patient has moderate scoliosis and the bones are still growing, the doctor may recommend a brace. This will prevent further curvature, but will not cure or reverse it. Braces are usually worn all the time, even at night. The more hours per day the patient wears the brace, the more effective it tends to be.

The brace does not normally restrict what the child can do. If the child wishes to take part in physical activity, the braces can be taken off (check with the doctor).

When the bones stop growing, braces are no longer used. There are two types of braces:

• Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) - the TLSO is made of plastic and designed to fit neatly around the body's curves. It is not usually visible under clothing.
• Milwaukee brace - this is a full-torso brace and has a neck ring with rests for the chin and the back of the head. This type of brace is only used when the TLSO is not possible or not effective.

One study found that when bracing is used on 10- to 15-year-olds with idiopathic scoliosis, it reduces the risk of the condition getting worse or needing surgery.

Surgery (spinal fusion)

In severe cases, scoliosis can progress over time. In these cases, the physician may recommend spinal fusion. This surgery reduces the curve of the spine and stops it from getting worse.

Two or more vertebrae (spine bones) are connected with new bone grafts. Sometimes, metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires are used to hold a part of the spine straight while the bone heals.

The operation lasts from 4 to 8 hours. After surgery, the child is transferred to an ICU (intensive care unit) where they will be given intravenous fluid and pain relief. In most cases, the child will leave the ICU within 24 hours, but may have to remain in hospital for a week to 10 days.

Children can usually go back to school after 4 to 6 weeks, and can take part in sports roughly 1 year after surgery. In some cases, a back brace is needed to support the spine for about 6 months.

The patient will need to return to the hospital every 6 months to have the rods lengthened - this is usually an outpatient procedure, so the patient does not spend the night. The rods will be surgically removed when the spine has grown.

Risks - the doctor will only recommend spinal fusion if the benefits are thought to outweigh the risks. The risks include:

• Rod displacement - a rod may move from its correct position. This happens in about 1 in every 20 cases of spinal fusion. Although not uncomfortable, the patient may need further surgery.
• Pseudarthrosis - one of the bones used to fuse the spine into place does not stick properly. This occurs in 1-5 percent of cases. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, and the spine will not be corrected as successfully. Further surgery may be needed.
• Infection - approximately 1- 2 percent of spinal fusion patients develop an infection after the operation. This is usually treated with medication (antibiotics).
• Nerve damage - occurs in about 1 or 2 surgeries per 1,000. Damage occurs to the nerves of the spine. Results can range from mild, with just numbness in one or both legs, to paraplegia (loss of all lower bodily functions). A neurosurgeon may be present for scoliosis surgery.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

Morgan Freeman On Marijuana: “I’ll Eat It, Drink It, Smoke It, Snort It!”

 

The Oscar-winning legend credits cannabis with reducing his fibromyalgia pain and wants to see it legalized across the board.

It’s impossible to hear Morgan Freeman’s voice and not be seduced into a trance-like state. After all, the authoritative Oscar-winning legend has guided people through alien invasions, the icy plains of Antarctica, and even down perilous streets in foreign destinations (thanks, GPS feature).

 

Long-time marijuana use

One thing most people don’t associate the actor with, however, is cannabis. That all changed in a 2015 interview with The Daily Beast. Prepared to discuss his new film 5 Flights Up, Freeman instead opened up about his long-time use of marijuana and why he thinks it should be legalized everywhere.

Eight years ago, Freeman was driving across Mississippi when he was involved in an accident. His 1997 Nissan Maxima skidded off the highway and flipped several times. While he survived thanks to knowledgable medics and the Jaws of Life, his left shoulder, arm and elbow were shattered. Doctors operated for four hours to repair the nerves, but he still hasn’t reigned the full use of his left hand. To cope with the pain, Freeman turned to marijuana.

When pressed for information about his opinion on the use of the herb, Freeman stated:

“They used to say, ‘You smoke that stuff, boy, you get hooked! My first wife got me into it many years ago. How do I take it? However it comes! I’ll eat it, drink it, smoke it, snort it! This movement is really a long time coming, and it’s getting legs—longer legs. Now, the thrust is understanding that alcohol has no real medicinal use. Maybe if you have one drink it’ll quiet you down, but two or three and you’re fucked.”

Referring to the accident he survived, he pointed to the glove-aid sticking out of his left suit sleeve and stated:

“Marijuana has many useful uses. I have fibromyalgia pain in this arm, and the only thing that offers any relief is marijuana. They’re talking about kids who have grand mal seizures, and they’ve discovered that marijuana eases that down to where these children can have a life. That right there, to me, says, ‘Legalize it across the board!’”

 

Never give up the ganja

The last time Freeman mentioned marijuana was in a 2003 interview with The Guardian. He can be remembered stating “Never give up the ganja.” His attitude in The Daily Beast interview was the same.

“And what negative effects does it have?” Freeman continued. “Look at Woodstock 1969. They said, ‘We’re not going to bother them or say anything about smoking marijuana,’ and not one problem or fight. Then look at what happened in ’99.”

The 79-year-old narrator was referencing the event in which fewer individuals used marijuana. In effect, a number of riots and arrests took place.

 

 

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SUICIDE RISK FROM 11 EPILEPSY DRUGS..

The FDA warns that 11 epilepsy drugs double a person’s risk of suicidal behavior or thoughts, although the overall risk remains small.

The warning comes from an FDA analysis of suicidality — suicidalbehavior or thoughts — in placebo-controlled studies of 11 drugs known collectively as “antiepileptics.” The drugs are used to controlseizures and to help control the symptoms of some psychiatric disorders.

“All patients who are currently taking or starting on any antiepileptic drug should be closely monitored for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression,” the FDA warned in a letter to health professionals.

In the clinical trials, patients receiving inactive placebo pills had a 0.22% incidence of suicidality. Those receiving the epilepsy drugs had a 0.43% incidence of suicidality — twice that of placebo recipients, but still a very small risk.

The drugs were relatively more likely to be linked to suicidality when used to treat epilepsy than when used to treat psychiatric disorders or other conditions.

The 11 drugs cited by the FDA are:

• carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
• felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
• gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
• lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
• levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
• oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
• pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
• tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
• topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
• valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
• zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)

Some of these drugs are available in generic forms.

My Mom Has Fibromyalgia. Reading This Made Me Cry For Her

Chronic pain is increasingly rampant today.

Yet, chronic pain and chronic illnesses are often invisible. In many cases there are no casts, visible rashes or runny nose involved. Chronic pain sufferers often appear “normal,” perhaps only a bit more fragile or sad than average. I suffered from chronic headaches for four-and-a-half years and from chronic hip pain for two-and-a-half years.

Often I looked depressed, uninterested and angry, when I was simply in pain. There were many days I couldn’t get out of bed. Following a conversation became difficult at times.

I lost a job due to my pain. I canceled plans and ignored friends. I felt misunderstood and alone. I was suffering. I know the answer was out there and eventually I healed myself.

Yet at the time I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs all the things all chronic pain sufferers want you to know:

1. Just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean I am not in pain.

2. It’s not all in my head.

3. It is not just the flu. It won’t just go away in a week.

4. Please, don’t ever say, “Just don’t think about it.” Being in constant pain this is impossible.

5. Hugs can do magic. So are nice messages. I need to know you are here for me.

6. Thank you for sharing the “magical cure” that you’ve read about online. Trust me, I’ve heard about it, and if it was any relevant, I have tried it.

7. I am trying extremely hard to live a normal life.

8. I try my darn best not to cancel plans and I would never cancel plans, if I had a choice.

9. I can’t just snap out of it.

 

10. Some days are better, some days are worse. Some days I may even feel close to normal, other days I can’t even get out of bed.

11. I do care about you. I want to know about your life and dreams. I want you to be happy and healthy.

12. My chronic pain is different from the other people’s chronic pain. All illnesses and pain symptoms are unique. Our experiences may differ, but we are all in pain and can relate to one another.

13. Please, don’t try to convince me to have drink and to “live a little.” All I want is to live a little—actually, to live a lot. A drink, however, is the last thing on my mind.

14. If I look all depressed or bored, it means I am actually in tremendous pain and trying my best to appear to be happy and normal.

15. I can’t really explain how chronic pain feels. Yet, I can’t say, “You will know once you have it” because I would never ever want anyone to feel so much suffering.

16. I need a lot of sleep. But sleeping can be difficult with so much pain and often still leaves me exhausted.

17. Just because I have chronic pain it doesn’t mean that I know how to manage it or to live with it.

18. Sometimes it feels like I am in a prison, living someone else’s life.

19. I still have interests, passions, goals and dreams.

20. I don’t want you to forget about me. I don’t want you to give up on me.

21. I haven’t given up on healing yet. Deep inside I know there is (or will be) an answer out there.

Top 5 Marijuana Strains For Epilepsy

Cannabis Oils For Epilepsy Is Gaining Traction

Top 5 Strains For Epilepsy

Cannabis strains and oils are all extremely beneficial for patients suffering from epilepsy. It’s estimated that 1 in 26 Americans will suffer from epilepsy over the course of their lifetime, while 65 million people in the world live with this disease. Another 50,000 deaths happen in the US yearly because of prolonged seizures and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). It has become clear that medications aren’t working and that we need more effective help.

The use of cannabis and cannabis oil for epilepsy and seizures is among the most well-documented medical cases. There are thousands of anecdotal evidence found online, and more people are now having access to the medicine because of legalization.

Patients who are looking to start using cannabis to treat epilepsy should try some of these strains:

• Charlotte’s Web is easily the most famous cannabis strain for the treatment of seizures. Named after Charlotte, a young child stricken with epilepsy who inspired the development of this strain, it contains an average of 0.3% THC and contains high amounts of CBD, making it perfect for treating epilepsy without getting stoned. Charlotte’s web is popularly used for children because of this quality. Charlotte’s Web is recommended if you need treatment for epilepsy and epilepsy only – only a few users report that it is indeed effective in pain management. Use Charlotte’s Web with caution as some users also report that it can give migraines because of its “headband” effect.

• White Widow from the Netherlands is a famous strain known for producing creative, relaxing, and euphoric feelings. The effects of its South Indian Indica lineage combined with South American Sativa gives medical patients a blissful combination of both calmness and happiness while also being useful for treating appetite loss, insomnia, pain, and stress caused by frequent epileptic episodes. The White Widow may be an iconic strain for recreational users, but its medicinal and therapeutic benefits also give it a legendary status.

• Blue Dragon is known for its deep blue color and the multitude of medicinal benefits. Blue Dragon is a strong hybrid as it’s the love child of a strong sativa as well as indica. If you need help waking up, this strain will do that; but if you’re tired, Blue Dragon will also help lull you into a peaceful slumber. You’ll experience loads of psychoactive effects with this which is great for distracting as well as healing from nausea, pain, or depression associated with epilepsy. Some users report experiencing a dry mouth with Blue Dragon but that’s easy to combat; just have some candy and refreshments around when you use the stuff.

• Green Crack is an excellent choice for medicating during the daytime and preventing epileptic episodes. It gets its name from the fact that users tend to experience sharp laser focus when working, and it often lasts throughout the day. Because most epileptic patients suffer from the inability to report to work or focus on their daily tasks; if this sounds like you then Green Crack is the strain that may just suit your needs. One of the notable features of Green Crack is its distinct flavor – nothing like crack! Its taste resembles a tropical, fruity and mango taste that will have you wanting more.

• Grape Ape is well-loved among medical cannabis patients because of the total relaxation and calming effects that it produces. It’s also a favorite for individuals who practice yoga and meditation – it’s that calming, a property that epilepsy patients can benefit from. Smoking Grape Ape will help you feel chilled out and relaxed while providing relief from mood disorders including stress, anxiety, and depression. Many users also report that Grape Ape helps them sleep better. Some varieties of this strain can be quite strong due to the high THC content, so smoke with caution.

Depending on the severity of the condition, different patients report benefits from using high THC and high CBD strains in treating epilepsy. The entourage effect comes into play when medicating especially in conditions as serious as epilepsy, because isolating cannabinoids won’t be effective in treatment. To obtain the full healing properties of the plant for epileptic patients, the entire plant should be utilized because the presence of other cannabinoids enhance one another.

15 Common Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia affects more women than men, and this disorder can strike you at any age.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a categorized by widespread pain throughout the body, among other symptoms which vary from person-to-person.

Although much is still to be learned about this medical condition, frequent research leans towards the possibility of Fibromyalgia symptoms arising due to changes in how the patient’s brain processes different pain signals in their body.

Early Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

For a lot of people, Fibromyalgia starts to occur shortly after a physical or psychological trauma – even after periods of extreme stress. But some also develops symptoms gradually over time with no known triggers. Fibromyalgia symptoms can fluctuate each day to day, and some may experience long periods of remission or lessened symptoms.

Fibromyalgia Cure

Although Fibromyalgia has no definitive cure, it has treatments that aim to focus on stress relief strategies and pain management for easing its symptoms.

Many are now successfully treating Fibromyalgia symptoms with a grain free, sugar free. and chemical free diet. The thought is that symptoms are alleviated as systemic inflammation is decreased.

Below are the 15 common signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia disorder…

1. Chronic Muscle and Joint Pain

The distinctive symptom of Fibromyalgia is widespread pain.

In order to be classified as Fibromyalgia pain, it must be widespread – specifically it must occur either (a) above and below the waist or (b) be on both sides of the body.

Also common is that specific trigger points (also called tender points) when pressure is applied, cause the pain to spread to other parts of the body.

There are 18 of these tender points (9 on each side) and they include:

1. back of the neck
2. elbows
3. 1. front of the neck
   2. hips
   3. lower back
   4. knees
   5. upper back
   6. shoulders
   7. chest
   Generalized joint pain and stiffness are also common, especially after sitting for an extended period of time and/or upon waking in the morning.

   2. Anxiety and Depression

   Perhaps one of the most debilitating symptoms of all is the anxiety and depression that often accompany Fibromyalgia.

Most Fibro sufferers will tell you that they experience periods of anxiety and/or depression that tend to worsen with the severity of Fibromyalgia’s general symptoms.

Medical researchers are still trying to figure out if mood disorder symptoms are separate from Fibromyalgia’s symptoms, or whether they occur because of Fibromyalgia’s highly disruptive symptoms. In all likelihood, systemic inflammation plays a role contributing to both.

3. Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disruption is a symptom that accompanies Fibromyalgia. This includes both trouble staying asleep and falling asleep as well as insomnia. The cycle builds upon itself, worsening symptoms of chronic fatigue that already exist with Fibromyalgia.

4. Severe Fatigue

Chronic and severe fatigue might be one of the most common complaints of people with Fibromyalgia. The fatigue can be so severe that performing even your most basic every day tasks can be difficult.

5. Fibro Fog

A debilitating inability to focus or concentrate, in addition to memory lapses, is a known symptom of Fibromyalgia. It is referred to as Fibro fog. It is not that memory is gone entirely, but recall and general cognitive abilities are slowed, and remembering simply things may be difficult. Likewise, paying attention and focusing are also cumbersome.

6. Problems Balancing

It is not unusual for Fibro patients to have troubles with balance. Likewise, dizziness may be present. In addition to other symptoms, if balancing is becoming an issue, and falls are happening, this could indicate Fibromyalgia.

7. Numbness and Tingling

Random tingling and numbness in your face, feet, legs, hands, and arms without any known causes can also indicate this condition. Unfortunately, it is also common for people with Fibromyalgia to experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as well.

8. Heart Palpitations

Fibromyalgia can also have cardiac-related symptoms despite having no underlying cause.

9. Migraines and Headaches

Over fifty percent of people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have chronic migraines classified as severe, and happening at least 3 times per week with multiple headaches in a single day for many. Less severe tension-type headaches are also common.

10. Sensitivities

When you have Fibromyalgia, you can often feel as if all your senses are in overdrive. This includes bright lights, strong smells, sounds, and foods. Symptoms, including headaches, may be heightened by certain stimuli.

You may notice you are more easily impacted by medications, vitamins, foods, and caffeine.

11. Visual Problems

Blurred vision, difficulty focusing when looking at something, and dry or burning eyes are some of the ways Fibromyalgia can disrupt your vision. These disturbances are often accompanied by headaches.

Recommended Books on Fibromyalgia:

12. Jaw Pain (TMJ) and Facial Sensitivity

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, TMJ, is a disorder that affects about one-fourth of the people suffering from Fibromyalgia. Facial pain starting from the jaw may spread also to your head or neck, and usually this pain is in the muscles and ligaments within your jaw area rather than its joints.

14. Urinary Issues

Incontinence, frequent urinary track infections, a generally irritable bladder, burning with urination, as well as abdominal pain are also symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

15. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The majority of people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome which includes abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and even nausea.

Generalized digestive disorders are very common in Fibromyalgia patients. The diarrhea and constipation can alternate.

Most of us are not aware how devastating these symptoms of Fibromyalgia can be for its patients, and cure for the pain is not available, though manageable.

What Fibro Sufferers Want You to Know About Anxiety-Fibro

Understanding Life With Anxiety and Fibromyalgia

Many, if not most, fibromyalgia sufferers also suffer from anxiety. It is not difficult to understand why being in constant pain can make a person feel stressed, or even anxious. But the link between fibromyalgia and anxiety goes much deeper than that.

Everyone is different, but in some cases it appears that anxiety has caused the onset of fibromyalgia. Even though the exact reason for this is unknown, it may be caused by the way anxiety affects the body’s neurotransmitters. Damage to the neurotransmitters caused by anxiety or prolonged stress can increase nerve firing and cause pain and inflammation.

Anxiety can also cause hypersensitivity, which amplifies the symptoms you already have. Even if you did not have anxiety before developing fibromyalgia, there is a very strong chance you will later on.

The fact is there is an immensely close link between fibromyalgia and anxiety.

What makes all of this worse is the lack of understanding we get from family, friends, co-workers, sometimes even our own doctors. There are some things we would like you to know about what life is like for us to have both fibromyalgia and anxiety.

Being in Pain Makes Us Anxious

Pain is a stressful thing. Being in chronic pain means being chronically stressed or anxious.

Even the most positive person will have difficulty remaining positive 100 percent of the time when they constantly feel awful.

This persistent pain makes us feel on edge. The knowledge that there is little to be done for our pain is understandably worrisome, therefore leading to anxiety and panic.

The Possibility of Being in Pain Makes Us Anxious

Even when we have good days, we know the pain is going to come back. Even if we have a good week, a good month, we know the pain is coming back.

Every time we do something, we wonder anxiously: “What will be the payback for this trip to the store?” “How much am I going to hurt later for going on a walk?”

The anxiety of being in pain may hold us back from doing certain things. Sometimes the thought of going somewhere causes more anxiety than we can handle, knowing we may begin to feel bad while we are out, or we may suffer dearly the next day, week or month.

Knowing Anxiety Makes Our Pain Worse Makes Us Anxious

When we start feeling anxious we immediately know it is going to make us feel worse, which in turn makes us even more anxious! It’s a big, vicious cycle.

Anxiety Causes Its Own Set of Physical Symptoms

In addition to the physical symptoms of fibro, we also experience the symptoms of anxiety:

• Trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Stomach and digestive problems (like persistent nausea)

And this is just naming a few.

Anxiety Can Be Just as Debilitating as Fibromyalgia

Pain and fatigue can hold you back from a lot of things. As can constant fear, worry and dread.

Imagine constantly worrying about something, or 20 things. Imagine perpetually jumping to the worst-case scenario.

I assure you, it is taxing to say the least. It leaves you feeling mentally, emotionally and physically drained and utterly exhausted.

Not All Anxiety Methods Work for Everyone

There are supplements that help some who suffer from anxiety, but not all. As someone who is on all recommended supplements and still has anxiety, I know this to be true.

There are also a lot of medications for anxiety, but not all of these work for every person. They also can cause unwanted side effects, some of which may be worse than the anxiety itself.

And then there are relaxation techniques and exercise. Again, not all of these work for everyone and when you add fibro to the mix, they may not even be an option for some of us.

I had a doctor recommend doing jumping jacks when I have panic attacks. I decided to try it, but after two or three I was in so much pain that it made my panic attack even worse.

Not Being Able to Remember Things or Think Clearly Makes Us Anxious

Fibromyalgia causes cognitive fatigue; also know as brain fog or fibro fog. This makes us forget things and have trouble focusing. Brain fog is frustrating, embarrassing and downright scary.

Imagine you were driving home and suddenly you couldn’t remember how to get there. I feel it is safe to say that would cause most people to feel anxious.

Sometimes We Are Anxious About Nothing at All

Sometimes anxiety and panic attacks are triggered by things, like crowds, financial problems, driving, being the center of attention — just to name a few.

However, sometimes we have anxiety for absolutely no reason at all. I have had more panic attacks than I can count come on out of nowhere. Sometimes we just feel a sense of dread, without knowing why.

Telling us everything is fine, that we have nothing to worry about, does not do any good because we already know that. We know there is no logical reason to worry the way we do, to panic about nothing, but we cannot control it.

Knowing People Think We’re Faking or Exaggerating Makes Us Anxious

We know there are skeptics who do not believe fibromyalgia is a real illness. We know there are people who think getting rid of anxiety is as easy as thinking positively.

We know there are people who think we are exaggerating about how bad our symptoms are. We know there are people who think we just want attention.

These facts haunt us and make us anxious. Feeling like we have to prove our invisible illness is real makes us anxious.

What we hope you take away from this is that life with fibromyalgia and anxiety is difficult. But we are not asking for attention — we simply want to be understood.

Finding help for fibro and anxiety is difficult, but we are not giving up. We are fighting our hardest, and we would appreciate knowing you are fighting with us.

What is fibromyalgia? The painful reality of life with FM

Dr Miriam Stoppard on the experience of fibromyalgia sufferers

Fibromyalgia causes sufferers pain

Last week, I wrote about fibromyalgia (FM) and I have benefited greatly from feedback sent to me by FM sufferers – there are 1.75million in the UK, some of whom have had fibromyalgia for 30 years.

I have spoken to quite a few, who have helped me understand their personal experience of this disabling condition and, as a result, I wish to increase public awareness of what it’s like to live with.

I had written that the majority of sufferers make a full recovery and I’m sorry if this caused distress.

The experience of the sufferers who contacted me is that people with FM rarely recover, if ever.

I’m indebted to Louise Day, a sufferer, who has drawn up a short quote to help people understand FM.

“FM is a common and complex chronic pain disorder that affects people physically, mentally and socially.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue and often psychological distress. For those with severe symptoms, fibromyalgia can be extremely debilitating and interfere with basic daily activities.”

I’d like to pick up on one of Louise’s points – the pain. It can be unpredictable, come on out of the blue, strike anywhere and be severe enough to stop you in your tracks. The skin and various points on the body can be hypersensitive to touch. This extraordinary sensitivity to pressure is the basis of the Pressure Point Test, which doctors use to confirm the diagnosis of FM.

So whereas when someone presses our skin we feel a dull ache, a fibromyalgia sufferer feels an excruciating pain.

This hypersensitivity extends to sounds that can be intolerable. I recognise this as a feature of migraine, which I suffer, and a hypersensitivity to movement, which, in common with FM sufferers, makes me vomit when I have a migraine.

One sufferer I spoke to described the Spoon Theory as a metaphor for FM. It was described by Christine Miserandino when she was floundering to answer a question from a girlfriend about what it was like to live with her lupus (an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, joints and many other vital organs).

She was trying to find the right words and, as she was in a diner at the time, she grabbed a handful of spoons and gave them to her friend. She explained that healthy people have a never-ending supply of spoons, sick people don’t. She started to take away the spoons from her friend, each one representing a daily task and she quickly ran out of spoons.

That’s what FM is like – each daily task costs you a “spoon”. A difficult one may cost two. You may run out of spoons before the day has ended. You’re too tired to eat. You go without supper and crawl into bed.

Fibromyalgia in numbers

There were common themes to the stories I’ve heard. Most sufferers rely on a cocktail of drugs to control pain and get through the day; many mention the “fibro fog” when the brain goes blank and remembering and thinking are impossible; most sufferers believe that it takes a rheumatologist or a sympathetic doctor to confirm the diagnosis; pain clinics are a mainstay for many to help manage the pain and learn coping mechanisms; the Pressure Point Test is diagnostic of FM; many sufferers find acupuncture helps.

Do we know what’s going on? Professor Ernest Choy of Cardiff University Institute of Infection and Immunology describes FM as an abnormal pain threshold linked to sleep disorders. He states there can be a family history of FM and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and IBS can be linked to it. Restless Legs is common.

Everybody’s FM is individual to them but chronic pain is common to all.

Professor Choy feels there’s a fault in the central nervous system and how the brain processes pain signals. Triggers are illness, trauma, car accident, stress of any kind, but FM is not a psychological illness, though depression is a common feature.

He believes keeping a symptoms diary can be helpful. He also says that while “it may seem counterintuitive to recommend exercise to someone in pain and exhausted, it’s very important. Pain leads to weakened muscle, which requires more effort to move, increasing the pain – a vicious circle.” (see healthymagazine.co.uk, August 2014)

If you type “FM recovery” into a search engine there are pages of personal anecdotes describing how people have overcome FM, including lifestyle changes, eating healthy food, exercise, hypnotherapy, CBT.

Many admittedly anecdotal stories have one thing in common – staying in the present, dealing with the symptoms in the here and now, listening to the body rather than the brain.

One approach I’ve come across is Reverse Therapy (RT) developed by Dr John Eaton and used in ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and FM. RT is an educational process that teaches people to identify triggers that prompt the body to create distress signals in the form of symptoms, such as fatigue and unexplained pain.

It’s symptom focused, dealing with symptoms in the moment. This reminds me of mindfulness, which research has shown to benefit brain function. I mention it because some FM sufferers may want to try it. There are practitioners throughout the UK. I’ve discovered there are many FM support groups around the country and I would advise everyone with FM to contact one in their area.

THE FIBROMYALGIA MYSTERY IS SOLVED AT LAST! PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). People with fibromyalgia have pain and tenderness throughout the body.

People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as:

• Trouble sleeping
• Morning stiffness
• Headaches
• Painful menstrual periods
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”).

Recent Research

A recent research that was trying to find the cause of pain in fibromyalgia patients has discovered that the pain doesn’t originate in the brain as previously thought. Instead, it comes from the blood vessels in the hand!

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure. It affects millions of people around the world and is treated with antibiotics.

Some doctors say that the condition is caused by psychological issues, but the recent discovery solves many questions about the disease’s origins. The discovery could lead to a future cure which is great news for millions of people.

To solve the mystery, scientists examined the skin cells of a hand of one fibromyalgia patient who had a lack of sensory nerve fibers and lowered pain response.

These fibers were previously thought to regulate the blood flow and had no relation to physical pain, but now scientists found a big number of nerve fibers called arterioles-venule referrals in the hand of the patient and linked them directly to fibromyalgia pain.

The discovery sheds more light on this disease and offers answers on why cold conditions aggravate the patients’ state.

Dr. Frank L. Rice, a neuroscientist that these nerve endings may contribute to our conscious sense of touch.

“This poorly managed blood flow can be the source of discomfort and muscle aches and a sense of fatigue, presumably due to an accumulation of lactic acid and low levels of inflammation in patients with fibromyalgia. This, in turn, can contribute to hyperactivity in the brain,” he says.

The current fibromyalgia hasn’t been successful in most cases. The usually prescribed therapy involves narcotic analgesics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, while doctors also advise more sleep and physical activity.

But, now that the elusive cause of fibromyalgia pain has been finally discovered, patients have high hopes of getting a proper cure in the future. “When there is something that does not fit into their understanding, some doctors underestimate their patients and tell them that they are crazy.

The prescription of SSRIs against fibromyalgia is not the answer – it was nothing more than a lobotomy or hysterectomy,” says a scientist involved in the study.

Morgan Freeman uses a Natural remedy for HEADACHES, SEIZURES, CHRONIC PAIN

The 77-year-old actor came out wholeheartedly in favor of all natural CBD, adding, “The only thing that offers any relief is CBD,” Freeman told. Freeman, who stars with Diane Keaton in the new romantic comedy, “5 Flights Up,” said he still has chronic pain from a near-fatal car crash in 2008 that caused extensive nerve damage in his hand. He also revealed in 2012 that he suffers from fibromyalgia and said the pain it causes in his arm can be “excruciating.” “The CBD movement is really a long time coming, and it’s getting legs — longer legs.” Freeman told.

(Health Review) – If you haven’t already heard, Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component of Cannabis that seems to have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. CBD is naturally occurring in the Hemp plant and according to the United States own government patent #6,630,507 it supports the nutritional health of aging bodies. Cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. 

Some benefits scientists suggest people are getting from Cannabidiol (CBD) 

– Reduced feelings of anxiety
– Reversing brain damage caused by alcohol
– Anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, and anti-oxidant
– Reduces nausea and vomiting
– Suppresses seizure activity
– Combats psychosis disorders
– Relieves depression
– Fights cancer cells
– Greatly reduces seizure activity

We decided to see what expert medical doctors and product users had to say about Cannabidiol (CBD), and the results were surprising. In fact, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon, a medical professor and an Emmy award-winning chief medical correspondent concluded “The science is there. This isn’t anecdotal. We have been terribly and systematically misled for nearly 70 years in the United States.“

For long term health and wellness use, CBD is one of the best ways to keep a body healthy. Studies suggest, for specific ailments, CBD may help in many ways:
Read on: Stress, Your Heart and CBD

We also learned that most scientists agree that decreasing stress levels play a part in battling cancer, heart disease and other stress related illness.

CBD is available in many different forms. One of them is in a Tincture Oil. Tinctures are also easier to give to children as they have to take only small amounts. CBD Tincture was designed to have the highest CBD absorption rate available. Because they are taken directly under the tongue, they enter the bloodstream much more directly than by any other means. (except maybe smoking) This means that the action in the body is usually quicker.

In November 2012 Tikun Olam, an Israeli medical cannabis facility, announced a new strain of the plant which has only cannabidiol as an active ingredient, and virtually no THC , providing some of the medicinal benefits of cannabis without euphoria. The Researchers said the cannabis plant, enriched with CBD, can be used for treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis,colitis, liver inflammation, heart disease and diabetes. Cannabis CBD we speak about in this article, is legally derived from the hemp plant.

Because CBD Oil from the Hemp plant does not contain illegal amounts of THC, it is legal in all 50 states. This is very important to people all over the US who are in need of CBD but can’t get it locally. In addition, legal CBD is available for home delivery in all 50 states meaning many people don’t have to relocate to a state with legalized Medical Marijuana. Also in states where medical marijuana is legal, consumers using this hemp plant form of CBD don’t have to go through the hassle and for some the embarrassment, of getting a medical marijuana card.

Additional, preclinical studies suggest that CBD may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, diabetes, PTSD, alcoholism, strokes and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other ailments.

The Best Part:

It does NOT have a high potential for abuse, and there are very legitimate medical applications, says Gupta.

Healthy Leaf CBD uses proven, natural ingredients that are toxin-free. CBD is 100% natural and does not contain any dangerous or synthetic chemicals or stimulants.

The best part of Cannabis CBD is it does not contain THC. The THC is the chemical that gets Marijuana smokers High. The fact is that the medicinal value of the plant, comes from the CBD, not the THC.

No prescription
No THC
Not tested in drug screenings
Legal in all 50 States