Fibromyalgia can cause increased inflammatory reactions in the brain

Last updated 20/02/2024 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Study: Fibromyalgia can cause increased inflammatory reactions in the brain

Now researchers have found a link between increased inflammatory reactions in the brain and fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome, with both rheumatological and neurological components, which many people suffer from, but which still does not receive enough attention in terms of research and treatment. The diagnosis typically causes pain in large parts of the body (who likes to move around), sleep problems, persistent fatigue and cognitive brain fog (due, among other things, to lack of sleep and reduced sleep quality).

– Inflammation and fibromyalgia?

It has long been suspected that inflammation and fibromyalgia have some connection. But it has never been entirely possible to prove a direct connection. Now, Swedish researchers at the Karolinska Institute in collaboration with American researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital have conducted a ground-breaking research study that may lead the way in a hitherto unknown area of ​​fibromyalgia. The study is called Brain glial activation in fibromyalgia – A multi-site positron emission tomography investigationn, and is published in the medical journal Brain, behavior and immunity.¹

Fibromyalgia and inflammation

Fibromyalgia is defined as rheumatic soft tissue rheumatism. This means, among other things, that you see abnormal reactions in soft tissue, including muscles, connective tissue and fibrous tissue. These can very often be hypersensitive in people with fibromyalgia, and can lead to increased nerve signals and an over-reporting to the brain. Which thus means that even minor discomfort can result in greater pain (central sensitization). Not surprisingly, researchers have believed that this can also lead to more frequent inflammatory reactions in those with fibromyalgia. We have previously written about how complicated fibromyalgia actually is, and among other things have written about these famous people the fibromyalgia triggers.

The study: Measurement of a specific protein

The researchers first started by mapping the symptoms of those with fibromyalgia and then the control group. Then it gets more complicated. We will not go into the smallest details, but will rather aim to give you an understandable overview. They then documented increased neural inflammation in both the brain and the spinal canal, and particularly in the form of a clear overactivity in the glial cells. These are cells that are found inside the nervous system, around the neurons, and which have two main tasks:

• Nourish buildup (including myelin surrounding the nerve fibers)

• Reduce inflammatory reactions and remove waste products

Among other things, this mapping was done through diagnostic imaging where the activity of a specific protein called TSPO. A protein that is found in significantly larger amounts if you have overactive glial cells. The research study documented a clear difference between those affected by fibromyalgia versus the control group. Such discoveries and progress give us hope that this can pave the way for this diagnosis to finally be taken seriously.

May lead to new treatments and more research

A major problem with fibromyalgia is that one has not known the cause of the problem - and thus does not quite know what to treat. This research can finally help with that, and gives other researchers a number of new opportunities in relation to more targeted research into this new information. Personally, we think it can lead to more targeted investigations and forms of treatment, but we are unsure how long it will take. We know that fibromyalgia has never been an area that has been given much focus when it comes to prevention and treatment.

The findings may help to explain several cognitive symptoms

Fibromyalgia can lead to the head not always being fully involved - we call this fibrous mist. This is believed to occur due to a number of different reasons, including poor sleep quality and increased pain and restlessness in the body, as well as what we have suspected for a long time - namely that the body constantly has to fight to reduce inflammatory conditions in the body. And it is very tiring in the long run, and can go beyond both the psyche and the physical. We have previously written a guide with 7 tips that can make everyday life easier for fibromyalgia patients. Let's take a closer look at some of the cognitive symptoms associated with fibromyalgia:

• Memory problems

• Planning difficulties

• Difficulty concentrating

• A feeling of not "keeping up"

• Forgetting number combinations

• Difficulty with emotions

These are cognitive symptoms that can affect the quality of life and everyday life of fibromyalgia patients. These symptoms are well documented by major research studies.² We emphasize again that we feel that this patient group and others with an invisible illness are not taken seriously, and that there are still old myths and misunderstandings about fibromyalgia. This is quite incredible considering all the research available on this chronic pain syndrome. When you are already suffering from cognitive, psychological and physical symptoms, it is very frustrating not to be believed or heard. It's actually quite a bit double penalty?

"How many here have probably heard 'fibromyalgia is not a real diagnosis'? Well, then you can come up with a concrete and fact-based answer that fibromyalgia has diagnosis code M79.7 at the WHO and L18 in the Norwegian healthcare system. This will end the discussion in your favor every time.”

Fibromyalgia and anti-inflammatory diet

When we first get into fibromyalgia and research that suggests that inflammatory processes can play a role, it is natural that we talk about diet. We have previously written large guides about fibro-friendly diet and how gluten can be pro-inflammatory for this patient group. If you have such a complicated and demanding pain syndrome as fibromyalgia, you also have to have a holistic approach. For optimal symptom relief, we mean wood Pain clinics Interdisciplinary Health that one must include these four cornerstones:

• Diet

• Cognitive health

• Physical treatment

• Individual rehabilitation therapy (includes adapted training exercises and relaxation exercises)

Our professional opinion is therefore that you will achieve the best results by going through these four points on an individual level. The main aim will be to achieve a better quality of life, improved function, sense of mastery and joy in each individual patient. It is also important to instruct the patient in good self-help techniques and ergonomic self-measures that can make everyday life easier. Among other things, it has been documented through meta-analyses that relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can reduce the stress level in the body.³

Fibromyalgia and sleep quality

One of the main purposes of sleep is to take care of our brain and cognitive functions. Lack of sleep leads to reduced memory and concentration in the short term, but over a longer period of time it can have greater negative consequences.⁴ Considering that fibromyalgia is directly linked to poor sleep, it is important to do what you can to facilitate better sleep quality. We have previously written a guide with 9 tips for better sleep for fibromyalgia patients. Sleep is important for, among other things:

• Storage and sorting of information

• Getting rid of waste materials

• Nerve cell communication and organization

• Repair of cells

• Balancing hormones and proteins

Good tips like specially adapted sleep mask og ergonomic head pillow with memory foam both have documented positive effects on sleep quality.⁵ Product recommendations open in a new browser window.

Our recommendation: Try a memory foam pillow

We spend many hours in bed. Correct neck position can have a lot to say when it comes to sleep quality. As mentioned above, studies have shown that memory foam pillows reduce breathing disturbances at night and provide better sleep.⁵ Click here to read more about our recommendation.

Treatment of symptoms and pain in fibromyalgia

As I said, it is very important to have a comprehensive and modern approach when it comes to symptom relief and functional improvement in fibromyalgia patients. This should include a number of factors such as tips for better sleep, guidance regarding diet, physical treatment and specific rehabilitation exercises (relaxation and other adapted exercises). Special guidance in relaxation techniques such as meditation on acupressure mat og relaxation in neck berth are simple measures that can be implemented in everyday life. In addition, many may experience a good effect from:

• Relaxation massage

• Intramuscular acupuncture (dry needling)

• Laser therapy (MSK)

• Joint Mobilization

• Stretching techniques

• Custom trigger point treatment

By our clinic departments belonging to the Vondtklinikkene Tverrfaglig Helse, our publicly authorized clinicians will always adapt the examination, treatment and rehabilitation individually. Fibromyalgia patients often suffer from neck tension and chest wall pain. The exercise program below, originally adapted for bursitis in the shoulder, is well suited to stimulate circulation and movement in these areas. In the program below, conducted by chiropractor Alexander Andorff, it is used pilates band (150 cm).

VIDEO: 5 stretching exercises for shoulders, chest back and neck transition

Feel free to subscribe for free our youtube channel if you want.

Support people with fibromyalgia and invisible illness

Many people with fibromyalgia and an invisible illness experience injustice and that they are not taken seriously. We are engaged in this battle of knowledge to improve the general public's understanding of such diagnoses. The aim is to achieve more respect, empathy and equality for these patient groups. We would greatly appreciate it if you would help us with the dissemination of knowledge, and hope you take the time to share and like our posts from vår Facebook-side. In addition, you can also join our Facebook group «Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: Research and news» which regularly shares recent relevant articles and guides.

Research and sources

1. Albrecht et al, 2019. Brain glial activation in fibromyalgia – A multi-site positron emission tomography investigation. Brain Behav Immun. 2019 Jan:75:72-83.

2. Galvez-Sanchez et al, 2019. Cognitive Impairments in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Associations With Positive and Negative Affect, Alexithymia, Pain Catastrophizing and Self-Esteem. Front Psychol. 2018; 9: 377.

3. Pascoe et al, 2017. Mindfulness mediates the physiological markers of stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res. 2017 Dec:95:156-178.

4. Lewis et al, 2021. The interconnected causes and consequences of sleep in the brain. Science. 2021 Oct 29;374(6567):564-568.

5. Stavrou et al, 2022. Memory Foam Pillow as an Intervention in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Preliminary Randomized Study. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 9:9:842224.

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Article: Study: Fibromyalgia can cause increased inflammatory reactions in the brain

Written by: Our publicly authorized chiropractors and physiotherapists at Vondtklinikkene Tverrfaglig Helse

Fact check: Our articles are always based on serious sources, research studies and research journals - such as PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Please contact us if you spot any errors or have comments.

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