Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic, idiopathic condition of widespread musculoskeletal pain, affecting primarily women. It is clinically characterized by chronic, non-articular pain and a heightened response to pressure along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, bowel and bladder abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. The diagnostic criteria have changed repeatedly, and there is neither a definitive pathogenesis nor reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Clinical and laboratory studies have provided evidence of altered central pain pathways. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of neuroinflammation with stress peptides triggering the release of neurosenzitizing mediators. The management of FMS requires a multidimensional approach including patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, and pain management. It has been estimated that Fibromyalgia affects 3-5% of the population in the U.S.

Research

The use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic pain. Feb 2014.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962576/

Low Dose Naltrexone | Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab | Stanford Medicine. 2009.
https://med.stanford.edu/pain/snapl/completed-research/naltrexone.html

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Are Reduced by Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Pilot Study. May 2009.
https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/10/4/663/1829894