According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, this painful condition affects around 10 million people only in the U.S. Most of them, 75-90%, are women. The usual treatment involves painkillers.
So far, experts believed fibromyalgia is a psychological disorder. However, the groundbreaking research discovered that the pain in these patients is actually triggered by the blood vessels located in their hands.
This could mean finding new treatments for fibromyalgia which can promise positive results.
The Research
Researchers tested the skin of the patients’ hands with a lack of sensory nerve fibers, ending with a decreased pain response. Moreover, researchers discovered plenty of arterioles-venule referrals (nerve fibers) in the skin sample.
So, they actually saw a link between these nerve fibers which control the blood circulation and the fibromyalgia pain.
As a matter of fact, this discovery could answer the question why these people feel pain in their hands and why their symptoms intensify in the cold.
Dr. Frank L. Rice is a neuroscientist who says these nerve endings help regulate the blood circulation.
Also, he explains that the culprit of muscle aches, fatigue, and discomfort might be the poorly regulated blood circulation due to the low inflammation and accumulation of lactic acid in those with fibromyalgia. As he says, this can lead to hyperactivity in the brain.
More about the Standard Fibromyalgia Treatment
Even though the standard treatment of this condition involves analgesics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, they haven’t shown significant success in fibromyalgia patients. In addition, doctors recommend sufficient sleep and rest, and specific exercises for this condition.
Luckily, there are chances the discovery could lead to a new effective cure for fibromyalgia. This should give these people hope for a complete fibromyalgia pain relief.
