Frequently
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Myofascial
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A Neuromuscular
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International
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This segment of the website introduces you to some informational resources that you might find helpful. Web sites are constantly changing and adding feature and links. Support groups change in attitude. It is not possible to monitor these resources, and some may contain material which is contrary to my beliefs, or even in error. A listing does not imply endorsement. For many years, I have dedicated my life to teaching the difference between fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic myofascial pain (CMP) due to trigger point (TrPs.) Fibromyalgia is fundamentally different than myofascial pain, and the difference is important. (1) There is no such thing as a fibromyalgia trigger point, and this error can harm you. Those knots in the muscle and the taut bands in your body are TrPs, not FM. Those specific pain patterns are TrPs, not FM. Fibromyalgia doesn’t cause localized pain such as low back pain or hand pain, it only amplifies it. We need to look at the pain and other symptom generators as well as the amplification process. Physicians seeing only the FM component—the central nervous system dysfunction— will not look for mechanical perpetuating factors such as short upper arms or repetitive motions. They will miss the significance of the non-pain TrP symptoms such as dizziness, toothaches, or buckling ankles. Physical therapists will be trying to strengthen weak muscles, not understanding that the muscles are weak due to TrPs and strengthening exercises will make TrPs worse. Patients will be enduring needless pain and costs of medical testing and procedures because their care providers are not trained to diagnose and treat TrPs. There is a lot that can be done to ease the symptoms of TrPs and a lot you can do yourself to treat them and prevent their recurrence, but first they must be recognized. Myofascial TrPs are the elephant in the room that FM “experts” can’t see. They don’t understand it and haven’t learned what to do about it. Admitting it’s there would invalidate much of the medical research on FM, because many conclusions were based on all symptoms coming from FM. Many of those symptoms are due to TrPs. The pain signals coming from TrPs are enough to maintain the central nervous system sensitization of FM (2). Control of TrPs is crucial to many if not all TrP patients. Unless they understand myofascial TrPs, the “experts” are missing a key concept in chronic pain.
2. Staud R. 2006. Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia: pain in fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther. 8(3):208.
At one time we listed individual local support groups. Since the average age of a support group is less than a year, and the number of support groups is multiplying rapidly, we are no longer able to offer this feature. Many local support groups are listed with national support organizations, such as the National Fibromyalgia Partnership, the Fibromyalgia Network and local hospitals.
The Fibromyalgia Community
also provides a number of resources to locate a support group in
your area. This privately owned, volunteer-based website
offers a wealth of information on the Fibrom-L Email
Support and Discussion Group and the
latest news and information on Fibromyalgia.
See the next section for information on subscribing.
The
discussion group is known as FIBROM-L. Anyone wishing to subscribe
to the discussion group may do so by going to
http://community.lsoft.com/archives/FIBROM-L.html Emus: On-line group where Australians with FM and/or CMP can interact to exchange information, support each other, and talk to others who understand. Information is available from top researchers, with updates as research progresses. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Australian_FMS_CMP A discussion on healing, from the perspective of mind/body/spirit by patients, practitioners and others who are interested in exploring those ideas and therapies which view the person as a whole. To subscribe, send an email message and in the body of the message, put subscribe mbs-healing. Chronic pain and health info conference for those who want a better understanding of sickness and disease, including pain [and treatments] and especially HEALTH POLITICS. Information posted to this forum includes Gulf War illnesses, radiation sickness, the environment, drugs and abolition of restrictive laws which prevent availability of narcotics for pain when essential for maintaining quality of life. To subscribe, send an email message and in the body of the message, put subscribe pain-l. The vulvarpainforum list was created for women who suffer from any of a number of manifestations of chronic vulvar pain, known collectively as vulvodynia. The list, created and maintained by a vulvodynia patient, is intended as a space for open, candid discussion of available treatments and resources, as well as to offer emotional support. To subscribe, send an email message and in the body of the message, put subscribe vulvarpainforum or subscribe vulvarpainforum-digest.
Dr. Craig Anderson has been my chiropractic physician for over 2 decades. He has an easy-to-read newsletter that is packed with useful information. To read back issues, visit www.drcraiganderson.com/articles.html. To subscribe, visit www.toyourhealth.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.
Non-profit corporation which supports education and current research concerning FMS and related disorders. The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association, 6380 E. Tanque Verde Road, Suite D, Tucson, AZ 85715-3822. Phone 520-733-1570. The CFIDS Association of America, PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398. Phone 800-442-3437. National Fibromyalgia Partnership, PO Box 160, Linden, Virginia 22642-5609. Toll Free Phone 866-725-4404, Toll Free Fax: 866-666-2727. Editor: Tamara Liller. Email. Fibromyalgia NetworkNewsletter plus publications, including lists of your local support groups, and a packet of information on how to start your own support group. 800-853-2929. P.O. Box 31750, Tucson, AZ 85751-1750. Editor: Kristin Thorson A private health letter. From Fatigued to Fantastic!, c/o Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., 466 Forelands Road, Annapolis, MD 21501. Phone: 800-333-5287. Chemical Injury Information Network, P.O. Box 301, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, email. To Your Health and Healthpoints Free resource catalogue and newspaper for FMS, CFIDS, arthritis and chronic pain. Vitamins and health products, FMS and CFIDS. To Your Health, 17007 East Colony Drive, Suite 105, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Phone 800-801-1406. Vulvar Pain FoundationNewsletter,
203 1/2 North Main Street, Suite 203,
Graham, NC 27253,
336-226-0704 (Tues and Thurs).
We offer a nationwide online support group, with access to numerous reliable resources, medical and clinical research as well as information on medication and treatments. We publish an information packet about FMS treatments, doctor lists, helpful website resources and more. We also publish a written newsletter, "Fibromyalgia Focus".
American Chronic Pain Association For excellent, comprehensive and up-to-date information on over-the-counter and prescription medications, check out the American Chronic Pain Association Resource section. The Drugs and Supplement section is a .pdf file and requires Acrobat Reader. This website for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and other chronic pain conditions is for informational purposes, to make friendships and to help others to be aware of the disease RSD. You will find information, links, supportive friends and also answers to your questions to the best of our knowledge. The Co-Cure list is a non-discussion list. You cannot post or discuss things; it's for information only! The list name "Co-Cure" stands for "Co-operate and Communicate for a Cure." This list has been established with the goal of furthering co-operative efforts towards finding the cure for the illness(es) commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM). This site is a health directory of many conditions and diseases. More fibromyalgia resource links can be found here. Coping with Fibromyalgia Online Patients who are interested in a four week, fibromyalgia and myofascial pain self-help course may find what they seek here. CSSA, Inc. - The Chronic Syndrome Support Association, Inc. Linda Nee is a Disability Claims Consultant who assists individuals make application for, and manage, disability claims submitted to private insurance companies. Specializes in claims for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as well as other “self-reported” illness. Experience in managing both Individual Disability Income claims as well as group claims subject to ERISA. An informational site devoted to people who are trying to win Social Security disability benefits if you have fibromyalgia. It offers some advice and some useful tips. Dr. Podell is one of the nation's leading experts on Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, nutrition, and complementary- alternative medicine. When I needed to "Take a layer off my pain", I knew where to go for help. Dr. Blatman has taken the art of myofascial trigger point treatment to a new level. Visit the site of myofascial specialist Hal Blatman, MD, for holistic education on repetitive strain, myofascial pain and alternative treatments such as photonic stimulation and reflexology. Environmental Illness Resource Provides information, latest news, articles, links directory, forums and other resources to sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, allergies and other related conditions. This is a very special website from F.A.C.E.S., the Fibromyalgia Association Created for Education and Self-help, Inc. The focus is on awareness of FMS, helping family, employers and companions learn about FMS, and other forms of social advocacy. Fibrohugs A great Canadian web site with information on many co-existing conditions, coping tips and more. The Fibromyalgia Community offers a wide array of services to Fibromyalgia (and related conditions) patients and to those looking for support, information, research and materials to help family members and friends cope, gain an understanding and solve the mysteries of this " invisible" disorder. A nationally-registered Canadian charity. Posts links to all of Canada's support groups on their homepage, and provides links to a wide range of educational materials. The website of John Labby, a support group facilitator and great source of information on FMS, CFIDS and Post-Polio Syndrome. Visit Get-Active.info for some helpful myofascial trigger point information and illustrations. Chronic illness can be a severe financial drain. Do you qualify for government benefits? Find out at this website.
Guai
Doc Nutrition, diet and metabolism articles and information by Dr. Lynne August. We are an innovative research service for health professionals as well as for the patients who suffer from a chronic illness or disease. Members can create a custom search that will scan the news, medical journals, university publications etc., emailing results to them everyday. To find out the potential health effects of household chemicals, as well as the ingredients to more than 4000 household products, check the National Library of Medicine site. For information, visit Dr. Bruce Eimer's website A website for a wealth of information on enhancing your abilities to live a full life with chronic illness. Sections include lifetime modifications to help you move through life easier, learning tools, accessible transportation and recreation, work modification resources, finding jobs, workplace resources including ADA updates, and "Finding the Money" with funding information. They even have a section on adaptive gardening. Insurance and Medical Care Do you need help to navigate the bewildering world of medical care and insurance? Visit www.patientadvocate.org A comprehensive and well-written informative website on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment The site describes and reviews the many different treatments available for IBS, including medications, supplements, and alternative therapies.
Joy's Fibromyalgia Survivor's Website
Making
Your Voice Heard Men with Fibromyalgia There is a support group just for you! To join, send an email message. If you have a problem with the connection, contact one of the list owners. Myofascial Therapy Organization Do you have difficulty finding a myotherapist who KNOWS trigger points? Visit the Academy for Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and see if there is one near you. These therapists are trained to help you find perpetuating factors, as well as to document and treat myofascial trigger points.
Myofascial Rehabilitation Center
Myofascial Release: The John F. Barnes' Approach The more you learn about myofascia, the easier it will be for you to understand the concepts behind fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. To learn about fascia, please visit John Barnes' excellent website.
The National Association of Myofascial
Trigger Point Therapists has a new section on their
website that includes charts of many myofascial trigger points (MTPs)
and their most common referred pain patterns. MTPs can occur
anywhere in any muscle, and referred pain patterns may vary from
patient to patient, but this is an excellent resource to book
mark so that you can check to see if you can identify the source
of some of your symptoms.
National Fibromyalgia Association NFA's mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Fibromyalgia by increasing the awareness of the public, media, government and medical communities. National Fibromyalgia Partnership
The
National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc.
(NFP) is the largest non-profit,
membership organization for fibromyalgia (FM)
in the United States. The NFP
provides medically accurate
information on FM to individuals with
fibromyalgia and their families, health care professionals, and
the general public -- both nationwide and in many other
countries.
The NFP offers a toll-free
Resource Line which has a fax on demand feature (866/725-4404)
and a toll-free fax (866/666-2727).
Canadian, registered, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the recognition and understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome through education, advocacy, support and research. This organization spearheaded the drive for the development of clinical definitions, and diagnostic and treatment protocols for ME/CFS and FMS. The ME/CFS Consensus Document was published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the FMS Consensus Document was published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. Both of the Canadian Consensus Documents may be viewed on their website. For a inside view and explanation of neurotransmission, check the Lundbeck Institute's web site. The success you have in dealing with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain often depend on how well informed you are. For a wide variety of books and tapes from people who specialize in self-help and healing, visit this site.
Steven R. Goodman, M.D., is a
Seattle based Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation/Physiatry
specialist with over 10 years experience in the
Gunn-Intramuscular Stimulation treatment model for neuropathic-myofascial pain
syndromes. Email
Dr.Goodman.
Pain Connection is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit human service agency that provides monthly support groups, newsletter, website, information and referrals and community outreach and education. The Pediatric Network for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Orthostatic Intolerance A new website and forum for families and professionals concerned with juvenile fibromyalgia, pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome, neurally mediated hypotension and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Includes extensive resources on transition planning for adolescents with chronic illness, special education, parenting, coping, and medical issues, and a forum to provide a supportive place for parents, advocates and professionals to network. The Podell and King Medical Practice Podell, Richard, MD, MPH, 53 Kossuth St., Somerset, NJ 08873, (732) 565-9224, and 105 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081, (973) 218-9191. Medical Director and Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. FMS. Dr. Podell is one of the nation's leading experts on Fibromyalgia and nutritional, complementary-alternative medicine. This site is for those who feel they don't belong, don't know where to turn, are lonely and emotionally hurting, and/or need something more than pills to swallow, books to read, and endless doctors to visit.
Rest Ministries A comprehensive, multi-specialty, peer-reviewed website for patients with back pain. 123 West Madison, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602. This site includes some free practical information about Social Security. Jonathan Ginsberg, Ginsberg Law Offices, P.C., is at 1854-A Independence Square, Atlanta, GA 30338, Ph: 770-393-4985. For information on suicide prevention and hope.
Track your Fibromyalgia symptoms with SymptomLog.com. Most major
health portals offer content and 'symptom checkers' that ultimately
lead to self-diagnosis and its associated risks and pitfalls.
Instead, SymptomLog.com offers a secure and private way for patients
to track their symptoms in a daily log - for printing and sharing
with their healthcare provider. The content is both URAC and HON
accredited. "The" site
for
fibromyalgia and the thyroid Dr. Wes Shankland's website on TMJ Information on TMJ and conditions that can be confused with it or aggravate it, as well as information on dangers associated with root canals, alternate methods of pain control, and much more. The papers and effects of Janet G. Travell, MD, one of the founders of myofascial medicine, have been carefully and lovingly archived at the Gelman Library in George Washington University. If you plan to visit, please contact them beforehand and read through the carefully compiled list of documents that are available so that the archivists can have specific boxes ready and available for you. Trigger Point Training for Professionals Information on hands-on training for doctors and other health care professionals on identification and treatment of myofascial trigger points. For useful information and added links, please visit http://www.roperandparry.com.au/lc/health
Most books on our site are available from:
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