[tinkieanne]

Recently I read that research has found that fm has a neurological basis. The pain chemical substance p over reacts and the person that gets FM does not process pain as everyone else. Has anyone else heard about this?

[pono]

YES, FMs has Neurological basis, but not all agree it is Neuropathic pain. More feel FM is Central Nervous system dysfunction (since No pathology exists in the muscles & other connective fibrous tissues, as the name Fibromyalgia implies. someone did say FM could be more accurately considered CNS "myalgia" .... much research implicates CNS-Central Nervous System....
the reason people w/ FMs feel severe pain at much lower levels of painful stimulation than do most others is physical, bio-chemical and located in CNS-Central Nervous system. Substance P is a player.... along w/ others...

Central "sensitization" is the fomal term-Pain pathways w/in spine & brain are distorted in ways that cause pain signals to be amplified (much like turning up a volume knob....

I found this info. in an old (2002) issue of 'Fibromyalgia Network News letter

DR. Podell, researcher & author of several articles about FMs/sensitization cited some meds found to have pain modulating effects. some are familar such as Neurontin. other meds listed- we & DRs may be aware of & tried, like Zanaflex ( used to treat muscle spasms) it helps by blocking certain receptors, in turn modulating CNS pathways.... Baclofen (an MS drug) can also modulate pain; and more meds, inc. Ketamine..... which DR Podell feels is best used in topical compounds along w/ other drugs, that can include Neurontin & others drugs. topical applications circumvent side affects of taking drugs like Ketamine (& others not tolerated oraly) THese can be added various formualtions , in gels, cremes, pathces, etc; specifically made, compounded for patients needs.....

Note: other meds have come out [like Cymbalta, Lyrica] and more types of meds are being used "off label'.... since the article cited was written ....

perhaps more udated details on these later....

I've read info about this in other FMs sites & several Neuro articles have addressed , w/ research supporting FM as neuro issue.
I think I"ve posted some info. & Links in this forum.... Substance P issue has been addressed, Sensitization as well as the neuro components & aspects of FMS.

I will try to relocate & post more info RE: these issues.

My neuro, who's treated me for several years for various conditions inc. FMS, has always expressed that FMS is a neuro dysfunction/disorder that is probably better treated by NeuroSpecialists than Rheumatologists and other specialists that usually treat FMs.

NOT dissin anyones DRs/specialist--- my own experience w/ most Rheumi's for FMs has not been very good ( except for Rheum. who validated my initial FMs DX made by my PCP --who was amazing & provided most, & some of the best treatmts for me & conditions, inc. FMs, that most PCP's don't do...

I"ve also had not so good experiences w/ many Neuro's.....and other "specialists"

.I know value of "good" Dr-- who understands, is knowlegable & tries various treatmts, as well as validates, listens to patient; who's open to input, research (some DRs don't like patients who use internet to educate, inform & become better advocates. often persecived of as hypocondriacs, psych or worse....
My neuro is exceptional; so I'm willing to drive hundreds of miles now since he left area.


I'm getting off track, here; sharing too much additional info & personal experience. Sorry.... will check in sharing more info. RE: your topic & post.