Based on my recovery, an explanation for the pains of fibro - and other (currently classified as) idiopathic chronic pain-related symptoms

[LeighBlyth]

The following theory is based on my recovery from nearly 20 years of depression and a life-time of physical pain:

Base-Line Theory An Explanation for the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

The current diagnosis of fibromyalgia really means:

"We don't know why you have all these pains, but a lot of other people have them too".

Fibromyalgia is often described as 'poorly understood', but idiopathic {the cause is not known} would be the correct term - until now.

The label of fibromyalgia is very apt.   Based on my recovery, I believe the textbook symptoms of 'fibro' are caused by an issue with our muscles and the web of fibrous connective tissue that runs throughout the body.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are very real, and expletively painful at times.

Muscle pain occurs when the main muscles of movement are not adequately utilised and the body is not aligned and balanced around our Base-Line.

Other areas of muscle try to compensate but they become stressed, sore, and fatigued.

Adaptations of the connective tissue system (in response to injury and as it tries to provide support to an unbalanced body) result in restrictions within the tissues that reduce our range of movement - literally stiffening us over time.

These changes in our connective tissue apply tensions that radiate throughout the whole body, and the sensory information generated by the restrictions the source of many pains and weird sensations.

People who use their body correctly, balanced around their Base-Line, are able to shake off old injuries and return to a good posture, but those of us that don't end up carrying the trauma around.   The body becomes increasingly tense, unbalanced and misaligned over time.

I believe the pain sets in early when the body becomes imbalanced and, if you were pain free, then it's likely the pains are considered significant enough to seek medical advice leading to an early diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Cumulative damage over the years can result in layers upon layers of restrictions.   Chains of tension zig-zagging from left to right, inside to out, front to back, through the whole of the body with a vastly reduced range of movement.

Chronic pain affects our mental health. The fibro fog, depression.

Base-Line Theory of Human Health and Movement: The Five Main Muscles of Movement and Conscious Proprioception.

The key to better health.

By Leigh S. Blyth BVM&S

Our main muscles of movement are the 5 paired (left and right side) muscles that are of key importance to our physical and mental well-being.

Our pelvic floor (actually a group of muscles), rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, rectus femoris and trapezius muscles.

These 5 main muscles of movement (when fully utilised and the body is free of restrictions) provide:

The physical support required for a full range of natural movement and a balanced body.

Sensory feedback for our sense of conscious proprioception, connecting body and mind.

Conscious Proprioception:

"The ability to sense the position of your body in space and being aware of where you should be able to move."

Central to the main muscles of movement are our Base-Line muscles:  Pelvic floor 'Base' and rectus abdominis 'Line'.

All movement should originate from, and be supported by, the Base-Line muscles.   Our core pillar of strength.

The gluteus maximus and rectus femoris muscles of each leg work in tandem to connect our legs to Base-Line support.

The trapezius muscles should be free to fully extend in all directions, supporting the head and arms through a full range of movement.   With Base-Line support in place, movement of the upper body should begin from the lower (inferior) trapezius.

The position of the rest of the body should be considered relative to our Base-Line, with the linea alba (between the rectus abdominis) on the body's median plane serving as the primary reference for body alignment.

The supraspinous ligament and nuchal ligament (ligamentum nuchae), also on the median plane and closely associated with the trapezius muscles, are our secondary guides for alignment.

The anatomical structures on the median plane consist of strips of connective tissue that we have no direct control over, but by working with the associated main muscles of movement we can feel the relative positions of these structures, developing our conscious proprioception skills to work through tensions and regain our natural range of movement and sense of well-being.

I believe that many of the chronic pain symptoms and syndromes currently classified as idiopathic are due to the adaptations of the body when the main muscles of movement are not adequately functioning.   Stresses on other muscles and restrictions that form in the connective tissue system can cause varied and widespread painful symptoms.

Chronic pain affects our mental well-being, and was the root cause of my long-term depression and mental health issues.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

Forgive me if I have misread but I think you are suggesting that your situation was caused by connective tissue disorder or degradation? Current theory with fibro is that it is CNS in origin and biopsies have not revealed any such degradation in relation to fibromyalgia. Tehre is the effects of deconditioning as a consequence of lack of activity.

[LeighBlyth in reply to desquinn]

Neither disorder, or degradation. I've used "changes and adapts" because I don't know the histological findings, but I suspect more the arrangement of collagen fibres would be more random, nothing "pathogenic" but I can feel the releases in my tissues and it's only connective tissue left as the option (connective tissue is a bit of a vague term but I can't be more specific).

I was a veterinary surgeon, I've handled a lot of tissues both surgically, butchery (for meat not patients!) and treating traumatic injuries. Connective tissue is incredibly overlooked..... think surgical adhesions, scars etc.

I am a case study of one, but yes I believe the current pains of fibro are due to an imbalanced body, stress on muscles and changes in the connective tissue causing tensions and restricted range of movement.

The nervous system is easy to blame for otherwise unexplained symptoms.

I just need a few people to start thinking about their Base-Line muscles and start to feel what I mean,

Thanks for reading!

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to LeighBlyth]

your language of "Cumulative damage over the years can result in layers upon layers of restrictions." suggests degradation. Also the implication is the muscles are the source of the issue as opposed to the nerves and pain symptoms being amplified for being in a more sensitised state.

"The nervous system is easy to blame for otherwise unexplained symptoms."

Research is going in this direction at present and from a professional background I am sure you can appreciate evidence bases being more appropriate than anecdotal conclusions.

I also appreciate that you are promoting a hypothesis that you are commercialising so not without ethical issues perhaps? The origin of the name is now disconnected from the condition in the same way that bad air is no longer appropriate for malaria. The romans conclusion of dirty water and air in swamps was seeking to apply the "facts" that they new about the condition and it fit but was ultimately incorrect.

[LeighBlyth in reply to desquinn]

NO commercialisation. At all. I've being working on my website to share my experiences. I'm not selling anything or asking for money in any way. I strongly believe that health care for profit is the wrong way to do things. The best interests of the patient should always be the primary concern.

Muscle pain. Fibrous tissue pain. That's what I had.

Degradation is not the same as adaption or change in my mind, but I really do appreciate the feedback!

And yes, I it is anecdotal - I shall have to wait for the evidence, but all the research I've read about fibro and the nervous system has not impressed me - if you have links to any studies I would be interested to read.

[LeighBlyth in reply to LeighBlyth]

Sorry, why do you think I'm commerialising my theory?

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to LeighBlyth]

my apologies as I did not do enough to read your website fully but it came across as sales oriented to my cynical mind but there is not a product/service on it.

[LeighBlyth in reply to desquinn]

I understand your cynicism. There is so much BS out there.

I'm not sure where the line between knowledge and belief lies, but I am totally convinced by my experiences during my recovery that I'm right about the pains of an unbalanced body.

I've sent an email to Daniel Clauw, and I'm so happy to be interacting with someone about my theory.

Anyone in pain has nothing to lose and everything to gain by connecting with their Base-Line muscles.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to LeighBlyth]

activity / exercise helps people with fibro so there may be some overlap with your experience.

[LeighBlyth in reply to desquinn]

Ti chi movements have been very good for me, (well my version of them)

Feeling the difference in the condition of the left and right trapezius muscles - but this was after several months of working with my Base-Line and using the roll-down action.

Then my leg connectors - gluteus maximus and rectus femoris.

My upper body was so tense and restricted it's taken 2 years of work to free up my head and arms.

Whatever exercise - focus on you Base-Line getting longer and stronger!!

[Tullyanne in reply to LeighBlyth]

Thank you 👏🏻

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to LeighBlyth]

I would have a look at studies by Daniel Clauw and maybe Patrick wood. But Daniel#s science of fibromyalgia article from a few years ago would be the place to start and the references from it.

[Clarrisa]

The Alexander Technique might be another good way to accomplish true alignment. It is very gentle & incorporates breathing technique too.

[LeighBlyth in reply to Clarrisa]

I don't have any personal experience with the Alexander technique. I know it's helped others, but I was so far out of conscious contact with my Base-Line muscles for any postural adjustments to make a difference.

Figiting in bed, trying to 'align my spine' in an attempt to ease the pain. Trying to position my hips and shoulders, straighten my neck. But I had no Base-Line reference to guide me.

Now that I can feel the relative positions of the anatomical structures on the median plane - the body's midline (starting with the linea alba between the rectus abdominis muscles) I can feel what alignment truly means.

"Breathing with your Base-Line" is a phrase I've been using.

Breathe in and up through your nostrils, activating your pelvic floor muscles, then rectus abdominis muscles, section by section from pelvis to chest.

Taking as many breaths as you need to engage and elongate your Base-Line as much as you can.

[Clarrisa in reply to LeighBlyth]

My understanding of the Alexander Technique is the base-line reference you speak of would start with your mind simply telling your body the direction(s) you want it to go. Your mind only would direct your body placements (the instructor will help with this).

The instructor will also really help by telling you where you are holding tension in your body. Usually it is held in the shoulder area. They can feel where you are holding tension in your body & help you to avoid carrying it though out your body. As I said earlier it is a very gentle technique but has yield good results in many people.

[Clarrisa in reply to Clarrisa]

I should add I did this technique while working & there was no way I would have been able to work until retirement without it. So I think very highly of it, but everyone has their own preferences. (Meant to say throughout your body in my earlier post above).

[Poppy_the_cat]

Thank-you for your post.

It's very interesting to read and see all the different angles on this knotty issue that is Fibromyalgia.

Essentially there is still so much we don't know.

In fact the more we all seem to know, and investigate and read...the less we know, if that makes sense!

We all get told to exercise...

Which in an ideal scenario is exactly what we should do...but if just raising yourself from you bed in the morning takes on an almost Biblical aspect rivalling that of Lazarus!!!....then it's near impossible.

I think we need to look even 'further' back in the chain of events that provoke fibromyalgia...and just as all roads lead to Rome... everything leads back to the gut. It's not fashionable, it's not glamorous, it's not hi-tech, it doesn't make money for the pharma lot, it's too simple, it's too obvious when you think about it...but in reality it's true.

Nutrition.

Nutrition is where we can help ourselves first.

From what I can understand of your post, these observations would seem to be as a very real result of the damage caused by what we call fibromyalgia...maybe we can address them further back at source with nutrition and see if the observations you make can be reversed or improved??

All with the cooperation of a healthier gutbiome status??

Please forgive my clumsy attempt at expressing my ideas. I do hope you will give my blundering words some thought nonetheless.

Best Wishes

Poppy the 🐈

[LeighBlyth in reply to Poppy_the_cat]

I strongly agree that nutrition is very important, I can't believe what passes as "food" these days. Fresh, natural foods all the way, and I do have my kefir grains on the go!

However I would have to strongly disagree with the blaming the organisms in my gut for my symptoms.

It was a physical issue, an unbalanced body because I did not use my main muscles of movement and the stresses had been unevenly spread on my body. Injuries stayed with me, my body adapted rather than healed.

I do like the phrase "knotty issue that is Fibromyalgia" it makes me think of the subcutaneous knots and chains of tissue I could feel across my ribs, and groin, and the "tic--tac" lumps in my neck..... my connective tissue forming fibrous lumps...

[bookish in reply to LeighBlyth]

Thank you for this interesting and thought-provoking thread. I have already started breathing with my baseline! I know my increasing pain continues to affect posture and muscles and has done for many years, although I also believe that chronic low level stress and inflammation from unidentified (until recently) food intolerances, hence poor gut health and microbiome plays a part for me (and major stress from all kinds of other stuff), as do low vitamin and mineral levels. Possibly you too may find Micki Rose's book 'Recovery from Chronic Illness with mind-body medicine' interesting. Maybe have a look at her superb website purehealthclinic.co.uk/why-... Best wishes.

[LeighBlyth in reply to bookish]

I'm so glad to hear you thinking about your Base-Line muscles. My words may not convince many to start with, but it just takes a few people giving it a go for a few months and maybe the ripples of improvement and hope will spread.

The way my depression lifted one day was my "wow moment".

As I stood up from a roll-down it felt like the blanket of despair being pulled off of my face. A layer of tension that had been cocooning me for years.

Everything felt different, better. It was that dramatic a change for me.

It wasn't the end of my emotional issues, but from that day on I knew I could recover and that my years of pain (both physical and mental) stemmed from a physical problem.

It was only after many months of work, when I had developed a strong connection to my Base-Line, that I realised how twisted and mis-aligned I truly was. And then a lot more work with my other main muscles of movement too.

As you say pain affects posture, and once the body is unbalanced it's a progression of pain and tension.

Modern life is stressful, a bombardment - where's the time just to relax and breathe the fresh air? We live in a polluted world. We've lost touch with real food, community and the wonders of nature ... There's so many factors that make us feel unwell and contribute to poor health. The thing we can control is how we use our muscles.

[Tullyanne in reply to Poppy_the_cat]

I totally agree, thank you x

[Midori]

I note you are Self-Diagnosed, so there is no guarantee that you have, or ever have had Fibromyalgia. Perhaps it would be better to get a confirmed diagnosis, first.

A good exercise regime is good for Fibro, but it can't be a 'one size fits all', because there are differing levels of disability. Exercise needs tailoring to the person, Your recommended exercises may be good, but they need overseeing by a Physio.

We have many folk and organisations claiming to have the 'Cure' for Fibromyalgia. I realise from the letters after your name that you are a veterinarian, But you don't claim membership of the Standard veterinary qualification (MRCVS). Could you elucidate please?

[LeighBlyth in reply to Midori]

I would love to know what confirms a diagnosis of fibro! If my life-long list of symptoms (only briefly touched on here) aren’t enough I’m not sure what would be.

I stopped working and had myself voluntary removed from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons register because the annual fees are high didn’t think I would want to start practicing again. It was a lot of cash just to keep the MRCVS.

I couldn’t hold a scalpel or scissors for more than a minute without pain. Standing for long hours consulting, lifting overweight dogs onto the table… Dragging myself out of my car at 3am, trying not to scream with pain in front of the farmer who had called me to pull a calf out of a cow…. Trimming the back feet of a 17hh shire horse … It’s a tough job and I couldn’t take it anymore. I was so depressed I hated it. And hated myself.

I had pretty much given up on the medical profession for my pain by the time I was 14. Pre-internet I did a lot of research on my own, now there is so much more information available!

I had dismissed fibro because I didn't have the tender-hotspots - everywhere was sore, and the fibro -fog had been with me so long I only appreciated what it was like without it when my depression lifted.

After rock bottom I did go to the doctors. My prescriptions then were: morphine, codeine and paracetamol, naproxen, diazepam and gabapentin. I used the opioids sparingly (thankfully I had the knowledge to be careful), stopped the naproxen after a day or two since my gums started to bleed. A diazepam tablet was useful after my emotional breakdown events during my recovery. I read up about gabapentin and decided it wasn’t for me. My GP said after my MRI they’d never seen anyone as bad as me as I crawled into her office on my hands and knees. We didn’t discuss fibro I admit!

Maybe my all my pains were something different, but I don’t think they were, which is why I am here to share.

The only “exercise” I recommend is the roll-down action whilst focusing on your Base-Line pelvic floor and rectus abdominis muscles. The rest is up to you, developing your sense of conscious proprioception and feeling how to move to regain a little more movement.

You’re right, one size doesn’t fit all.

- INDIVIDUAL TRAUMA PATTERNS.

What you have experienced, and the effects of those experiences on your body, creates your individual trauma pattern and with it, your unique collection of pain-related symptoms.

Questions to ask yourself...

"Do I use my muscles correctly?"

Focus on your main muscles of movement.   Try activating them in different positions during your normal daily activities.

How much of each of the main muscles of movement do you use?   Some, most, none?

Can you feel a balance between left and right sides?

How free are these muscles to move?

"What connection can I establish with my Base-Line?"

Close your eyes and focus on your Base-Line muscles activating.   Start with your pelvic floor Base, then your central Line extending from pelvis to chest.   Can you feel at all what I'm talking about?

For how long have I not fully used my main muscles?

Is this life-long problem or an acquired dysfunction (developed over time, or triggered by a specific incident)?

"What has my body been through over the years?"

TRAUMA → Injury, accident, abuse, surgery, strain, exertion.   Stress, fear, the things that make us tense, flinch, freeze-up.   Awkward positions, .

Think back.   As you connect with your Base-Line you may become aware of earlier and earlier mis-usage of your muscles.

"How much damage am I carrying around?"

Pains that have never really heal.   Things you can't let go of?

The damage is cumulative, the body becoming more and more imbalanced as it tries to cope with an unrectified dysfunction in the main muscles of movement.

"At what point does something become something I do something about?"

I believe the pain sets in early when the body becomes imbalanced.   Stressed areas of muscle and restrictions in the connective tissue causing various painful symptoms.

If you were pain free, then it's likely the pains are considered significant (and frightening) enough to seek medical advice, leading to an early diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Or has it been a slow progression?   You consider your list of painful symptoms and old injuries as separate problems and you've ignored the twinges, aches and spasms as they increase over the years - after all a bit of pain is to be expected as you get older, right?

[Midori]

Thank you for your explanation; Strangely, I was not attacking you; but I am sometimes inept with my language, especially on forums, and today I'm in a lot of pain as I overdid the Packing yesterday. (I'm moving house!)

I was concerned, as we have had several 'We can Cure You' postings, so we can get defensive. I apologise if I appeared rude.

I can understand you not being able to continue as a vet, some animals, (cattle and horses particularly), can be difficult when in pain, and I wouldn't want a Shire standing on my foot! Lovely as they are. I am familiar with cattle and horses, I prefer Beef and dual purpose to dairy cattle, and in horses, well, Any horse! (Unfortunate;y I can no longer ride).

[LeighBlyth]

If I can't stand up to a bit of scrutiny I shouldn't be here! And thank you for the opportunity to share a bit more of my story.

I feel I want to be shouting from the rooftops, or the internet equivalent - but answering everyone's posts with "connect with your Base-Line" would get a bit spammy!

I've seen the "buy this wonder product for X amount of $ (it's usually dollars!) or join my "wish away your pain club" type things, I get the scepticism/suspicion.

I was going to name this post "This is my theory, please rip it to shreds."

Good luck with your moving, a stressful time even without the pain.

[Midori]

Thank you.

[VintageMustard]

I did do Pilates before I became unwell with fibromyalgia. I went to a weekly class that I felt was too big and it became impersonal as the instructor couldn’t give any personal attention. I have often considered getting one of those machines I’ve seen that are available for home use. They are several hundred pounds.

[LeighBlyth]

Save your money... You don't need a machine for Pilates.

There's plenty of videos out there, watch a few and get some ideas about what the body can do. It's not about doing a specific exercise, it's about using your body correctly whatever you are doing. Saying that, find a couple of exercises you like and start with them.

Focus on your Base-Line pelvic floor and rectus abdominis muscles, the central pillar of strength from where movement of the rest of the body should originate. Stronger and longer every time you inhale.

I couldn't do anything on my side or front for a long while.

Lying down leg circles was a good one for me, but the roll-down was the fundamental move during my recovery.

I found myself using the roll-down action again and again.

It felt good.

The standing roll-down is the best way to start, giving the greatest degree of freedom to move with your Base-Line.

How to Roll-Down

Stand in a comfortable position.   Don't worry about where your feet are to start - remember you are working from your Base-Line outwards.

Take as many breaths as you need to activate and lengthen your Base-Line from pelvis to chest, breathing in and up through your nostrils.   Adjust your stance and move as feels natural.

Exhale through your mouth and begin to roll-down from 'top to bottom', lowering your head towards your feet whilst feeling the support coming from your Base-Line.

Roll-down as far as comfortable.   Pause and re-activate your Base-Line over a few breaths, relaxing the rest of your body as much as you can.

Breathe.

Move your body as it feels right to do so-

Gently swing your arms, stretch and wiggle your fingers.   Move your legs, bend your knees, flex your ankles and toes.   Shift your weight on your feet - heel to toe, side to side.   Open and close your mouth, move your jaw, roll your eyes, pull faces, stick your tongue out.   Whatever feels good!   The possibilities are endless.

Let the tension go.

You may start to experience 'releases' allowing you to melt down a little further.   These feel good.   There may be cracks/pops and other sounds and sensations.   Relax, keep breathing and focus on your Base-Line.

There's no rush. Never force anything.

Stand up when you are ready, however feels comfortable. (Rolling up is good - only when you can do it!)

Move around.   Feel for the relative positions of your main muscles of movement.   Aim for a balance between left and right sides.

Repeat the roll-down.   Where and whenever you can.

Enjoy it.   Gain a little more freedom each time.

It takes practice and concentration to engage the right muscles if you are not used to using them.   Long-standing bad habits take time to rectify so you must keep working at it.

You may not be able to move very far at first and are likely to encounter areas of tension.   You may start to notice how your body adjusts itself to avoid certain positions as you roll-down.

Do what you can and every day you'll be able to do a little more.

Use the roll-down action in other positions when you feel ready - sitting, kneeling, whatever feels right.

[bookish in reply to LeighBlyth]

Thank you for explaining the roll down. I remember doing something similar in a yoga class many years ago but had forgotten all about it. Tried it earlier and shall gently be making it a regular part of my day. Best wishes

[LeighBlyth in reply to bookish]

You're very welcome.

And that's the 2 key words - gentle and regular.

[Kismetsoul]

Hello, sorry if I sound uneducated but your verbiage is a little over my head. Thank you for putting some of your thoughts in layman terms I would like to try this approach, but was having a difficult time focusing and understanding what you wrote.

[LeighBlyth]

Well, I had to check what verbiage meant! The strength and power of my Base-Line muscles feels so natural and right (it was weeks of very slow Pilates before I did feel anything), I am struggling to put it into words.

Think of your pelvic floor muscles as the Base foundation for all movement.

(root chakra?) The pelvic floor muscles are like a basket, that should be tight and secure. See if you can activate (contract) them. The basis of Kegel exercises.

I started to become aware that other muscles were activating instead of my pelvic floor and it took a long while to correct this.

Think of your rectus abdominis muscles (the abs) as your central Line, supporting the rest of the body.

From pubic symphysis (midline between your legs) to the bottom of your ribs on your chest. The abs are like two ribbons, containing panels of muscle. Each panel should be active and elongated to support the rest of the body.

If you go-ogle images - base-line muscles.

A picture says a thousand words! (I'm not sure I'm allowed to link)

Breathe in through your nostrils, out through your mouth and think about your Base-Line muscles. Firstly activating your pelvic floor, then section by section your rectus abdominis.

I started to think of my Base-Line as a chain of lights to be activated in turn.

As I engage my pelvic floor Base, I think "red".

Then "orange, yellow, green, blue" up my rectus abdominis Line.

I don't think the exact description matters. Find something that works for you - whatever helps you to focus on the right muscles working to build the connection.

Any clearer? This post got longer that I hoped again - so much to share!