Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain in autoimmune thyroid disease

[helvella]

We have seen much controversy among many people - both within and between groups of patients and medics - about pain, fibromyalgia and autoimmune thyroid disease. Denial of a link between thyroid and pain seems to be a common feature.

So it is interesting to see this strong, unequivocal statement in the first paper:

Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder, affecting about 10 % of the population, and is a recognized cause of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain.

Clinical Rheumatology

July 2014, Volume 33, Issue 7, pp 885-891

Date: 18 Jan 2014

Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain in autoimmune thyroid disease

Jowairiyya Ahmad,

Clement E. Tagoe

Department of Geriatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA, [e-mail].

Abstract

Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain syndromes are among the commonest diseases seen in rheumatology practice. Despite advances in the management of these conditions, they remain significant causes of morbidity and disability. Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder, affecting about 10 % of the population, and is a recognized cause of fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain. Recent reports are shedding light on the mechanisms of pain generation in autoimmune thyroid disease-associated pain syndromes including the role of inflammatory mediators, small-fiber polyneuropathy, and central sensitization. The gradual elucidation of these pain pathways is allowing the rational use of pharmacotherapy in the management of chronic widespread pain in autoimmune thyroid disease. This review looks at the current understanding of the prevalence of pain syndromes in autoimmune thyroid disease, their likely causes, present appreciation of the pathogenesis of chronic widespread pain, and how our knowledge can be used to find lasting and effective treatments for the pain syndromes associated with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Only abstract available without payment.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/244...

link.springer.com/article/1...

If you click on the Look Inside on the magazine icon at the above link, you can see the first two full pages. Which is a little bit better but not enough.

Pain Research and Treatment

Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 426130, 17 pages

dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/426130

Review Article

Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Enrico Bellato,1 Eleonora Marini,1 Filippo Castoldi,1 Nicola Barbasetti,1 Lorenzo Mattei,1 Davide Edoardo Bonasia,2 and Davide Blonna1

Received 28 June 2012; Revised 9 September 2012; Accepted 12 September 2012

Academic Editor: Jonathan O. Dostrovsky

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome is mainly characterized by pain, fatigue, and sleep disruption. The etiology of fibromyalgia is still unclear: if central sensitization is considered to be the main mechanism involved, then many other factors, genetic, immunological, and hormonal, may play an important role. The diagnosis is typically clinical (there are no laboratory abnormalities) and the physician must concentrate on pain and on its features. Additional symptoms (e.g., Raynaud’s phenomenon, irritable bowel disease, and heat and cold intolerance) can be associated with this condition. A careful differential diagnosis is mandatory: fibromyalgia is not a diagnosis of exclusion. Since 1990, diagnosis has been principally based on the two major diagnostic criteria defined by the ACR. Recently, new criteria have been proposed. The main goals of the treatment are to alleviate pain, increase restorative sleep, and improve physical function. A multidisciplinary approach is optimal. While most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids have limited benefit, an important role is played by antidepressants and neuromodulating antiepileptics: currently duloxetine (NNT for a 30% pain reduction 7.2), milnacipran (NNT 19), and pregabalin (NNT 8.6) are the only drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of fibromyalgia. In addition, nonpharmacological treatments should be associated with drug therapy.

Full paper available in multiple formats.

hindawi.com/journals/prt/20...

Rod

[Marz]

Thank you Rod.

[RedApple Administrator]

It's realIy good to see in a bonafide journal what many of us have known all along. I so wish my disbelieving GP (now retired), and various other so called specialists that I've encountered along the way, could see this!

I'd very much like to be able to read the full article. If anyone here has access (through educational establishment or similar perhaps), to the Clinical Rheumatology one, please get in touch.

[Schenks]

As ever, fantastically helpful if need to challenge any scepticism. Thanks, Rod

[asmile4u]

Hi Rod, I can't seem to pull up the second article Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment with that link. I keep getting an error. Has anyone else experienced this. Has it been moved? Thanks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to asmile4u]

Shortly after you posted I tried it - and it didn't work. However it seems OK now. So possibly a temporary problem somewhere.

Do let me know if it continues not to work so that I can check further.

[asmile4u in reply to helvella]

It's working now. Thanks!

[pooderdog]

Thyroid issues are not the only cause for pain. Gut Dysbiosis is also a cause.

[pooderdog in reply to pooderdog]

There are many reasons for muscle pain and exhaustion.

[marmaris]

A wonderful read Helvella which just convinces me more and more that I have Fibro, I have all the many symptoms.