Common Fibromyalgia Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Recovery
Living with fibromyalgia can feel confusing and, honestly, frustrating because there’s so much misinformation around it. Medically, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that changes the way your brain and spinal cord handle pain. Instead of the body responding normally, the nervous system becomes extra sensitive, so even small sensations feel much more intense. This heightened sensitivity explains why people with fibromyalgia often deal with aches throughout their body, constant fatigue, trouble sleeping, and “fibro fog” (those moments when thinking clearly or remembering things feels much harder than usual). Fibromyalgia symptoms overlap with many other conditions, which has caused it to
Exercise & Arthritis: How Movement Can Improve Your Pain & Function
Those who live with arthritis know that it’s more than “just joint pain.” It can turn simple tasks like climbing stairs, opening jars, or even walking across the room into a significant challenge. Arthritis basically means your joints are inflamed, and that often shows up as stiffness, swelling, pain, and less mobility. There are two main types of arthritis that most people face: Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the “wear and tear” type. Over the years, the cartilage between bones gradually wears down, causing the bones to rub together, which leads to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where your immune
Myths About Pain Medications: Understanding Safe Use and Alternatives
Chronic pain severely impacts daily life. In fact, data from the CDC’s 2023 National Health Interview Survey shows that 8.5% of American adults experience high-impact chronic pain, which interferes more severely with everyday tasks, work responsibilities, and physical activities. It can also take a toll on mental health, as chronic pain sufferers often experience persistent frustration, stress, or anxiety. Many people count on pain medications to find relief, hoping to get back to their normal pain-free life soon. But the myths and misinformation about these medications sometimes cause fear or compel one to use them in unsafe ways. For instance, some