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Writer's pictureLisa Chadsey

Reducing the Pain of Fibromyalgia

Updated: Aug 28, 2023



Many of the topics that I bring up in these weekly newsletters are topics that many people have heard of, but don’t know on a deeper level. I think Fibromyalgia is very much a topic of “I know that name…” but what in the world is it?


Well, I’m here to inform you on as much as possible and to help you discover for yourself what many of these big terms actually mean. So that you can be knowledgeable and care for your body & family.


In the journey of taking care of your health - which is so unbelievably important, one of the most important things I would say - you’ll want to uncover what your body needs so you can heal.


On that note, let’s talk more about this week's topic.



What is Fibromyalgia?


This unique disorder is long lasting and results in pain and tenderness throughout your body. At this time, we don’t know what causes this sensitivity and heightened pain, but we do know that it results in increased fatigue and trouble sleeping. (Referenced in article 1)


“Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non painful signals.” (Article 2.)


Diseases that can increase the risk of Fibromyalgia:


Referenced from Article 1

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Lupus

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Depression or anxiety

  • Chronic back pain

  • Irritable bowel syndrome


Symptoms of Fibromyalgia


Because we’re not sure what causes Fibromyalgia, there are many things that science still has to discover about it. For the time being, we know that women tend to get this disease more than men. It usually starts in middle age and your likelihood of getting it increases as your age does. “It occurs in people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.” (Article 1)


What are some additional symptoms of Fibromyalgia?


Referenced from Article 2

  • Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.

  • Fatigue. People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Sleep is often disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.

  • Cognitive difficulties. A symptom commonly referred to as "fibro fog" impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.


Other symptoms may include:

  • Stiffness in muscles and your joints

  • Numbness in limbs

  • Bring fog or issues thinking clearly

  • Heightened sensitivity to touch, light, noise, odors, and temperature.

  • Digestive issues (bloating/constipation, etc.)


How does Light Therapy Help?


Specifically with fibromyalgia, reducing inflammation is key. Utilizing the red light wavelengths in light therapy treats inflammation, wounds and pain by increasing blood flow to your whole body. This especially applies to the areas on your body that are more sensitive to pain.


The blue, red and infrared lights also actively increase circulation to allow your body to regulate and care for itself during a session when your body interacts with the different wavelengths of light. During this time it devotes its energy to circulation, ATP production, and cellular healing so you can reduce the pain you’re experiencing.


What does science say?


This is really exciting, there was a recent study performed that looked at 325 patients who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This study introduced LLLT (low level light therapy) to the patients as well as a placebo treatment.


“The meta-analysis showed that patients receiving LLLT demonstrated significantly greater improvement in…pain severity, number of tender points, fatigue, stiffness, depression, and anxiety.” (Article 3)


They also discovered that “using combined LLLT/LED phototherapy showed significant improvement in most outcomes except for depression when compared to placebo. When compared with pure exercise therapy, combined LLLT/LED phototherapy plus exercise therapy had additional benefits in reducing the severity of pain, number of tender points, and fatigue.” (Article 3)


For those of you out there who have experienced these symptoms or want to know how they can help their bodies heal, know that I am here for you anytime!

Give me a call or send me an email if you would like to talk more.


With Love,


~Lisa Chadsey


_____________________________________________________________________________


If you want to learn more about Light Therapy & my Light Therapy work, you can follow me with the links below, or email me at Lisa@lightmattersinfo.com - thank you for reading!


Here are the articles referenced above:




Instagram | Lightswithlisa

Facebook | Light Matters Therapy

Youtube | Lights With Lisa



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