Recent advances in the understanding of fibromyalgia have been made possible by results from studies looking at cytokine protein and fibromyalgia syndrome. While there hasn’t been a conclusive determination, research has detected a definite connection between the levels of cytokine protein in the blood, and fibromyalgia. This can open whole new doors for treatment and relief of symptoms. It may even be the key to preventing future flare ups too.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
There is no short list of symptoms for fibromyalgia, it is described as a cluster. The most prevalent are pervasive body, joint and muscle pain, pain in response to pressure, sleep disturbance, mood changes, depression, loss of balance, lack of coordination, muscle stiffness, fatigue and brain fog.
It can also appear disguised as other disorders and diseases too. Cervical stenosis, IBS, endometriosis all have been related to fibromyalgia. It is uncertain which is the cause of what, but it now recognized that the presence of any increases the risk for all.
Why do people get fibromyalgia?
The same way that there is no defined list of symptoms, but a cluster for diagnosing fibromyalgia – there is also a broad range of risk factors that may indicate someone will develop the disease. While it is mostly diagnosed in women over the age of 18, men are also diagnosed with it as are some children. It is suspected that there is a gene for it, as having someone in your family with fibro increases your risk factor.
It is also found to be related to traumatic brain injuries and immune system disorders. Having a major illness or being in a car accident can raise your risk just as high as someone whose mother had the illness too. One curious thing is that the onset of menopause seems to result in a reduction of severity of symptoms for many – this implies a hormonal component to the disease which would explain why men and some children also have it.
What are cytokine proteins?
The simple way to understand the importance of cytokine protein and fibromyalgia syndrome is that the cytokine protein is what the immune system needs to move and be effective – in fibromyalgia, the immune system is impaired. Low levels of cytokine protein are often detected in those suspected of having fibromyalgia. The thinking behind the diagnoses criteria for fibromyalgia is becoming much for targeted and advanced.
The more science can identify the specific measurable elements of fibromyalgia the more people will benefit. Not only will diagnosis be an easier and faster process; but measurable methods also help to dispel the myth that fibromyalgia is “all in your head.”
Between the cytokine protein levels and the latest findings that fibromyalgia creates a detectable change in the brain that can be scanned – more people will get the help they need sooner, and not have to suffer from anyone thinking they are making up their suffering for attention.
How are the levels of cytokine protein measured?
The cytokine protein levels are measured using a blood test called ELISA. This is a profile that stands for enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. It is looking specifically at a range of enzyme and protein levels in the blood that are linked to a variety of immune disorders, and the normal aging process. What your doctor is looking for is whether or not your cytokine protein levels are too low, or too high.
Does low cytokine cause fibromyalgia?
A lot of people have misunderstood the research and relationship between cytokine protein and fibromyalgia syndrome to mean that a low level is an indicator of fibromyalgia. This has led much investment in supplements to boost the proteins – but that may not be what you really want to do. Two different research studies have identified a relationship between having a very low cytokine level, and a very high one – as being related to fibromyalgia.
In other words, as cytokine protein is essential to the proper functioning of your immune system, when a disease such as fibromyalgia is present it can cause this protein to either deplete, or become excessive. Both are indicators that the immune system is impaired.
Should I try to boost my cytokine protein levels?
There is no known alternative treatment or supplement that can raise or lower your cytokine protein levels. There are three approved drugs that are known to effect cytokine production. If your levels are too low or too high, you and your doctor should discuss the variety of medications available that are typically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis as it is an immune disorder, not a bone or joint disease.
Looking at fibromyalgia holistically
The most important thing to remember is that if you have fibromyalgia syndrome that you must view it holistically. It is considered a chronic disease, but not a degenerative one or a terminal illness. This means that the best approach is to use all the resources available to you to get relief from your symptoms and to control your flare-ups.
Balancing a traditional and alternative approach to treatment
Choosing to create a balance between traditional Western medicine and alternative treatments has given many people relief from their symptoms. Acupuncture and massage are both known to be very successful. The proper use of pain and anti-inflammatory medications can also help you. Both worlds are also going to recommend that you adopt lifestyle changes that are known to decrease flareups and ease symptoms too. These changes include diet and exercise routines, as well as being proactive about reducing and managing stress.
Making sure your have the right tests done
You and your doctor no longer have to guess if you have fibromyalgia or not. If you are reporting enough of the symptoms in the cluster, your doctor may order tests. The relationship between cytokine protein and fibromyalgia syndrome is not fully understood, but it is recognized. The more you know for sure, the better you will be able to identify treatments that will work for you.
Further reading:
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_cytokine_levels.html
http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Cytokines.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2562869/
http://www.raysahelian.com/cytokines.html
Comments