Techniques for Managing Pain. great article

Informative article Link: Aches and Pains – Just Normal Aches and Pains.

Surprising study results link: Work Environment Can Increase Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

IU Fibromyalgia research study website Link: Fibromyalgia.

IU School of Medicine Fibromyalgia Research Study
Fibromyalgia (FMS), defined as the presence of both chronic widespread pain and the finding of 11/18 tender points on examination, affects 2% of the general population. Despite the recent advances in drug treatment for FMS, a greater majority continues to experience disabling pain, fatigue and impairment in physical function. To help reduce the burden of FMS illness, the current study is being conducted to determine the efficacy of a telephone-based support system to encourage people with fibromyalgia to pursue a healthy lifestyle, which then lead to improvement in symptoms. This federally-funded research study will enroll 200 participants and randomly assigning them to either a motivational-based support system or a health educational-based support system. Participants will receive 6 telephone calls and will undergo outcome assessment at week 1, week 12, week 24 and week 36. As an outcome of this study, we expect to enhance the adoption and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle for FMS sufferers. We believe that a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for people with FMS in reducing pain severity and improving quality of life.