Fibromyalgia: Future Research and Treatment - Dr. Jarred Younger

Recorded May 4, 2014, as part of the Calgary International Awareness Day Educational Event for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, & Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

In this presentation Dr. Younger discusses advances in our understanding of Fibromyalgia, and treatments for the disorder that may become available in the next few years. He spoke to us by web connection from his office at Stanford University.

Jarred Younger, PhD, is a researcher and an Assistant Professor of Pain Management at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Younger directs the Adult and Pediatric Pain Lab at Stanford, and is an expert on Fibromyalgia. Dr. Younger's main interest is in understanding and treating adult and pediatric chronic pain, using novel neuroimaging and pharmaceutical techniques.

Note: For this presentation, there are downloadable files. One is a PDF document of Dr. Younger's presentation slides so that you can look at them on your computer in full-screen mode, a question/answer PDF which covers the questions asked during the live presentation but not addressed at that time due to time restrictions, and an audio-only version of Dr. Younger's presentation in MP3 format for anyone wishing to listen to it on a mobile device or car, etc…

Included in This Recording.

1. Prognosis for FM: Over an 11-year period, 25% of people with fibromyalgia improve but 39% worsen. 
2. Neuroinflammation: Microglia (cells in our brain that are responsible for our immune defense) cause the sickness response in the body (body aches and pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, depressed mood, anhedonia, psychomotor slowing, social isolation, and headache) by releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals when triggered.
3. Central Sensitization: Similarities between the symptoms of fibromyalgia and the sickness response suggest a central sensitivity syndrome.
4. FM Triggers: Microglia may be primed or sensitized (possibly by infection, stress, chemical sensitivities, or drugs) and become hyper-excitable in fibromyalgia.
5. Clinical Trials: Microglia modulators/suppressors are currently being investigated as potential treatments for fibromyalgia including pharmaceuticals, botanicals, and mind-body techniques.

If you are seeking help in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, check out my latest books or online sessions linked here.

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