OxyContin: A Cause of Chronic FMS?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of muscle and connective tissue that produces symptomatic pain. It is described as a central nervous system “sensitization” syndrome.
It is noted that many people with FMS also suffer from anxiety, depression, tension headaches, jaw clenching, irritable bowel syndrome, FMS leading to feelings of fatigue and intense local and generalized “pain”.
They also take OxyContin.
Serotonin and Substance P are the neurotransmitters implicated in the onset of FMS, regardless of what event might be seen as having “triggered” FMS in any particular individual.
Lack of deep sleep is also implicated, with low levels of Somatomedin C. There is depletion of of adrenal function. The use of opioid drugs to combat pain is contraindicated as long term opioid use contributes to slow metabolic rate leading to, among other things constipation, lethargy, decreased circulation, muscle tone and strength.
Sufferers specifically have elevated levels of Substance P in the spinal cord, decreased blood flow to the Thalamus, that helps regulate general perception.
The cause of fibromyalgia is said to be unknown, although it is often a secondary “complaint”, brought on by some form of debilitating stress, illness or injury.
Given that neurological deficits or imbalances appear to be implicated in FMS, it might be that the ongoing use of toxic, psychoactive drugs as medications is a contributory cause.
By way of example – Substance P plays a role in that universal complaint that is known as alcohol related hiccups.
It can be seen that the role of Substance P, in the body, is benign – it is a good thing to expel toxins from the body, and help the body to heal. Substance P is a primary force in the body as an instigator of healing, a comprehensive agent of recovery.
However, due to its association with the pain response, the inflammatory response, including the activation of mast cells, Substance P has been regarded by some as creating an impediment to proper healing.
Unfortunately, modern medicine is anxious to use it’s painkillers, antibiotics, – anti this and that’s – so as to effect some “treatment”. It even tries, in error, to medicate away the healing processes of the body.
Not surprisingly, the toxic drugs we use have a detrimental effect on Substance P and, for example the glial system.
Whereas medical science will refer to other substances as being toxic, it does not see it own drugs in that way.
The body naturally tried to work around, neutralize and eliminate drugs from the body as with any other toxin.
Pain, inflammation, immobility, swelling, reduced functionality, additional sleep, a “depressed” state of equilibrium – the body knows best what conditions must be for optimal repair and recovery, yet we try to medicate against them.
Has medical science yet perfected a band aid as effective as the blister. Why on earth do we pop it and put on our own inferior material?
The moment we medicate with a toxic drug it adversely affects the capacity of the body to optimize its own synergy to restore health and balance.
Substance P, apart from its many other beneficial functions, regulates endogenous painkilling substances, resulting in optimal and effective analgesia. Although known to promote pain in the body, Substance P also acts so as to regulate it.
As a possible factor in the generation of FMS, the chronic use of opioids diminishes Substance P availablity. This, among other causes of depletion leads to a proliferaton of substance P receptors (neoplasticity) as an attempt by the body to maintain adequate supply. When supply is regained, the proliferation of Substance P receptors can create a state of supersensivity to pain in the central nervous system, a feature of FMS.
Further stress, from continued opioid use maintains rebound, intensified feelings of pain.
The psychoactive medications we use also disrupt serotonin levels and can exercerbate anxiety, increase depression and contribute to feelings of pain. Long term pain has a strong emotional component that can inhibit recovery.
The situation is worse if we start taking narcotics as a medication. Narcotics create their own problems with our emotional feelings, and deplete the physical state of our body.
What people need with FMS is to encourage the production of Substance P and other natural healing mechanisms, not to be left at the mercy of opioid drugs, “antidepressants” and their continued pain. By taking opioid drugs long term we might be causing our chronic pain to continue due to CNS sensitization effects.
As a single, relevant stress factor, it is probable that chronic use of opioid drugs leads to the development of chronic FMS, a situation in which the purported remedy is part of the problem.
The whole issue of prescription OxyContin addiction, opioid dependency, overdose and death – and the place of medication today as a basis for public health care is not merely a matter of controlling diversion.
We need to keep drugs out of healthcare completely – and publicly fund and support non toxic, effective alternative options for good health, and opioid addiction recovery.
Instead of taking opioids such as OxyContin for years, people with FMS need to get clean of their whole drug regime. and give their body and mind a chance to recover their natural function and begin the work of healing.
In the process of getting clean from their Oxy addiction, it is very likely that FMS sufferers will also find the key to their suffering, an opportunity to work through and work out deep seated causes of stress in their life, that lead to disrupted physical and mental functioning.
Sort out your issues, get help with your pain using drug free alternative remedies. You can become FMS and opioid addiction free – with no further need or desire for OxyContin, no more chronic , debilitating pain.
Hello – the Macguy – this one’s for you!