New Research Continues to Suggests Brain, Fibromyalgia, Low Back Pain, IBS and Chronic Pain Connection

There is new research out, that suggests variations in brain gray matter volume and density have been reported in association with a variety of disorders characterized by chronic pain, including chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.1, 2, 3, 4, 5  There is such a large body of evidence in support of this phenomenon that I believe it to be a preponderance of evidence that should not be ignored, especially in a clinical setting.  The fact that changes in the brain are being further recognized and investigated as having an association with these chronic health conditions is very exciting.  In clinical practice I have seen great improvement in those with fibromyalgia when focusing on supporting brain health from metabolic and functional neurological perspectives.  By encouraging improved brain health through diet, exercise, specific temporary supplementation based on functional blood chemistry, and by using functional neurology, significant improvement in these conditions is achievable.  I’ve seen very positive changes in peoples’ health using this non-drug, brain and blood chemistry approach.  As I learn of more research possibly making a direct connection between brain volume/density and these chronic conditions I’ll be sure to post it.

1. Wood PB. “Variations in Brain Gray Matter Associated with Chronic Pain.” Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2010 Sep 21.
2. Wood PB, Glabus MF, Simpson R, Patterson JC 2nd. “Changes in gray matter density in fibromyalgia: correlation with dopamine metabolism.” J Pain. 2009 Jun;10(6):609-18. Epub 2009 Apr 23.
3. Kuchinad A, Schweinhardt P, Seminowicz DA, Wood PB, Chizh BA, Bushnell MC. “Accelerated brain gray matter loss in fibromyalgia patients: premature aging of the brain?” J Neurosci. 2007 Apr 11;27(15):4004-7.
4. Burgmer M, Gaubitz M, Konrad C, Wrenger M, Hilgart S, Heuft G, Pfleiderer B. “Decreased gray matter volumes in the cingulo-frontal cortex and the amygdala in patients with fibromyalgia.” Psychosom Med. 2009 Jun;71(5):566-73. Epub 2009 May 4.
5. Luerding R, Weigand T, Bogdahn U, Schmidt-Wilcke T. “Working memory performance is correlated with local brain morphology in the medial frontal and anterior cingulate cortex in fibromyalgia patients: structural correlates of pain-cognition interaction.” Brain. 2008 Dec;131(Pt 12):3222-31. Epub 2008 Sep 26.