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Increased pain with age usually affects those with existing degenerative conditions. I realize your question is rhetorical but no, there are many older people walking around without pain. Fibro exacerbates pain from any co-existing condition. Even osteoarthritis can be asymptomatic for some.
It all comes back to our individual bodies with various responses to various conditions. I agree that fibro itself is not progressive however, in most cases, the fibro exists with other conditions & very often those other conditions are progressive.
Another good discussion found in our community......
georgia
Take care,View Thread

My lumbar spine suffers from OA & stenosis. Of course, the fibro exacerbates the pain. A few years back, I tried deep tissue massage & enjoyed the experience but this was before the pains in my lower back became evident.
At present, gentle swimming & water walking at the warm water pool are helping to keep me flexible.
I just don't want to end up bent over like you see some who suffer from spinal stenosis.
Have your conditions affected your mobility? How is your posture? You are fortunate to have a good neurosurgeon. I'm afraid some day I will need one.
Thank you,
georgiaView Thread

Things that help me with pain include:
- warm water therapy (walking, swimming, etc.); my daily visits to the pool offer me a bonus in the distraction from pain while engaging in commoraderie (sp?) with the other pool users.
- gentle stretching exercises performed throughout the day help to ease the stiffness.
- deep breathing exercises performed especially during tasks that become difficult (such as getting dressed, etc.).
- reading (but I must make sure to get up & move around every 20 minutes or so as staying in any position for too long is not good).
- watching a good movie (or anything without commercials).
- checking in on WebMD communities - better than a visit to any doctor's office!
georgiaView Thread

You are truly an inspiration to us all! Can I ask why you will be having lumbar surgery?
I, too, developed fibro around menopause time. The funny thing is that it's the only "symptom" I've had. I will soon be 57 & never had a hot flash or any of the other lovely menopausal symptoms. Of course, I would trade the fibro for any of them!
I also suffer from osteoarthritis in many joints. My lower back is where most of my pain lies. This is why I ask about your pending lumbar surgery.
Best of luck to you & again, thanks for the inspiration.
georgiaView Thread

Like many of us, I hopped from doctor to doctor in search of a diagnosis for symptoms that were almost inexplicable. Because most of my original symptoms were throughout my spine, I eventually saw a neurosurgeon. After reviewing MRI's I brought with me (ordered by a previous doctor) he agreed that I had some osteoarthritis however, he felt my symptoms were not related to the oa.
After examining me & closely listening to my symptoms, he broke the news that I was suffering from the beginning stages of a myofascial condition. He never mentioned the word "fibromyalgia." The look on his face warned me that I was in for a lifetime of pain.
Following that diagnosis, I saw a physiatrist, rheumatlogist & my PCP. The only drug I agreed to was amitriptyline, which did help but after being on it a couple of years I stopped & decided to stick with various vitamin & mineral supplements.
All the doctors recommended warm water exercises & I use the warm water pool at my neighborhood gym every day. It's been very therapeutic.
Thank you for another great discussion.
georgiaView Thread

We've missed you. Sorry to hear of your ringing ears & other pains. Especially sorry to learn of your losing your daughter. Was this recent? Losing one's child is considered to be the greatest loss one can suffer.
I've always enjoyed your input so I hope to see you back here on a regular basis. I find these communities to be very therapeutic.
georgiaView Thread

Does your area have a physiatrist? They provide pain management for those living with various conditions that cause chronic pain.
On the conservative treatment side, I highly recommend warm water pool therapy. I visit one daily & it truly helps to keep me more flexible & mobile.
Best of luck to you!
georgiaView Thread

georgiaView Thread

Does cognitive behavioral therapy work on adjusting one's attitude? I haven't been to an actual therapy but find when I discipline myself through attitude adjustment, I feel much better.
I look forward to going to bed. Although I seem to toss & turn more than I care to as it only reminds me of the various places I hurt, I find sleep for the most part to be a good escape from this condition. One of the many Fibro symptoms I suffer from is frequent urination so that, too, gets me up at least once during the night. Sometimes I'm awakened out of a (rare) deep sleep mode & that can be very upsetting.
georgiaView Thread

I've been using 5HTP for a couple of years & find that it does help me sleep better. I take it with Valerian, an herb that is supposed to have a calming affect.
I don't take any prescription medicines & if you do, please check to see how this or any supplement may interact with any med(s) you may be taking.
Best wishes for sweet dreams.
georgiaView Thread
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