Search

[Purpose] The aim of the study was to determine the effect of xenon irradiation of the stellate ganglion region on fibromyalgia. [Subjects] The study included 5 men and 22 women (age, 56.4 ± 16.3 years [range, 25–84 years]) who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the modified 2010 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology between July and August 2013. [Methods] Bilateral xenon light irradiation (0.38–1.1 μm) around the stellate ganglion was performed in the supine position by physical therapists using a xenon phototherapy device. We evaluated pain before and after irradiation using the visual analogue scale. [Results] We did not observe a relationship between the change in the visual analogue scale score and duration of fibromyalgia. However, we observed a relationship between the change in the visual analogue scale score and the score for the Japanese version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. [Conclusion] Xenon light irradiation of the stellate ganglion significantly decreased the visual analogue scale score in patients with fibromyalgia having a higher score in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, suggesting that a stronger effect could be obtained in patients with more severe fibromyalgia.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a typical autoimmune disease of connective tissue, with the synovial joints as the main site of the disease. Bone erosion occurs in the initial stage. A key factor in treating and understanding the prognosis of the disease is to determine which stage of the lesion is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In order to assess bone erosion and determine the degree of synovial proliferation, ultrasonography has come into the spotlight as a method of visualizing the rheumatoid arthritis lesion, which cannot be distinguished superficially from the cutaneous condition. Joint ultrasonography is a relatively inexpensive procedure that can be used to examine patients repeatedly; therefore, we can compare serial data from such patients. The joint lesion, which we focused on, can be understood in real time and is superior in many respects. However, at present, there are problems with examiner bias and the lack of a standard assessment method, because joint ultrasonography alone does not provide objective imaging findings. Now, joint ultrasonography is also useful as a supportive method to clarify mobility around the articular region. Ultrasonography might be used as a supportive method for the early diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, evaluation of the drug efficacy, prognosis, and as part of the differential diagnosis.

Introduction Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. Patients with fibromyalgia are treated with pharmacotherapy and many other therapies. However, because the cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, there is currently no clinically effective treatment method. Case presentation We report the case of a patient who developed fibromyalgia after left femoral neck fracture. After several caudal epidural blocks for lumbar pain, the pain throughout the body and abnormal discomfort in the laryngopharyngeal region reduced. Site-specific targeted pain control was effective in treating his pain and discomfort. Conclusion The present case suggests that treatment targeting symptoms in one part of the body might produce a systemic therapeutic effect in patients with fibromyalgia.