{"id":18955,"date":"2025-06-25T09:11:50","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T15:11:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fibrocanada.ca\/?page_id=18955"},"modified":"2026-01-13T09:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:28:21","slug":"research-highlights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/research-highlights","title":{"rendered":"Research Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>The Cycle of Research<\/p>\n<p>The cycle of research is a continuous, non-linear process that begins with identifying a problem or question and moving through stages such as investigation, analysis, and sharing results.<\/p>\n<p>Research about fibromyalgia must include people who live with fibromyalgia.<\/p>\n<p>When lived experience is part of the research team, studies are more relevant, respectful & impactful.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_0 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/research-highlightsENGLISH.png\" alt=\"Research Highlights\" title=\"research-highlights(ENGLISH)\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/research-highlightsENGLISH.png 650w, https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/research-highlightsENGLISH-480x480.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 650px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-20918\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_24_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_24_24_widescreen et_flex_column_24_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_blog_0 et_pb_blog et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_posts et_pb_module et_blog_grid_equal_height preset--module--divi-blog--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_ajax_pagination_container\"><div class=\"et_pb_posts et_grid_module\"><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_17922 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_0 post-17922 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-fac-blog category-research-highlights category-sociable tag-fibromyalgia tag-myalgic-encephalomyelitis tag-research pmpro-level-required pmpro-level-1 pmpro-level-8 pmpro-level-9 pmpro-level-10 pmpro-no-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/discriminatemefromfibromyalgia\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/5.png\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"myalgic encephalomyelitis has overlapping symptoms with fibromyalgia\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/discriminatemefromfibromyalgia\">Circulating microRNA expression signatures accurately discriminate myalgic encephalomyelitis from fibromyalgia and comorbid conditions<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)( also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)), and fibromyalgia (FM) are two long-term illnesses with complex symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body. Due to their overlapping symptoms and lack of clear biomarkers (i.e., blood tests), these conditions are...<\/p>\n<div class=\"pmpro\"><div class=\"pmpro_card pmpro_content_message et_pb_row\"><div class=\"pmpro_card_content\">This content requires membership to view. <br \/>Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/membership-account\/membership-levels\">Join Now or sign in below.<\/a> <\/div><div class=\"pmpro_card_actions pmpro_font-medium\">Already a member? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fibrocanada.ca%2Fen%2Fdiscriminatemefromfibromyalgia\">Log in here<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_17905 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_1 post-17905 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-sociable tag-doctor pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/doctorsandfibromyalgia\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3.png\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Previous studies show provider stigma and inadequate pain management are common reasons for frustration amongst fibromyalgia patients. Doctors don\u2019t always agree on how to treat fibromyalgia (FM). There is a lot of variety in the treatments they recommend, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some treatments, like exercise, work well for many people, but others, like opioids or alternative therapies, are rarely suggested. Many doctors also don\u2019t follow clear guidelines for FM, which can make it harder for patients to get consistent care. This study looked at how doctors think about FM, how they treat it, and the challenges patients face when seeking help.\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/doctorsandfibromyalgia\">What Do Doctors Know About Fibromyalgia and How Do They Treat It?<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Doctors don\u2019t always agree on how to treat fibromyalgia (FM). There is a lot of variety in the treatments they recommend, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some treatments, like exercise, work well for many people, but others, like opioids or alternative therapies, are rarely suggested. Many doctors also don\u2019t follow clear guidelines for FM, which can make it harder for patients to get consistent care. This study looked at how doctors think about FM, how they treat it, and the challenges patients face when seeking help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_17902 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_2 post-17902 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-sociable tag-fibromyalgia tag-lay-summary tag-medications pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/fibromyalgiacadencetrial\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1.png\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"fibromyalgia sometimes responds to medication\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/fibromyalgiacadencetrial\">Combination analgesic development for enhanced clinical efficacy (the CADENCE trial): a double-blind, controlled trial of an alpha-lipoic acid-pregabalin combination for fibromyalgia pain.<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Fibromyalgia pain may respond to different drugs. However only 40 &#8211; 60 % of people with fibromyalgia notice the drugs decrease their pain. Those who do see a decrease, experience a reduction of &#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_14307 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_3 post-14307 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-sociable pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/how-effective-are-alternative-treatments-for-fm\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1-e1741112929311.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"This study looks at how well different alternative treatments, for example acupuncture and massage, work for people with fibromyalgia. Researchers want to see if these treatments can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and make people feel better overall.\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/how-effective-are-alternative-treatments-for-fm\">How Effective Are Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>This research shows that some alternative medicine treatments work better than standard treatments for helping with pain, anxiety, and sleep in some people with fibromyalgia. <\/p>\n<p>Check it out to see what alternative treatment works best. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_13099 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_4 post-13099 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-how-to-understand category-sociable pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/about-scientific-and-medical-journals\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-e1741112855630.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"Scientific or Medical Journals are publications whose goal it is to expand and facilitate inquiry into scientific and medical fields through publishing research, findings, or studies conducted by academic experts and \/ or students in their specific fields.\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/about-scientific-and-medical-journals\">What You Need to Know About Scientific and Medical Journals?\u00a0<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Scientific or Medical Journals are publications whose goal it is to expand and facilitate inquiry into scientific and medical fields through publishing research, findings, or studies conducted by academic experts and \/ or students in their specific fields.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_13084 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_5 post-13084 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-sociable tag-blood-test tag-fibromyalgia tag-research pmpro-level-required pmpro-level-10 pmpro-no-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/is-there-a-blood-test-for-fibromyalgia\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1.png\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Is there a blood test for fibromyalgia\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/is-there-a-blood-test-for-fibromyalgia\">Is There A Diagnostic Blood Test to Tell if I Have Fibromyalgia AND Is it a Good Test?<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Currently, there is no definitive blood test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is based on a combination of the individual's reported symptoms, a physical examination that identifies signs associated with the condition, and diagnostic tests\u2014such as blood tests, X-rays, and scans\u2014that help confirm or rule out other potential conditions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pmpro\"><div class=\"pmpro_card pmpro_content_message et_pb_row\"><div class=\"pmpro_card_content\">This content requires membership to view. <br \/>Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/membership-account\/membership-levels\">Join Now or sign in below.<\/a> <\/div><div class=\"pmpro_card_actions pmpro_font-medium\">Already a member? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fibrocanada.ca%2Fen%2Fis-there-a-blood-test-for-fibromyalgia\">Log in here<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_12961 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_6 post-12961 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-research category-sociable pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/intramuscular-pressure-study\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/5-e1741113698191.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"This study challenges one theory of pain in FM, which is central sensitization and seeks to show that pain in the muscles is linked to elevated pressure in the muscles.\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/intramuscular-pressure-study\">Intramuscular pressure is almost three times higher in fibromyalgia patients<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>The exact cause of fibromyalgia (FM) is unknown. The most common understanding is central sensitization where the brain processes pain signals abnormally which then causes the pain.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_22886 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_7 post-22886 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-research category-sociable tag-lay-summary tag-low-dose-naltrexone tag-research-highlights pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/low-dose-naltrexone\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1.png\" width=\"675\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Low Dose Naltrexone - Fibromyalgia Association Canada information graphic\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/low-dose-naltrexone\">Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Plain Language Summary\u00a0<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Lay Summary of a systemic review to better understand whether Low Dose Naltrexone may be a helpful option for  people living with fibromyalgia. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_22852 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_8 post-22852 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-research category-sociable tag-lay-summary tag-research tag-research-highlights pmpro-level-required pmpro-level-10 pmpro-no-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/painreliefbytargettingsleepwithsublingualcyclobenzaprine\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3.png\" width=\"675\" height=\"675\" alt=\"This is a Lay Summary on Pain relief by targeting nonrestorative sleep in fibromyalgia: a phase 3 randomized trial of bedtime sublingual cyclobenzaprine. We have the English Fibromyalgia Association Canada banner with the title om the left and someone inserting a pill under their tongue on the left (sublingual)\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/painreliefbytargettingsleepwithsublingualcyclobenzaprine\">Pain relief by targeting nonrestorative sleep in fibromyalgia: a phase 3 randomized trial of bedtime sublingual cyclobenzaprine<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Pain Relief by Targeting Nonrestorative Sleep in Fibromyalgia<\/p>\n<p>This Phase 3 randomized trial examines the role of nonrestorative sleep in fibromyalgia and investigates a bedtime sublingual formulation of cyclobenzaprine as a potential approach to addressing sleep-related symptoms. By focusing on sleep physiology rather than pain alone, the study contributes to ongoing research into the underlying mechanisms of fibromyalgia and emerging treatment strategies.<\/p>\n<p>FAC shares this research in lay language to support informed conversations and encourage members to explore current evidence in fibromyalgia care.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pmpro\"><div class=\"pmpro_card pmpro_content_message et_pb_row\"><div class=\"pmpro_card_content\">This content requires membership to view. <br \/>Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/membership-account\/membership-levels\">Join Now or sign in below.<\/a> <\/div><div class=\"pmpro_card_actions pmpro_font-medium\">Already a member? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fibrocanada.ca%2Fen%2Fpainreliefbytargettingsleepwithsublingualcyclobenzaprine\">Log in here<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"et_pb_post et_pb_post_id_12949 clearfix et_pb_blog_item_0_9 post-12949 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research-highlights category-sociable pmpro-has-access\"><div class=\"et_pb_image_container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/passive-transfer-from-patients-to-mice\" class=\"entry-featured-image-url\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/7-e1741114068193.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" alt=\"In the general population the incidence of FM is at least 2% but increases to 10-30% in people who have autoimmune rheumatological conditions. Based on this increase in prevalence the authors investigated whether autoreactive IgG is responsible for some of the key symptoms in FM. IgG is a type of protein antibody found in the blood, which protects us from bacterial and viral infections.\" class=\"\" \/><span data-icon=\"5\" class=\"et_overlay et_pb_inline_icon\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/passive-transfer-from-patients-to-mice\">Passive transfer of fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice<\/a><\/h2><p class=\"post-meta\"><\/p><div class=\"post-content\"><div class=\"post-content-inner\"><p>Researchers found that the passive transfer of IgG from fibromyalgia patients to mice triggered key symptoms, suggesting fibromyalgia may have an autoimmune component. Read more to see the limitations of this study. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Cycle of Research  <\/p>\n<p>The cycle of research is a continuous, non-linear process that begins with identifying a problem or question and moving through stages such as investigation, analysis, and sharing results.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":966,"featured_media":20918,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18955","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/966"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}