Your Body's Tension: Insights on Fibromyalgia and Beyond

The body feels as if it is bound by a rope, similar to Dongpo pork?

Hello, doctor.
Since March of last year, I have felt as if my body is bound by a rope, similar to Dongpo pork.
The thickness of this rope feels about the same as the wire of earphones (the thinner ones for the left and right ear canals).
It wraps around my chest and extends to both sides, going over the collarbone to the back.
On the left side, it travels up the left side of my neck, passes through my ear, and wraps around my left eye.
The right side runs from the upper back down to my right palm.
Although I do not feel anything obvious on the left side, I suspect it is still there.
The two sides connect at a high point on my back and then extend down to my legs.
The right leg feels as if the rope runs out from the inner thigh, moving forward to the knee and then down through the calf to the sole of the foot.
Occasionally, I feel a line passing through my left foot, but it is not very noticeable.
This sensation tightens and sticks to my bones and muscles or loosens depending on my emotional state.
After feeling very uncomfortable, I sought cupping therapy for fascial release.
(I did not consult a Western doctor first because three years ago, I had unexplained bruising on the inner side of my right calf, and many doctors could not find the cause; they only prescribed muscle relaxants, which I felt were ineffective.) After six months of fascial release treatment, the lines that were hidden deep in my body slowly became more apparent.
However, since I felt the cupping effects were still limited, I consulted a rehabilitation doctor at the end of last year.
The doctor diagnosed me with fibromyalgia.
The next day, I visited a neurologist at the Veterans General Hospital who specializes in this symptom.
He said he was about 50% sure it was fibromyalgia and ordered blood tests and prescribed an antidepressant.
After returning for a follow-up, I am consulting you because I believe this is not fibromyalgia and I want to seek more opinions from doctors.
I have researched the main symptoms of this condition, such as widespread tender points, and I do not have those.
Since taking the antidepressant, I occasionally feel a sense of relaxation in my body, but the rope sensation has become more pronounced.
When I raise my right hand, I can feel it pulling the rope in my back that connects to my right foot, as if a foreign object is moving within my body.
Recently, I began to suspect that this might be related to the treatment I received two years ago for palmar hyperhidrosis, which involved a technique called "stereotactic radiofrequency ablation," where nerves were burned at the T3 or T4 level on both sides.
I remember the doctor mentioning that my nerves were difficult to locate after the surgery.
I wonder if something was damaged during the procedure, leading to my current condition.
I am unclear about what is happening in my body and what remedies or treatments are available.
If it is merely fibromyalgia, I have heard that medication combined with 30 minutes of daily exercise and stress relief for six months can lead to a cure.
However, I already had a habit of running daily and occasionally swimming before the onset of my symptoms...
so is it possible that this is another condition? I would like to consult you, doctor! Thank you.

Franky, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/06

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Mr.
Franky,
You mentioned that "the sensation travels from the left side up through the neck, passing through the left ear and splitting into two paths around the left eye, then running down the right side of the back to the right palm.
Although there is no obvious feeling on the left side, I suspect it is still present.
The two pathways connect at a high point on the back and then descend to the feet.
The right foot sensation emerges from the inner thigh, running forward to the knee and then down through the calf to the sole..." You also noted that you had a habit of running on the playground daily and occasionally swimming before the onset of symptoms.
This may warrant an investigation into spinal nerve root or spinal nerve compression.

Have you ever tried using yoga for relaxation? The use of tranquilizers began with tricyclic antidepressants, which usually have some therapeutic effects on neuropathic pain.
If fibromyalgia is suspected, Lyrica can be taken to alleviate symptoms.
For nerve repair, it is recommended to supplement with B vitamins and vitamin D to enhance recovery.
I suggest consulting a neurologist specializing in peripheral nerves, as they have more experience with electromyography diagnostics.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further! Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2022/01/06

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that have been quite distressing for you. Your description of feeling as if your body is bound by "strings" and the associated sensations of tightness and discomfort can indeed be perplexing. While I cannot provide a diagnosis, I can offer some insights based on your symptoms and the information you've shared.

Firstly, your symptoms may align with a condition known as fibromyalgia, which is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. However, you mentioned that you do not experience the typical "trigger points" associated with fibromyalgia, which complicates the picture. Fibromyalgia can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as "fibro fog"), and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. The fact that your symptoms seem to fluctuate with your emotional state could suggest a connection to stress or anxiety, which are known to exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.

The sensation of "strings" or tightness you describe could also be related to myofascial pain syndrome, where tight bands of muscle fibers (trigger points) can cause referred pain and discomfort. This condition can be influenced by stress, posture, and physical activity. Your history of seeking treatments like cupping and myofascial release indicates that you are actively trying to manage your symptoms, which is a positive step.

Regarding the surgical procedure you underwent for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), it is possible that the surgery could have affected the nerves in the area, leading to altered sensations or discomfort. Nerve damage or changes in nerve function can sometimes result in unusual sensations, including the feeling of tightness or pulling. If the surgery involved the sympathetic nervous system, it could potentially lead to changes in how your body perceives pain or discomfort.

It is also important to consider the psychological aspect of your symptoms. Chronic pain and discomfort can lead to anxiety, which in turn can exacerbate physical symptoms. The interplay between physical and emotional health is significant, and addressing both aspects may be necessary for effective management.

In terms of treatment, it is crucial to have a comprehensive approach. Here are some suggestions:
1. Consultation with Specialists: Since you have already seen neurologists and rehabilitation specialists, consider consulting a pain management specialist or a rheumatologist who has experience with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. They can provide a more targeted approach to your symptoms.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy that focuses on stretching, strengthening, and relaxation techniques may help alleviate some of the tightness and discomfort you are experiencing.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): If anxiety or stress is a contributing factor, CBT can be beneficial in managing the psychological aspects of chronic pain.

4. Medication: While you are currently on medication for anxiety, it may be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of medications specifically for pain management, such as low-dose antidepressants or anticonvulsants that are often used to treat fibromyalgia.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Continue with regular exercise, as it has been shown to improve symptoms in many individuals with fibromyalgia. Additionally, practices such as yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.

6. Diet and Nutrition: Some individuals find that dietary changes can impact their symptoms. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial.

7. Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare providers are essential to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may suggest fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare providers to explore all potential causes and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Your proactive approach to seeking help and exploring various treatment options is commendable, and with the right support, you can work towards finding relief from your symptoms.

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