Cerebrospinal fluid levels of opioid peptides in fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain

Description: CONCLUSIONS: Fibromyalgia was distinguished by higher cerebrospinal fluid MEAP, systemic complaints, and manual tender points; intermediate SF-36 scores; and lower pain thresholds compared to the low back pain and normal groups. MEAP and systemic pain thresholds were inversely correlated in low back pain subjects. Central nervous system opioid dysfunction may contribute to pain in fibromyalgia.
Cerebrospinal fluid levels of opioid peptides in fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Baraniuk JN, Whalen G, Cunningham J, Clauw DJ. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2004 Dec 9;5:48.