Mission
The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association (AFSA) has two missions:
- fund superior quality biomedical research on fibromyalgia
- educate patients about this serious, life-impacting disease
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 charity and have assisted people with fibromyalgia since 1994.
Research
AFSA is the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to accelerate the pace of medical discoveries on fibromyalgia. We don’t just say we support research; we have been funding high-quality studies on this disease since 1995.
Our research grants (up to $85,000) enable scientists to collect the vital data needed to receive large sums of money from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other agencies. In addition, most AFSA awards generate research papers in peer-reviewed medical journals. So, funding from AFSA accomplishes two goals: (1) expands research in targeted areas important for helping patients and (2) educates other scientists and treating physicians about advances in fibromyalgia.
In 2024, AFSA funded three studies as part of our research-focused mission. All projects are patient-relevant and aim to improve patient care. A brief description of each study, with links to the project details is provided below.
Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) for Treating Fibromyalgia – This study evaluates the effectiveness of CES to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. It also uses brain imaging to determine how the device improves brain function.
Gut Microbiota and Response to Cannabis – This is a clinical trial of medical grade cannabis. It also determines the gut bacteria’s influences on the drug’s effectiveness.
Understanding Fibromyalgia Flares – This study examines changes in brain function, alterations in the spinal cord function, and changes in the immune system. The goal is to determine which mechanisms contribute to symptom flares.
Ideally, large government institutions like the NIH should fund more research on fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is not yet a high priority at the NIH.1 So, it’s up to AFSA to step up research on the causes of and treatments for fibromyalgia and make a difference in the lives of millions. See Research Priorities for more details on AFSA’s research-funding mission.
Education
The average person with fibromyalgia struggles with this disease for five years before being diagnosed with it. In addition, studies show that diagnostic delays contribute to more severe lifelong symptoms.2 And once patients are handed this diagnosis, they are often told that there is little that can be done to relieve their painful and fatiguing symptoms. Not true.
A variety of treatment options are available to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Learning about each approach (both pros and cons) places patients in the driver’s seat to open a dialog with their healthcare team. Some therapies are expensive, while the scientific evidence supporting others is flimsy. The point is, patients deserve to know what the medical literature says about the various treatment options for fibromyalgia.
Part of the battle of living with fibromyalgia is that it produces so many symptoms. Reading about research studies that help explain the symptoms is both validating and relieving to patients. The same holds true for reading about the possible causes of fibromyalgia, especially when it is based on published research studies and interviews with the lead investigators.
AFSA’s education mission cannot replace a patient’s doctor or other healthcare providers; that’s not possible. Fibromyalgia patients need to consult with their medical team for care. But in an era of the ten-minute office visit, the information on AFSA’s website can empower patients to make the most out of their healthcare appointments.
References for AFSA’s Mission
- NIH Report – Enter “Fibromyalgia” to get Research Funding for Fiscal Year 2023; See our article Fibromyalgia Research Update for a summary.
- Salaffi F, et al. Clin Exp Rheum 42(6):1198-1204, 2024. Free Report