What Is Fibromyalgia?
It’s a widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles. Often fatigue, memory issues, sleep issues, and mood issues can go along with fibromyalgia.
Symptoms can start after a physical trauma, infection, or extreme stress. There are times when the symptoms are gradual and progress over time.
Fibromyalgia usually affects women, but men can have it too. There are medications that can control it, but there is no cure for it.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Overall pain, dull ache, that has lasted more than three months.
- Sleeping can be disrupted, or people want to sleep all the time.
- Fibro fog or Foggy brain. People have a tough time concentrating because of the pain.
Secondary Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- IBS
- TMJ
- Painful bladder
- Migraines.
Why All the Pain?
Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain [neurotransmitters]. In addition, the brain’s pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals. [Mayo Clinic]
Diagnoses
There is no blood work or scans that can give the doctor a definitive diagnosis for fibromyalgia. There is a physical exam and what the patient says is what helps to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Treatment
There are prescription medications that can help with Fibromyalgia like pain medications, anti-seizure medications, and some anti-depressants. Doctors will also recommend physical therapy and/or counseling.
Diets That Could Help with Fibromyalgia Are
Avoiding Dairy, Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners, and Gluten are a few foods to avoid. Getting rid of any products that contain caffeine like coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, some energy bars, processed foods, and trans fats.
Natural Treatments
Some natural treatments may help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
- Medical Marijuana has anti-inflammatory compounds in the plant along with the ability to stop pain receptors. Marijuana can help with sleep and anxiety/depression too.
- Low dose HCG. - This is not the HCG diet, but researchers found that low dose HCG can bring pain levels down for some people.
- Low dose naltrexone has been shown to decrease pain receptors.
- Vitamin D has been shown to decrease pain
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties
- 5 HTP can help with sleep and reduce pain while sleeping
- Ashwagandha / Rhodiola can help decrease the stress and fatigue that can come with fibromyalgia
- Bio Identical hormone therapy can work in some patients
- Essential oils Lavender, Ginger, Peppermint, and Ginger, can help with pain, stress, and fatigue.
- Intravenous nutrition can help with decrease pain and increase energy levels.
Life Style Changes
- Exercise - mild to moderate exercise has been shown to help decrease fibromyalgia pain
- Yoga - has been shown to decrease pain just doing it as little as two times a week
- Massage therapy - has been shown to help decrease pain
- Cognition therapy - helps people learn ways to deal with stress
Stem Cells
Researchers in some countries have found that injecting stem cells helps to relieve fibromyalgia pain.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you suffer from widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog or sleep issues, it could be fibromyalgia. At Burns Integrative Wellness Center, we will work with you to understand the cause and find appropriate treatments.