Natural Therapies For Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Summary

HOW IS FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSED?

Fibromyalgia (FM) can be diagnosed by a tender point examination. Mildly irritating to completely debilitating tenderness in at least 11 of 18 defined points, such as in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips, signifies FM.

 

WHAT CAUSES IT?

The cause of FM has yet to be determined. But research suggests that abnormalities in the muscular, endocrine, nervous, or digestive systems should be addressed, and exposure to toxic substances should be reduced.

Muscular System: Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be a primary cause of FM. Mitochondria are found in all cells of the body, but are highly concentrated in muscle cells. They are responsible for cellular energy production. Decreased cellular energy production in muscle cells can result in increased muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue in FM patients.

Nervous System: Toxin Exposure

Every day we are exposed to numerous toxins such as pesticides, food additives (e.g., MSG, aspartame), and chemicals that can adversely affect various bodily functions, including nervous system function. Excessive toxin exposure can result in increased and prolonged pain sensation by the nervous system, contributing to the chronic pain associated with FM.

Digestive System: Intestinal Tract Abnormalities

Data suggest that up to 70% of patients with FM complain of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as chronic abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation, morning stiffness, and fatigue. Since IBS and FM have overlapping symptoms, it has been suggested they may have a common cause. It is further theorized that dysfunction in nerve pathways between the intestinal tract and the brain help to explain the increased pain sensitivity and fatigue in FM.

Endocrine System: Hormone Imbalance

Many patients with FM have experienced significant amounts of stress, which can contribute to abnormalities in the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates hormone (e.g., serotonin, cortisol, thyroxine) production by portions of the brain, as well as by the adrenal and thyroid glands. Imbalanced hormone production caused by stress can contribute to the increased fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress experienced by FM patients.

 

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Conventional Medical Approaches

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and/or pain-relief medications. Unfortunately, none of these medications have been shown to be of significant benefit and they can cause adverse side effects (e.g., headache, nausea, stomach bleeding).

A Natural Treatment Approach

In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise program as prescribed by your healthcare provider, incorporating a basic nutritional regimen that addresses the abnormalities previously discussed may be of benefit (Table 1).

 

ADDITIONAL THERAPY

Frequency-Specific Microcurrent

Injured tissue has altered electrical dynamics as compared to healthy tissue. These altered electrical dynamics can cause changes in cellular function, resulting in impaired healing and painful inflammation. Frequency-specific microcurrent therapy is the application of an extremely low frequency of electrical current (approximately one millionth of an amp) to control pain and stimulate healing of injured tissue, such as muscle, on a cellular level. This "bio-electric therapy" supports the natural healthy electrical current flow in tissue, which is important to mitochondrial energy production, the transport of nutrients to cells, and the removal of wastes from cells. The actual electrical current administered is so small that it cannot be felt.

 

CONCLUSION

Because FM has been associated with abnormalities in multiple body systems, treatment that addresses each of these systems may be of benefit. While medications commonly prescribed for FM complaints may provide temporary relief, they may not address the underlying factors involved and can cause undesirable side effects such as headache, nausea, or stomach bleeding. On the other hand, good nutrition, exercise, and dietary supplements that support the muscular, nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems and facilitate the elimination of toxins may assist in the healing process.

 

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The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

 

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