Natural Approaches to Fibromyalgia
By Seth D. Torregiani, D.O.
Fibromyalgia, or FM, can be a devastating, life-changing condition. Sufferers experience severe, often widespread, muscle pain, chronic fatigue, insomnia, irritable bowel symptoms and depression. This constellation of symptoms can become overwhelming to FM sufferers, many feeling as though they are no longer participants in their own lives. This state of affairs can last for years.
Conventional medical approaches include the use of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce muscle pain, and sleeping medications to decrease insomnia. In severe cases patients may also be prescribed opioid medications for pain and stimulants to help combat fatigue. They may also be given medication to control irritable bowel symptoms.
Often, fibromyalgia patients have a history of profound physical or emotional stress, such as a car accident, divorce or job loss, prior to the onset of symptoms. Other findings in patients with fibromyalgia include decreased levels of serotonin which can be associated with depression, and increased levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter associated with sensitivity to pain.
There appears to be an association between poor sleep and fibromyalgia-related pain. Some patients may warrant a sleep study and the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device at night if sleep apnea is diagnosed. Often this intervention alone may significantly improve symptoms. Additionally, psychotherapy and mild exercise can also help relieve symptoms.
Still, many patients complain of feeling over medicated or simply don’t wish to take so many medicines, or they may find that many of the medications are not helpful in their case. Many patients are therefore interested in natural approaches to improving their condition.
Approaching fibromyalgia with integrative, natural therapies involves a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach. It includes improving nutritional status through the use of vitamins and supplements, using certain supplements for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or energetic properties, improving diet, utilizing bodywork to address painful areas of the body and employing mind-body approaches to improve mood and decrease anxiety.
For example, magnesium, combined with malic acid, a compound beneficial to the muscles, has been shown to improve pain. In addition , compounds such as bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, and omega 3 fatty acids, as found in fish oils, have antiinflammatory properties and appear to be very effective for muscle pain.
Coenzyme Q 10, a powerful antioxidant found in the mitochondria of cells throughout the body, may help improve energy levels, as can a carbohydrate compound called d-ribose.
One’s diet is very important as well. Certain foods may actually exacerbate symptoms and patients may find it helpful to keep a food journal, noting any associations between certain foods (wheat and dairy are common culprits) and the intensity of symptoms.
FM sufferers eat as wholesome a diet as possible, emphasizing whole foods and vegetables. Limit or eliminate red meat, fried foods, processed foods and alcohol. Supplementation with probiotics, the helpful bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods or found in capsule or powdered forms, can sometimes be helpful in controlling uncomfortable bowel symptoms.
Bodywork such as craniosacral treatment, myofascial release, gentle massage and acupuncture can be very effective in relieving muscle tension and soreness. Finally, utilizing mind body techniques such and meditation or yoga may improve sleep and decrease pain and improve feelings of depression over time and is also recommended.
Fibromyalgia can be a life changing condition for many. While convention medical approaches can have benefits, recovering from this disease often necessitates a true change in lifestyle and a desire for healing. Initiating these changes on many levels over time offers the best chance of recovery.
The above column appeared in the Aug/Sept. 2007 issue of the New Castle County Women's Journal.
Dr. Seth Torregiani practices osteopathic manipulative medicine, acupuncture and integrative medicine in Newark, DE. He has recently added facial rejuvenation acupuncture to his practice. For more information, call (302) 266-9010 or visit www.dr-seth.com.