Fibromyalgia: A Multi-System Illness

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome or disorder in which a person has long-term, widespread pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. It has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety. It is classified as a soft tissue musculoskeletal condition. Once fibromyalgia has manifested in the body, it is difficult to overcome. It’s rare for an individual to completely overcome this condition. It takes enormous commitment to a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and a multi-modality support from different practitioners.

The cause of fibromyalgia is yet unknown. Symptoms often appear after some kind of physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In some cases, symptoms gradually appear over time and are not triggered by any single event. When a person has fibromyalgia there are painful "trigger points," places in the body that hurt and the muscles feel like they have been overworked, even though there has been no exertion or exercise.  This kind of pain makes it difficult to sleep or exercise.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia then men. The female to male ratio is approximately 5 to 1. Many people with fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.

 Some researchers believe that a person's genes may determine the way the body processes painful stimuli. They theorize that people with fibromyalgia may have a gene or genes that cause them  to have and exaggerated reaction to intense to stimuli. To date, these genes have not been identified. It is thought that when a person with this genetic tendency is exposed to certain emotional or physical stressors there is a change in the body's response to pain . This change can result in a higher sensitivity of the entire body.

Most research conducted points to a malfunction of the central nervous system, but also abnormalities in the muscles, the soft tissue and the peripheral nervous system. This creates a dysfunctional communication between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system, giving a person widespread pain.

Dr Martinez- Laurence research suggests that the autonomic nervous system plays a key role in people with fibromyalgia. The autonomic nervous system is not controlled by our mind and governs the functions of different organs and systems in the body. It also controls temperature, blood pressure, heartbeat and bowel function. The autonomic nervous system is the interface between mind and body function. Dr. Laurence is suggesting that fibromyalgia is a consequence of autonomic nervous dysfunction, characterized by a sympathetic nervous system response that is persistently hyperactive. If there is a trigger this creates a continual ongoing stress response.

Many studies link fibromyalgia and depression. In fact, about 3 out of every 10 people with fibromyalgia also have major depression at the time of their diagnosis. Some researchers feel that depression can lead to changes in brain chemistry. Others look at abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system – the part of the nervous system that determines how you handle stress and emergencies. These abnormalities, they contend, may lead to the release of substances that cause more sensitivity to pain...

The medical community mostly focuses on alleviating symptoms. The first medication doctors will often try for people with fibromyalgia are antidepressants, which help relieve depression, pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Different types of pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-convulsion drugs are sometimes recommended to relax and ease the deep muscle pain that comes with this illness. The problem is that these medications don't work the same for everyone and are addictive or have side effects and can be harmful when consumed long term.

Some people with fibromyalgia try a more balanced approach. In addition to medication, they include complementary and alternative medicine as well as exercise, acupuncture and physical therapy in their treatment protocol. Some small studies have been done on the effectiveness of dietary supplements and a more holistic approach to alleviate the different symptoms of fibromyalgia and have shown promising results. Many patients with fibromyalgia and their doctors include supplements and alternative holistic modalities into their patients’ protocol.

Dietary Supplements for Fibromyalgia

•      5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a building block for the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin is a key element for a number of different brain functions  Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, and increased pain levels. Serotonin influences multiple functions like mood, movement, behavior, eating patterns and sleep patterns. Raising serotonin levels can lead to a better mood. One study found that 5-HTP supplements can also help ease anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia pain, and morning stiffness.

•      SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine). This amino acid derivative boosts levels of serotonin and dopamine, another brain chemical. Some research suggests SAMe may improve mood and sleep.

•      Magnesium. Low levels of magnesium are often found in patients with fibromyalgia.

Magnesium is essential when the body is under stress and is active in over 300 of the body’s primary mechanisms. It blocks the toxic effects of heavy metals especially aluminum. Aluminum and heavy metal toxicity can contribute to some of the symptomology of fibromyalgia.

•      Malic acid is another potent aluminum detoxifier, especially for the brain.

In a small study on people with fibromyalgia that took 1200 to 2400 mg of malic acid combined

with 300 to 500 mg of magnesium for a period of 6 to 8 weeks reported significant pain relief after taking the supplements for an initial period of 48 hours. Malic acid is also essential in sugar metabolism and in the production of ATP.

•      Manganese is another essential nutrient for fibromyalgia patients. One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is fatigue. People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome share a common link, a manganese dependent, neuroendocrine change that takes place among the hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis. It starts with thythrophin releasing hormone which stimulates the pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone to make the thyroid release thyroxine. Thyroxine regulates our metabolic rate. Low thyroxine translates into hypothyroid and fatigue which is one of the main complaints for people with fibromyalgia.

•      Melatonin. This hormone is often used in supplements to improve sleep. 

In a holistic protocol the symptoms of fibromyalgia are addressed by looking at the underlying causes of the illness and correcting  these issues with diet and lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. It is very important that the client isproactive in his or her recovery, but there is hope for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. An integrative approach addresses lifestyle changes include stress management techniques, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, meditation, journaling and deep breathing techniques..  Healing through nutrition is also a key factor when creating a holistic protocol. Balancing nutrients and hormones while reducing inflammation is the underlying foundation of all healing therapies In addition to nutritional status, toxicity, yeast infections, parasites, and food/environmental sensitivities are also assessed in a holistic treatment protocol. Restoring balance to the digestive tract and supplementing with enhanced digestive and detoxifying nutrients will help clear up pathogenic bacteria and microbes while also working to cleanse the body of harmful toxins that may be contributing to pain and inflammation or hindering nutrient absorption and utilization. In a holistic approach the body is viewed as a whole and treated as such.

Western medicine really does not offer much hope in recovering or healing fibromyalgia. It considers it a lifelong condition. Symptoms are managed through medication that is often toxic to the system and diet and lifestyle changes are only minimally addressed. At best symptoms are somewhat managed but taking drugs with a long list of side effects really doesn’t make for a good quality of life.

Holistic medicine considers recovery as a possibility and addresses all facets of the illness. Lifestyle and nutritional changes are made, and the client is proactively involved in his or her recovery. Often several practitioners are enlisted to address all components of the illness and to create a multifaceted protocol. I believe that a holistic protocol really is the better road to recovery and overall health.  It offers hope and works on creating a better quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.

Bibliography

Hawthorn University lecture series NC12

Archive Webinar: 8/12/08 Decreasing pain and inflammation

Liz Lipski /Digestive Wellness

George Mateljan /The World Healthiest Foods

Michael Murray /Total body Tuneup

Steve Parker /The Human Body

Whitney W. Lowe /Functional Assessment in Massage Therapy

Jeffrey S. Bland /Nutritional management of the underlying causes of chronic disease

www.natural-homeremedies.com

www.livestrong.com

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-pain-10/alternative-treatments-for-fibromyalgia

http://www.fmnetnews.com/fibro-basics/research

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-treatment-medications-that-can-and-cant-help