Fibromyalgia

Definition

Is a common condition that can cause widespread pain.

Prevalence

It is thought that as many as 1 person in every 25 may suffer from it. More women than men are affected.

Cause

The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not known yet.

Symptoms and Signs

Usually there are no outward signs of fibromyalgia.

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

  • Widespread pain, often made worse by sustained activity
  • Tiredness or lack of energy
  • Sleep disorders
  • Cognitive disturbances – forgetfulness or poor concentration

Less common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Mood disturbances - irritability, feeling low, worried or weepy
  • Irritable or uncomfortable bowels
  • Increased sensitivities (to cold, sound, touch, knocks)
  • Tender (overly sensitive) joints and muscles

Investigations

  • This condition is often difficult to diagnose as the symptoms vary considerably and could have other causes.
  • Blood tests to exclude underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis), nutritional deficiencies (e.g. iron, folate, B12 etc).
  • Others tests may also need to be arranged depending on the full history and examination. 1,2,3

What complementary and alternative therapies shall I try?

Acupuncture

EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) recommend use of acupuncture for pain management in fibromyalgia.4

Homeopathy

The results of the studies as well as the case reports suggest some benefits of homeopathy for patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome. Homeopathy aims to stimulate your body’s inner healing abilities.5

Hypnotherapy

Fibromyalgia symptoms are often reported to be worsened by stress and negative thinking. Hypnotherapy may encourage positive emotions, such as calmness, relaxation and improve the sleep.

Nutritional therapy

It is important to have a balanced, varied nutrient-dense diet when suffering from a chronic condition. You may benefit from nutritional therapy if you are suffering from fibromyalgia, especially if you have irritable or uncomfortable bowels.

Integrated medicine

The doctors combine conventional treatments with a combination of herbal and homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet and psychological techniques depending on the individual circumstances.

Osteopathy

There aren’t yet good quality studies looking whether osteopathy benefits fibromyalgia, however there are strong studies indicating that exercise provides significant pain relief. The osteopaths will be able to advise best exercises for your condition.6

Reiki and reflexology

These therapies aim to stimulate and restore the natural balance of the body and place it in a position to restore or boost it’s own natural healing system.

What practitioners can I see about this condition?

Follow up

After you initial consultation, we recommend that you have regular check-ups to monitor your symptoms and response to interventions. The practitioner will advise on appropriate follow up arrangements for your individual situation. 

Multidisciplinary approach

Depending on your needs, your care may be shared with other practitioners at the natural practice or elsewhere. Whenever you permit us, we will write to your GP to ensure they are aware of our recommendations and follow up arrangements.

Further information:

Versus arthritis

 

References

  1. Simon C. et al Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
  2. Jones D.S.et al The textbook of functional medicine 3rd ed, Gig Harbour, WA: Institute for Functional Medicine, 2010.
  3. Anthony, H et al Environmental Medicine in clinical practice, Southampton: BSAENM publications, 1997.
  4. Deare JC, Zheng Z, Xue CC. Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(5):CD007070.
  5. Boehm K, Raak C, Cramer H, et al. Homeopathy in the treatment of fibromyalgia —a comprehensive literature-review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2014;22:731–42.
  6. Busch AJ, Barber KA, Overend TJ, et al. Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008;(4):CD003786.

 

Other conditions

Conditions