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Facts and Fallacies About Fibromyalgia

You slept eight hours but awaken exhausted. Your sensitivity to cold, particularly cold associated with dampness, has increased. And there is a migrating pain coursing through your body that refuses to be pinpointed. If these symptoms sound familiar, you could suffer from fibromyalgia (FM) - one of several stress-related chronic pain syndromes, according to Dr. Christiana. Dr. Christiana is well acquainted with this condition, also known as fibrositis and the 'aching-all-over' disease. FM is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, affecting roughly four percent of the population. Its symptoms overlap with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with 70 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia meeting the criteria for CFS. The good news? FM does not have to be a pennanently crippling disease. Dr. Christiana explains that, through chiropractic care, diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications, FM is controllable. Causes and Effects Although increasing evidence points to a genetic predisposition, the defmite cause of - as well as the cure for FM continues to elude researchers. Many patients attribute the onset of the disorder to a specific incident, such as an auto accident, viral infection or severe emotional strain. Among the most widely-recognized causes of FM are central nervous system disorders. These "glitches" include pain perception problems; neurochemical factors; decreased pain threshold; muscle abnonnalities, often traceable to the central nervous system; and inconsistent serotonin levels. Seratonin is a chemical that regulates mood, memory and pain perception. A common pattern seen in CFS and some FM patients is the autoimmune triad, where the body attacks itself. It involves the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the cells in the body that absorb vitamin B 12. The body assaults these pseudo "invaders," resulting in low thyroid, adrenal and B 12 function. This, in turn, triggers fibromyalgia suppressing the hypothalamus gland and setting fatigue in motion. The role that stress plays in FM has been studied over the years. Changes in the central nervous system may cause the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) to not turn off - or the parasympathetic system (feed or breed response) to not turn on when confronted by stress. Chiropractic Care Ongoing research indicates that chiropractic care may alleviate fibromyalgia. In one study, investigators from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto followed 21 patients with FM. Chiropractic care quelled FM symptoms. Specifically, patients enjoyed significantly improved range of motion and reduced pain levels (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997;20:389-99). Another analysis looked at the effect of chiropractic care on patients with FM. Subjects received specialized care including chiropractic adjustments and a unique form of massage therapy called ischemic compression. Nine out of the 15 subjects who completed the trial enjoyed a significant reduction in pain intensity, lessened fatigue and improved sleep quality. "This study suggests a potential role for chiropractic care in the management of fibromyalgia," conclude the study's authors (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23 :225-30). Make Friends With the Sand Man Sufficient sleep is vital for patients with FM because lack of sleep exacerbates symptoms. Researchers from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine studied 50 women with FM. The women recorded their sleep quality and pain intensity for 30 days. Analysis of the data found that a night of poor sleep resulted in significantly more pain the next day, followed by a night of even poorer sleep (Pain 1996;68:363-8). Diet and Nutrition Since one aspect of FM is over stimulation and over sensitization of the central nervous system, it is essential for patients to discontinue the use of stimulants - specifically caffeine and tobacco. It is also imperative that they avoid depressants, such as alcohol and sleeping pills. A whole-foods diet featuring whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and moderate amounts of fish and meat is most beneficial. Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simmons referenced 317 studies detailing how hormonal, vitamin and mineral deficiencies contribute to muscle disorders. Of particular importance are iron, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, beta-carotene, vitamins A, B6, B12, C and E levels (Myofascial Pain and dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual 1983: 1 03164). A quality multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement, plus a healthy diet, is crucial for FM patients. In addition, certain other nutrients may be beneficial: fish oil, evening primrose oil, potassium, magnesium, coenzyme Q-I0 and Lcarnitine. Several clinical studies confirm the use of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) treatment for FM to modify pain (Journal of Internal Medicine Research 1990;18:201-9). 5-HTP causes an increase in the level of serotonin in the body. St. John's Wort and magnesium are also important. Yeast and Parasites Antibiotics are designed to kill disease-related bacteria in the body. However, they are nondiscriminatory annihilators, meaning beneficial intestinal bacteria are also killed off - allowing for the aggressive growth of yeast. Toxic byproducts of the yeast worsen FM symptoms. Avoiding sugar will help. So will eating yogurt on a daily basis, taking probiotics (bacterial replacements), zinc and selenium. Cryptosporidium imd other parasites are found in municipal water supplies. Infection with these agents can mimic CFS and FM symptoms (Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual 1983:103164). Herbs, such as Artemesia annua, may ward off infection. Prevent further parasitic problems by using a good quality water filter. Exercise A vicious cycle involving exercise occurs with FM. It often causes exhaustion the next day, leaving the sufferer feeling unable to exercise, resulting in further de-conditioning. As treatment continues, however, post-exercise exhaustion changes to a "good tired" feeling for two hours after exercise and a increased energy the next day. Slowly adding exercise as health starts to improve is mandatory. Gentle walking and swimming, without overdoing it, can jump-start a FM patient on the road to recovery. Over time, ability and stamina will return to normal. Talk to Your Doctor of Chiropractic It's important to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your chiropractor. Together, you can address issues of nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress reduction. Learn to control your FM; don't let it control you!

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