What Are Safe Treatments for Fibromyalgia Pain?
As a licensed acupuncturist practicing in Minneapolis our acupuncture clinic has seen many fibromyalgia patients throughout the years. All of these people are seeking a solution to their health problem that relieves their pain and chronic fatigue. This article reviews safe treatments for fibromyalgia.
Patients with fibromyalgia usually come to us as a last resort. What they tried before coming to our clinic did not work. Conventional treatment for fibromyalgia is prescription drugs. Cymbalta and Lyrica (pregabalin) are two drugs often prescribed. There are many side effects from both of these including the possibility of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Additional side effects of Cymbalta are abnormal bleeding, possible serious skin reactions, confusion, increased heart rate and seizures. Side effects of Lyrica include weight gain, insomnia, blurred vision and dizziness. The truth is the treatment of fibromyalgia does not have to involve prescription drugs. There are safe, natural treatments for fibromyalgia that reduce chronic pain and fatigue.
Nutrition
According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD: “Fibromyalgia is a system wide breakdown.” He recommends supplements to help those with fibromyalgia ramp up their immune system, sleep better and balance their hormones. His studies found patients could improve as high as 91% from using nutritional therapy.
Predisposing factors for fibromyalgia include food allergies/sensitivities, insufficient water intake, use of hydrogenated fats, refined foods and caffeine. Fibromyalgia sufferers may also have sensitivities to substances such pollen, vaccines or chemical irritants in fabrics. In our Minneapolis clinic we use detoxification to assist with the healing process.
Many people with fibromyalgia are low in magnesium and vitamin D. A sufficient amount of magnesium is required for the conversion of blood sugar into energy. It is also important in neuromuscular contractions. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle twitching, confusion, and apprehensiveness. Magnesium is beneficial in treating muscle cramps, inflammation, chronic fatigue, depression, nervousness and hypoglycemia.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that can be obtained either by ingestion or by exposure to sunlight. It is important in keeping a stable nervous system and also for proper muscle function. Studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency is associated with fibromyalgia chronic pain. A study published in January 2012 showed that fibromyalgia symptoms improved in women after using vitamin D nutritional supplements.
Exercise
Numerous studies showed that exercise is therapeutic for fibromyalgia. The problem is many people with fibromyalgia resist exercise because they are afraid for increasing pain. However, exercise that increases heart and lung activity helps relieve pain as well as depression. Doing exercise regularly increases the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers that boost mood. For people with chronic fatigue, try Tai Chi or yoga.
Acupuncture For Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Acupuncture has truly stood the test of time for pain relief. It has moved millions from a place of pain and suffering to a place of health and wellbeing. And acupuncture is not limited to just treating pain. It also relieves fatigue as well as addressing mental/emotional issues such as depression and anxiety. Universities like Duke and Harvard and hospitals like Cedar Sinai and Mayo Clinic have presented decisive scientific research proving the effectiveness of acupuncture.
“We found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.” Dr. David Martin, Mayo Clinic, PMID: 16770975
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that acupuncture used to treat fibromyalgia patients reduced pain significantly after only four weeks. Researchers also found lower levels of pain was linked to lower levels of glutamate in the brain, suggesting it could be used as a biological indicator of the degree of pain relief.
Groundbreaking research at the Mayo Clinic found that acupuncture considerably improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Doctors were surprised that not only did acupuncture offer pain relief but it also gave significant relief for fatigue and anxiety…perhaps the best treatment available today in their opinion.
In another study, participants receiving acupuncture were compared to others administered amitriptyline, a common prescription drug used for fibromyalgia. Researchers showed that the patients who received the acupuncture were the only ones to significantly relieve pain, depression and improve their general mental health after only the first month.
Imagine not having to rely on pain medications that have dangerous side effects. Think about how wonderful life would be to have the energy and pep to do the things you love to do.
If you are plagued with constant or recurring fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue symptoms, if you’re dead tired and in pain all day, if you worry about being able to play with your children because you always feel “miserable,” you might consider getting a course of acupuncture.
Even if you’ve had acupuncture before, the style of acupuncture we use at Complete Oriental Medical Care is unique. The results are quicker and more long lasting.
If you would like to change your life forever, possibly eliminate many, if not all of your fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue symptoms and stop spending sleepless, painful nights then your answer may be just one phone call away.
Call our friendly receptionist at 952-831-8080 and she will set up your initial appointment for fibromyalgia relief. Or go to our contact page now.
About the author: For more than 28 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, bodywork therapist, and certified Health Preservation Association instructor. He offers complete health care with acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutritional counseling. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Steven has an active private practice in Minneapolis, MN.
