Also known as: fibrositis, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyositis. The name fibromyalgia indicates pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other sites on the body. The neck, shoulders, thorax, low back and thighs are the most common areas affected.
Fibromyalgia occurs mainly between the age of 30 to 50 and affects women more than men. It is seen in about 2% of the UK population. Some research indicates it may be induced or intensified by physical or mental stress, poor sleep, trauma, exposure to damp or cold, and occasionally by a systemic and usually rheumatic disorder. People often report a traumatic event that triggered the initial symptoms, such as severe infectious illness, emotional or physical stress, surgery or an accident.
Symptoms
- Generalized aching, pain and tenderness throughout the body.
- People often describe neck, shoulder, lower back and hip pain that seems to move from place to place.
- Sleep is often disturbed, and people often wake up at night with a feeling of stiffness, fatigue and achiness.
People with fibromyalgia appear to have abnormal brain waves in stage 4 sleep (the deepest sleep phase). Stage 4 sleep is important for tissue repair, antibody production, the formation of growth hormone; and muscle and bone health. Waking during this stage results in a feeling of not having had a restful sleep.
Research shows that people with fibromyalgia have increased amounts of neurotransmitters that cause pain responses, such as substance P, whilst at the same time having decreased levels of natural painkillers, such as serotonin and growth hormone. Lower levels of serotonin are also involved in depression.
The American College of Rheumatologists defines fibromyalgia as the presence of widespread chronic pain and the existence of pain in at least 11 of 18 specific points on the body when pressure is applied. Other symptoms include intolerance to cold or heat, increased urinary frequency, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, headache, numbness and tingling. Conventional lab tests and physical examination are often normal, which can be frustrating for the person affected.
Dietary modification
A vegan diet that is also low in salt may help those with fibromyalgia. Trials have also shown that a raw food diet, together with a relatively high intake of fermented foods, leads to a significant reduction in depression, the number of sore fibromyalgia points and the use of painkillers. Removal of MSG and aspartame from the diet has also shown significant improvement in symptoms.
Lifestyle modification
Low-intensity exercise on a regular basis will tend to improve fibromyalgia symptoms, as does hydrotherapy and aqua aerobics.
Nutritional supplement treatment options
5-HTP – People with fibromyalgia often have low serotonin levels in their blood. Supplementation with 5-HTP (which can be converted into serotonin) can help to elevate serotonin levels.
Vitamin B1 – Some people with fibromyalgia have low levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine), as well as reduced activity of some thiamine-dependent enzymes.
Vitamin E supplementation has shown positive and sometimes dramatic improvements in the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
SAMe has been tested in double-blind trials and shown significant beneficial effects, such as reduced pain, fatigue and stiffness, as well as improved mood.
Magnesium in combination with malic acid may lessen pain in people with fibromyalgia.
Melatonin supplementation has been shown to reduce tender points and to improve sleep, along with other measures of disease severity.
Note: Melatonin is a controlled drug and is available only with a GP prescription
Adrenal Support – people with fibromyalgia have lower levels of the adrenal hormone, cortisol, which is indicative of adrenal fatigue. Low cortisol secretion is linked to low energy, muscle weakness and pain, thyroid dysfunction, immune system depression, sleep disorders, poor skin regeneration, and decreased growth hormone uptake. Glandular adrenal extract, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin C, licorice, Rhodiola rosea, Ashwaganda and Bacopa monniera are just some of the supplements that can support the adrenals.
Antioxidants – Vitamin C and E, selenium, CoQ10 and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are antioxidant nutrients that may benefit people with fibromyalgia.
Botanical treatment options
- Echinacea – upregulates immune system activity
- Devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) – an anti-inflammatory
- Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) – an anti-inflammatory
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – an anti-inflammatory and adrenal support
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – a liver cleanser
- Burdock (Arctium lappa) – blood cleanser
Curcumin, Ginger and Boswellia are all well-researched for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce the pain resulting from inflammation during an acute flare of fibromyalgia.
Integrative options
Stress can be a significant aggravating factor in fibromyalgia. Stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation therefore often help to alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture may be useful for short-term relief of fibromyalgia symptoms. Manual treatments, such as osteopathy and chiropractic, may be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
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Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates, DO, DIBAK, L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio Ltd. Copyright © Pure Bio Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Pure Bio Ltd are a leading UK supplier of the highest quality PURE nutritional supplements, based in Horsham, West Sussex. Proud Winners of Southern Enterprise Awards, Best Nationwide Hypoallergenic Nutritional Supplements Distributor 2022 and 2023. Visit www.purebio.co.uk for all your nutritional supplement needs
