Treating fibromyalgia can be particularly difficult as this chronic condition affects each individual differently. There are commonalities such as chronic tender points, enhancement of pain impulses fatigue, and widespread diffuse body pain, but for the most part each individual will have symptoms that are unique to only them. You can find a list of fibromyalgia symptoms to help you determine if your symptoms fit the fibromyalgia criteria for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind that fibromyalgia mimics other chronic conditions, and can have other overlapping chronic conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), arthritis, lupus, migraines and chronic fatigue syndrome making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Where To Start?
When taking supplements it is important to speak with your doctor if you are taking any medications that might interfere or cause a reaction with supplements. Always speak to your doctor if you have any concerns before starting any natural treatment if you need guidance, or develop any type of allergic reaction.
Natural supplements for fibromyalgia or other chronic pain conditions can easily become an exhaustive list. Where to start, and what to take is a very common question, and the best answer is to start with supplements that may be missing in your diet. Start with the natural fish oils, B vitamins, natural mineral supplements, and then you can incorporate other natural supplements as you evaluate the effectiveness. It is a good idea to start with only one new supplement every two weeks. It can take that long for your body to start working correctly with the supplement, and you will not know which supplement that is giving you the most benefit if you swallow a handful every day.
Secondly nutritional supplements are not miracles in a bottle for most people. They can and do help tremendously, but they should always be used in conduction or together with other fibromyalgia remedies such as: heat and cold therapy, massage, proper sleep and rest, exercise, and staying connected to your friends and family.
Start by making a list of your most troublesome symptoms, and find a natural supplement that will offer you relief for those at the top of your list.
What nutritional supplements fibromyalgia are available to help treat your fibromyalgia symptoms?
Water Are You Drinking Enough?
The very first thing you should look into is your water intake. Are you drinking enough water? Water is important and dehydration can contribute to many symptom such as: Headaches, muscle pain, cramping, muscle spasms, aching muscle pain, and memory problems.
Nutritional Supplements Fibromyalgia
Glucosamine & MSM -It was shown in one study that when glucosamine and chondroitin were used in combination some reduction in pain was noted in patients who demonstrated moderate to severe pain
SAMe is recommended and has been found to reduce pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, muscle aches, and moodiness in clinical studies.
Rhodiola rosea intake on physical capacity, muscle strength, speed of limb movement, reaction time, and in a study at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium study participants stated having improved endurance, and exercise capacity.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil that is rich in both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid. These compounds both provide excellent anti-inflammatory properties when taken.
Vitamin B12- Vitamin B12 has been shown to help relieve back pain in some studies, and some fibromyalgia patients report that they have less pain and tenderness try this natural supplement.
Vitamin D3- it is important to note that the amount of vitamin D that the body can produce or store in the fat cells decreases as we age, thus increasing vitamin D deficiencies. Many individuals with fibromyalgia symptoms have found relief from muscle weakness, muscle and bone pain, and claim to sleep better as well.
Magnesium and Calcium can play a pivotal role and antagonistic roles in regulating your body’s muscle function. These two supplements work in unison to help the mechanism needed for muscle contraction and relaxation of all muscles.
Remember to not get discouraged. You will find treatments that work for you, but not all supplements have the same affect, so it may take some trials of different natural supplements to determine which ones are providing you with relief from your pain, tenderness, and fatigue.
Some other natural Supplement Suggestions
Need more energy natural supplements :
CoQ10
L-Carnitine
Magnesium Malate
NADH
SAM-e
Vitamin B12
Magnesium Malate
Vitamin D
Feeling Moody, Unbalanced and out of control try these supplements
DHEA
Flax Oil
Rhodiola
St. John’s Wort
SAM-e
5-HTP
GABA
Suffering from fibromyalgia neurological problems these supplements can be used to help balance your Brain Function/Neurotransmitter
5-HTP
Carnitine
Omega-3 (Fish Oil)
Rhodiola
Ginkgo Biloba
St. John’s Wort
SAM-e
Theanine
Suffering With Difficulty Sleeping or Insomnia
l-theanine
Melatonin
Magnesium and Calcium
Suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) these natural supplements may be suggest as additions: There is a very helpful book “How I Cured My IBS” that is recommended reading if you suffer from IBS symptomes with your fibromyalgia.
Enzyme therapy, containing bromelain
Probiotics help keep intestinal tract healthy, and your intestinal tract’s health can affect your entire body.
Many men and women look to doctors to solve, and explain the aggravating symptoms they are experiencing. Finally getting a diagnosis brings feelings of relief, only to be sucker punched with the realization that there is no cure, and no treatment option works for every fibromyalgia patient. This begins a new and frustrating search for help to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, and treat a disease process that varies so widely between patients that even doctors find it exasperating.
So first let’s address one of the major aggravators of fibromyalgia; STRESS. Stress can intensify fibromyalgia symptoms, and there are holistic approaches that can be helpful in reducing stress.
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
Acupuncture has been shown to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Studies of acupuncture have shown acupuncture can considerably decrease pain in joints and in tender points. These changes have even been documented in fibromyalgia patient’s blood tests.
Electro acupuncture (Acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation)
In an uncontrolled trial using electroacupuncture forty six percent of fibromyalgia patients after seven treatments stated that the electroacupuncture provided them with the greatest relief of their fibromyalgia symptoms when judged against many other alternative treatments. An amazing sixty four percent of sufferers reported using less medication for their pain than they did prior to electroacupuncture treatments. More studies will need to follow to provide a well established treatment plan using electro acupuncture.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Joint pain, back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint tenderness are very major symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. Pain, headaches, and joint pain can make living almost impossible; sleeping, house care, working a job, shopping, intimate relationships, and more are affected. A holistic treatment that many people with and without fibromyalgia that suffer from these painful conditions is chiropractic manipulation. In studies men and women suffering with fibromyalgia stated feeling improved joint pain when chiropractic manipulation was performed on a regular basis of 3-5 times a week.
Combined Therapies For Fibromyalgia
When chiropractic techniques where used in together with other holistic treatments such as: soft tissue massage, tender point pressure treatments, stretching, and yoga patient’s demonstrated significant improvement in functioning with day to day activities. Many test subjects showed considerable decrease in pain, decreased stress levels, reduced fatigue, joint pain, and improved sleep.
Magnetic Therapy
The natural healing of medical magnets continues to build with each study. The power of magnetic healing has been used for centuries, but only recently with the advent of modern medical equipment has magnetic healing been shown to work. MRI’s CT scans of patients brains, and other medical technologies have proven the benefits of magnetic treatments. Strong magnets not refrigerator magnets have show to relieve the pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain disorders. A great resource for products and information is Therion Research, or you can try http://www.magneticarthritisrelief.com
Natural remedies for fibromyalgia are vast, and will take trial and error. As stated earlier there is not one cure to treat your fibromyalgia, but it can be done with patience, and will power. Giving up is not an option! Using a holistic approach to treat any disease process takes time, but can pay off. Most holistic treatments for fibromyalgia are free of undesirable and frightening side effects that many prescription medications that are being offered. Start slowly integrate or add one treatment at a time, so that you can get a true and accurate basis when it comes to the relief of your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Books On Treating Fibromyalgia
There are two very good books that are based on natural holistic approaches to treating and curing fibromyalgia. “How I Cured My Fibromyalgia” by Kelly Parks-Hoffman (BSc & Natural health consultant) is highly recognized as a valuable resource by many fibromyalgia sufferers, as is “How To Beat Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue In 30 Days” by Mark J Shaw (B.A, M.Sc, PGD).
Do not get discouraged you can overcome fibromyalgia syndrome, and you can feel better.
There are some health care professionals who believe that by raising levels of cortisol the stress hormone by prescribing low level doses of corticosteroids, that fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue patients may get relief from many of their symptoms. Treating fibromyalgia can be very difficult as there is no one fibromyalgia medication to treat fibromyalgia. The wide range of fibromyalgia symptoms makes a one size fits all approach impossible. So doctors are left with basically a trial and error approach based on research and fibromyalgia studies.
This is based on the fact that research shows that a large number of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue sufferers have a dysfunction in their brain system that regulates their stress response, and studies have shown that corticosteroids are a class of drugs that mimic the natural cortisol, a hormone produced naturally in the adrenal cortex or outer regions of the adrenal gland.
Steroids evolved into the realm of medicine around the late l940’s. Initially given to arthritis patients via daily injections, the treatment was a great success, and improved the painful symptoms of arthritis dramatically. However, it seemed there was a price to pay when used on a long term basis.
Cortisol play a key role in our body’s by controlling the electrolyte salt and water balance in our body, as well as regulating protein metabolism, fat metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. We need cortisol to maintain a balance within our body to help decrease or prevent the triggering of allergic and inflammatory responses, stress, trauma, and emotional distress.
The tricky part is when you have too much cortisol being produced it can trigger another response that prevents our white blood cells from functioning properly and leave us more vulnerable to infection.
Because of the possible health risks associated with using any corticosteroid individuals are prescribed by a doctor, and should be followed closely by a doctor. These medications are very effective at treating many conditions, but as with any medication proper guidelines need to be followed to prevent or minimize the potential side effects Corticosteroids can be used to treat many inflammatory conditions but for this article we will be addressing:
IBS
Lupus
Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
What Are The Side Effects Of Corticosteroids?
Abdominal Pain – Stomach Ulcers
Acne
Cataracts
Decreased Immune Function
Decreased Muscle Strength
Depression
Easy Bruising
Hair Loss
Hyperhidosis -Excessive Sweating
Increased appetite
Increased Blood Pressure
Increased Fat in the face, back, chest, face, and stomach
Mood Swings
Onset Of Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Slowing Healing of Wounds
Swelling of Extremities
Thinning of Skin
Weight gain
Which Is Better Short-Term Vs. Long-Term Corticosteroid Therapy?
Many doctors will prescribe steroids for a short term period where a dose starts higher and is then tapered off over at period of a week or two. This usually results in a dramatic improvement in symptoms for many patients. Long term use is usually limited to severe disorders that require the medication to maintain a quality of life not possible without the medication. Long term use of low level corticosteroid can be prescribed and monitored by a doctor for months and even years.
Doses of any corticosteroid should be tapered off gradually, so that the adrenal glands can begin to produce natural levels of cortisol, if the medication is stopped abruptly it can result in other problems associated with an adrenal crisis. The sudden withdrawal of the medication can result in symptoms such as: muscle pain, joint pain, inflammation, stomach pain, headaches, and severe mood swings.
All medications have a risk of side effects as well as interactions with other medications, please inform your health care professional of all medications you are taking.
Chronic low back pain is a big problem and can side line anyone. Missing time from work, decreased mobility, reduction in social interactions, and can causing havoc with your home life can degrade your quality of life. There are many treatment options, and as with life there is no one size fits all fibromyalgia remedy. Today we will look at different ways of treating fibromyalgia back pain symptoms.
Many fibromyalgia suffers seek help to treat their:
Stiffness
Pain
Muscle Spams
Pain radiating or shooting down the legs or buttocks
Pain radiating down legs to feet
Numbness or tingling sensation in buttocks and legs
Numbness or tingling sensation in groin
Numbness or tingling sensation in feet and toes
Treatment Options For Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Conservative treatment options include taking over the counter analgesics such as: Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, and Aspirin.
When over the counter medications don’t work your doctor may prescribe prescription medications such as: Voltran, Tramadol, Ultram, Flexeril, Robaxin, Baclofen, Skelaxin, or narcotics.
Topical pain relievers are a new forms of treatments that doctors are prescribing for fibromyalgia, and Lidoderm is one example. Many people prefer NSAIDS patches as they do not cause stomach problems that some of the pill NSAIDS do with long term use. Over the counter topical pain relievers can be found on drug store shelves that can include Ben Gay, Icey Hot, Well Patch with Capsaicen, but the one that works the best for many is Joint-Ritis Arthritis Pain Relieving Patch, Triple Action, Extra Strength that contains Lanolin, Glucosamine & Chondroitin Spinal Injections or Spinal Nerve Blocks
After a full work up by your doctor he or she may come to the conclusion that nerve blocks or injections are necessary to treat your back pain. As fibromyalgia and myofascial pain quite frequently involves tender points. If your doctor determines after your work up that your sever back pain is a result of structural problems; compression fractures, spondylosis, herniated disc, disc disease, then your doctor may choose for you to have either a spinal block, facet joint block, or a paravertebral block.
Types of Blocks:
Spinal Injections: Spinal injections are often used to reduce or eliminate lower back or radiating leg pain.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks: This block numb the nerves outside of your spinal cord. This is beneficial as these nerves can often times become irritated.
Tell Me More About Nerve Blocks
Well, a nerve block or nerve root block is a procedure where an injection is given into a specific area or areas in your back. The nerve block works by preventing pain signal from traveling to your brain. The purpose of treating a person with a nerve block is to prevent or stop the brain from receiving pain signals, and the sensation of pain.
Nerve blocks can be a tremendous benefit as they provide immediate pain relief, stop the nerves from triggering a pain response, and can relieve inflammation.
Long term benefits of nerve block in fibromyalgia patients can include: reduced joint pain, increased range of motion, a reduction in muscle pain, and the reduction or elimination of pain.
Following the Nerve Block Procedure
You should have immediate pain relief, with a slight numbness in your legs, groin or feet. You should not drive or do any activities until the numbness subsides.
Are There Nerve Block Side Effects?
They are rare, but can include: Rash around site, tenderness around injection site, numbness, loss of sensation, nausea, vomiting, nerve damage, and infection.
Nerve blocks will not cure your fibromyalgia, nerve blocks are band aid therapy for nerve pain. They can provide temporary relief of joint pain, muscle pain and nerve pain. They typically last for a few months depending on the medications used, and you are limited on how many injections you can have in a specific time frame.
Nerve blocks should be used in conjunction to other important therapies such as: daily exercises, daily stretching, physical therapy is ordered, healthy diet, and fibromyalgia medications.
Treating fibromyalgia is never easy, but it can be done. Stay strong, keep an open mind, and know that you are not alone!
This is part 2 of the follow up on for the treatment of fibromyalgia and other conditions using medicinal mushrooms or fungi called basidiomycetes. You may want to go back and watch the short video, and read Fibromyalgia Can It Be Treated With Medicinal Mushrooms? before jumping into this article. that grow on various types of organic matter, breaking down the complex fiber structures of the organic matter into usable and digestible polysaccharides.
There are many studies that show that mushrooms or fungi fit into a grouping called basidiomycetes. Fungi grow primarily on all types of organic matter, and their main function is the breaking down of this organic matter into usable and digestible compounds known as polysaccharides.
For simplicity you can imagine that these fungi fit into three primary groups of chemical compounds are accountable for many of the medicinal effects found in the mushrooms.
Polysaccharide-protein complexes- These compounds offer immune strengthening abilities. You may know them as Echinacea, Aloe Vera, Ginseng, and Astragalus.
Triterpenes – Provide steroidal properties that are similar to our own endocrine -hormonal system. Triterpenes Compounds – work as hormonal communicators to balance, and treat many endocrine based problems.
Nitrogen- contains compounds that are important for our nervous system, and energy. They are similar to the building blocks of our basic cellular material of RNA.
Types Of Medical Mushrooms For Treating
Chronic Fatigue & Treating Fibromyalgia
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are amazing fungi as it contains over two hundred unique and active ingredients that are obtainable from any know plant source. For fibromyalgia suffers Reishi is best taken as an extract because it can be difficult to digest in its woody form. It is a power house antioxidant with antimicrobial action that can take on bacteria, viruses, stimulating the immune system, and calming the autonomic nervous system.
Reishi mushrooms are particularly effective for fibromyalgia due to the fact that it helps reduce spasticity in muscles, Irritable bowel syndrome, Colitis, Ulcers, bronchial spasms, and it helps the liver detoxify waste.
Cordyceps sinensis (Dong chong xia cao) It has a funny name, the Caterpillar fungus, that is resulting from the fact that it can crow on caterpillars. It is not as well known or researched as some other mushroom species, but Cancer Research UK suggests that it may be helpful in treating cancer patients, AIDS patients, and immune suppressed patients. It contains active polysaccharides and sterols, and studies show that cordyceps sinensis usefulness may be derived from its enhancement of cell-mediated immunity capabilities and its ability to savage free radical oxygen while supporting cellular bioenergy systems. It’s capability to increase oxygen uptake makes it useful for asthma suffers, bronchial inflammation, allergies, and many athletes use it to perform at peak lung capacity.
Cordyceps sinensis has been found to help relieve anxiety, treat insomnia, increase energy, enhance the immune system, and to clear toxins from the kidneys, lungs, and lymph nodes. Many fibromyalgia patients find that it is useful for treating fatigue, exhaustion, and provides energy and increased stamina.
Maitake Mushrooms(Grifola frondosa)- Contain protein-bound polysaccharides that provide amazing immune system fortification. Many AIDS patients find that it can slow down the progression of the debilitating disease. Maitake mushrooms as well have shown to provide; anti- cancer properties that can reduce tumors, reduce chemotherapy side effects, lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugars in diabetics, and decrease inflammation in joints.
Shiitake Mushrooms(Lentinus edodes) have been studied and found to be very beneficial in reducing inflammatory conditions, dermatitis, liver cirrhosis, vascular sclerosis, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol. In fact in 2002 The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine printed that Japanese researchers had proven that Shitake mushrooms lowered cholesterol.
Other studies go back and forth whether it has antitumor capabilities that inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer, but there are other studies that show it is useful in treating chronic fatigue symptoms, and fibromyalgia.
Poria cocas Mushrooms (Fu ling) is included into many herbal formulas, and is noted for providing relaxation of the nervous system acting as a natural relaxant, and anti anxiety compound. It also works on smooth muscles of the digestive tract aiding in digestion, absorption of nutrients, reduces diarrhea, relieves spastic colon symptoms, regulates blood glucose, and its tonic properties help alleviate edema, offer diuretic properties as well.
Possible Toxicities and Precautions
There are very few cases of edible mushroom toxicity, but one should be aware of, particularly with the long-term use any reactions or changes such as GI problems, or Neurological problems.
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Fibromyalgia How Do You Cope?