Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia

  • Are you experiencing unexplained pains in a number of different places in your body?
  • Are you run down & exhausted?
  • Do you also have symptoms of chronic fatigue?

Fibromyalgia is a condition governed by pain. This pain is usually felt in certain known trigger points throughout the body. However, these points can vary in each individual case.

People who suffer from this condition are very sensitive to pain. Their pain thresholds are different from those that do not have fibromyalgia.

This is a condition where the pain is experienced in multiple locations throughout the body, primarily joints.

This pain is usually not attributed to a particular known medical cause.

For example, a diagnosis of arthritis or other pain condition is ruled out.

Commonly in fibromyalgia signs of inflammation are not detected.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

Imbalance or lowered levels of serotonin is a possible causative factor.
One of the main roles of this neurotransmitter is its involvement in pain reception, as well as being involved in the gastrointestinal tract & also in mood regulation. People who have lower levels of serotonin have been shown to have a lowered pain threshold.
As a result, your GP may have prescribed you an antidepressant specifically an SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor)  such as Zoloft to try to help manage your pain condition.

  • Viruses or post-viral fatigue are other causative factors that may be attributed to the onset of this condition. There have been reports of links with viruses such as Ross River & other similar viruses. It is not known exactly as to what the relationship is with these types of viruses & fibromyalgia, however, it is speculated that the occurrence of these viruses, in combination with chronic stress may impact the nervous system, & therefore increase sensitivity to pain.
  • Genetics may also be a contributing factor.

    Further Key Drivers of Fibromyalgia are found to be:
    1. Nutrient Deficiencies: When your body doesn’t get enough essential nutrients, it can harm the energy-producing parts of your cells called mitochondria. This damage can lead to inflammation and stress within your cells.
    2. Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can make your body more inflamed, affecting certain parts of your brain. This inflammation and structural changes in the brain can contribute to fibromyalgia.
    3. Inflammation: Fibromyalgia often involves long-term inflammation. This inflammation can damage your cells, especially the mitochondria, which then triggers more inflammation, creating a harmful cycle.
    4. Infections: People with fibromyalgia often have chronic infections. Sometimes, the symptoms of fibromyalgia get worse during infections, and the condition may even start after an infection.
    5. Gastrointestinal Issues: Fibromyalgia is linked to problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and issues with bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. These problems can cause inflammation in your gut and the rest of your body.
    6. Thyroid Problems: Reduced thyroid hormone production can affect how your body uses energy. A specific thyroid hormone called triiodothyronine (T3) is crucial for your energy levels and how your body burns fuel.
    7. Toxin Exposure: Exposure to certain metals from various sources, like food, smoking, dental materials, or your job, might contribute to fibromyalgia in people with a genetic predisposition. These metals can cause inflammation and lead to symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, and psychiatric issues seen in fibromyalgia and related conditions.

    In a nutshell, fibromyalgia seems to involve a combination of factors, including poor nutrition, ongoing stress, chronic inflammation, infections, gut problems, thyroid issues, and potential exposure to harmful substances. All of these factors can contribute to the complex and often debilitating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

What Are The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The pain felt in 11 or more points. This definition has recently changed to widespread unexplained pain. This often includes joints, but it can also include generalised muscle pain.

  • Exhaustion, with a sensation of dragging your own weight.
  • There is often an overlapping of chronic fatigue experienced by those that suffer from fibromyalgia.
  • Anxiety and or depression or other mood-related disorders.
  • Gastrointestinal problems may also occur with this condition.

Who is Susceptible to Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is more common in females than in males.

People who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or any chronic stress can be affected by fibromyalgia.

Treatment for Fibromyalgia at Your Wellness Centre

Treatment at Your Wellness Centre is focused on addressing the underlying causes of this condition, with a primary focus on nourishing & restoring the nervous system.
Here are the treatment priorities for fibromyalgia simplified:

  1. Boost Energy Production:
    Help the body make more energy (ATP) by giving it the right nutrients.
  2. Protect Mitochondria:
    Strengthen cell powerhouses (mitochondria) by using antioxidants to shield them from damage by harmful molecules (free radicals).
  3. Reduce Inflammation:
    Lessen things that cause inflammation, like stress, gut issues, thyroid problems, and toxins, to protect mitochondria.
  4. Support Immune System:
    Strengthen the immune system to fight chronic infections, which can cause inflammation and harm mitochondria.
  5. Track Fatigue:
    Keep an eye on fatigue symptoms using the “Your Guide to Energy and Fatigue” patient booklet.
  6. Monitor Lifestyle
    Make sure the patient follows diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations.

These steps aim to improve energy levels and reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients.

This is achieved in a number of natural ways via herbal therapy, nutritional therapy, diet & lifestyle support, gentle exercise suggestions, homeopathy & flower essences.

It is also worth noting that Winter can often be a time of year when the symptoms of fibromyalgia are worse.
We tend to do less exercise during winter & we often eat more carbohydrates.
Both of these factors as well as the cold may impact the severity of fibromyalgia.
Exercise is very beneficial for this condition, but not strenuous exercise, as the more gentle forms such as yoga, pilates, tai chi, or relaxed swimming are shown to be helpful without exacerbating the symptoms.

Drugs for pain management & also SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor)  drugs can have unwanted side effects, so taking a natural approach to treating your pain condition is well worth considering.

If you would like more information, please Ring 9879 9596  where expert naturopaths are waiting to help you.

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Melbourne

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