Fibromyalgia: An Invisible Disability

By Dr. Janet McKenzie, ND

What is fibromyalgia?
Researchers and other experts in health care have described it as:

• a "rheumatic" musculo-skeletal condition;
• a condition of the nervous system related to abnormal pain perception;
• an auto-immune disorder;
• an aspect of post-traumatic stress disorder;
• physical symptoms of depression.

As a naturopathic doctor and someone who has fibromyalgia, my opinion is that it is most likely a neurological condition with a genetic predisposition that comes into full expression when triggered by another illness or a traumatizing event.

What does it feel like?
Ever had the flu? Imagine having it all the time. That's roughly what the experience of fibromyalgia is like. The main symptoms are widespread pain, extreme fatigue, unrefreshing sleep. These are "keynote" symptoms found in most fibromyalgia cases.
Other common symptoms include:

• difficulty with concentration and memory
• conditions of mood such as depression and/or anxiety
• dizziness, balance problems
• heightened sensitivity to EVERYTHING (odours, lights, noises, medications, touch)
• numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
• restless leg syndrome
• headaches, migraines, jaw pain
• dry eyes, dry mouth
• irritable bowel syndrome
• painful menstruation

Most people will experience their first symptoms as adults but it can begin in childhood. It's more common in women than men.
The symptoms can come and go, and their pattern can change as well. Many people have extended periods of time when they feel "normal" alternating with symptom "flares".
A worsening of symptoms, or flare, can be triggered by things such as stress, inadequate sleep, and infections as well as changes in air pressure or temperature.

Diagnosis
There are no tests that will definitely confirm fibromyalgia, but tests may be ordered to rule out other illnesses that also have pain and fatigue as their major symptoms. Eventually, a diagnosis will be confirmed on the basis of the person's medical history, physical exam and the fact that no other cause for their symptoms has been identified.

Treatment Options
Conventional medical treatment relies upon the use of medications that modify the levels of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin).
Because daily routines and other lifestyle factors are extremely important for people with fibromyalgia, going to bed and getting up at consistent times, along with regular exercise, will be recommended as ways to moderate pain and fatigue.

Balneotherapy, or therapeutic baths, may also be recommended for muscle pain and stiffness. Treatment with heat (hot baths, hot packs and heating pads) tends to be very soothing.
Naturopathic Care
In treating myself and others with fibromyalgia, I have found the following to be beneficial: Co-enzyme Q10 (fatigue), Magnesium (pain and stiffness), B-complex vitamins (fatigue), diet modification (fatigue), lifestyle factors (as outlined above for pain and fatigue), and heat treatments (pain).
As a single treatment, CoQ10 has been outstanding for dispelling fatigue.

Outlook
Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion so it may take some time to confirm. Be patient and persistent with the diagnostic process - getting the correct diagnosis makes all the difference for your treatment.
While it is not yet known what causes fibromyalgia, the symptoms can be addressed thoroughly enough to allow you to live a comfortable, productive lifestyle. Some things to keep in mind:

• Don't get discouraged.
• Stay away from support groups that focus mostly on complaints. Stay focussed on what you are doing to feel better, not on how uncomfortable you are.
• Develop some health-supporting habits and stick with them as much as you can.
• Make sleep a priority and do everything possible to improve both quantity and quality.
• Discuss supplementation with a naturopathic doctor (ND).

To learn more about naturopathic care for fibromyalgia, or other conditions of fatigue, please contact Dr. Janet McKenzie at Summit Natural Health Centre:

- summitnaturalhealth
- contactus@summitnaturalhealth.ca

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Janet_McKenzie,_ND