Aching, tender muscles, fatigue and poor sleep characterize fibromyalgia, a pain syndrome which is similar to rheumatism in its effects on muscles and joints. The term fibromyalgia indicates pain of the muscles and fibrous connective tissues throughout the body, and also includes discomfort in the tendons and ligaments. Predisposed areas are the neck and shoulders, lower back, chest and thighs.
Typically, soreness begins slowly, with muscle stiffness, aching and spasming, which worsens with muscle overuse. Certain muscle points will be particularly stiff and tender. Endurance and stamina are very poor, and the sufferer often feels constantly worn out and unable to concentrate. Accompanying problems include irritable bowels and mood disorders, like depression and anxiety. Mostly women are affected by fibromyalgia, but it is a common condition and can affect adolescents and men.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, since laboratory tests often show no evidence of the illness. There is some link between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some suggest the cause is a virus, or the result of toxins accumulating in the muscles from lactic acid build-up. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome victims have been found to have abnormally shaped red blood cells secondary, most probably, to viral damage. This causes a phenomenon called rouleau, which can be seen by live cell or darkfield microscopy as congregations of red cells sticking closer together and stacking up like a bunch of old car tires. Plant enzymes are often recommended for the rouleau seen on live cell microscopy. The pain is caused by tiny tears in the muscles from exercise that do not heal properly.
Muscle pain and fatigue reflect emotional and physical stress, and the syndrome mostly affects young women who lead driven, tense and particularly stressful lives. In men, fibromyalgia seems to be correlated with physical stress and occupational strain. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases should be ruled out with tests, and an underactive thyroid should also be investigated. Food allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and obesity aggravate fibromyalgia.
The cause of this syndrome is not purely psychological, and depression, if present, is only one of the many symptoms. Antidepressants alleviate symptoms because the pain in fibromyalgia is a central nervous system problem, related to inadequate or poor sleep. In contrast to modern medical methods, a holistic approach focuses on the individual case history to relieve underlying problems. A healthy diet, a light exercise program, stress alleviation and an interest in personal health are known to provide significant help over the long term.
The daily diet should include milled flax seed, 3 or more tbsp., or cold-pressed, unrefined flax seed oil. Flax seed and its oil contain the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help relieve the inflammation of fibromyalgia. The oils of fatty fish such as trout, cod, halibut, mackerel and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids and therefore work as anti-inflammatory agents.
Since an upset mineral balance contributes to fibromyalgia, avoid coffee and tea, as these interfere with mineral absorption. Alfalfa can be used for pain control. It contains saponins, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and trace elements.
Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, which act as natural anti-inflammatories in the body. By dealing with the inflammation, pain is reduced. If emotional or physical stress is a source of problems, taking extra B vitamins will help the nerves and improve energy. Magnesium also provides relief of muscle pain and inflammation in some cases. The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E are useful to combat free-radical damage at the cellular level. Vitamin E in particular improves circulation and reduces muscle pain.
If fatigue is a problem, bee pollen or royal jelly supplements are safe and effective sources of energy which will not deplete the adrenal glands, but are building and supporting. Calcium and magnesium are relaxing and improve muscle and nerve function.
Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 and magnesium sulphate have been helpful against pain, insomnia and the low energy of fibromyalgia. Treatment is usually long-term, three to six months or more to stabilize, and often there are relapses.
DHEA has been used successfully in the treatment of many autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, lupus and fibromyalgia. DHEA regulates the immune system and maintains the metabolic and structural integrity of the nervous system. DHEA has been shown to be antiviral and has benefited conditions as serious as HIV infection and AIDS.
Thymus glandular supports the immune system with grape seed extract and quercetin. Green foods should be added for optimal nutrition. Whey protein and creatine monohydrate support the musculoskeletal system in its repair process.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily
Magnesium, 500 mg twice daily
Calcium, 1,000 mg
Digestive enzymes, 2 capsules with meals
Helpful
Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU
(avoid during pregnancy)
Bee pollen or royal jelly, 2 tsp.
DHEA, 5-50 mg daily
Magnesium sulfate injections, 1,500 mg IM twice weekly
Vitamin B12, 3,000 mcg IM twice weekly
Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.
Thymus gland extract, 2 capsules twice daily
Grape seed extract, 300-500 mg
Quercetin, 1,000 mg three times daily
Whey protein powder (lactose-free), 4 tbsp. twice daily
Creatine monohydrate, 1 tbsp.
Medicinal herbs help alleviate fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation, stimulating hormones and eliminating pain.
Devil's claw root is a natural anti-inflammatory used to treat rheumatic disorders. Take one 400 mg devil's claw root tablet daily.
Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a painkiller (take as directed on the label).
Passion flower, valerian and hops teas have sedating and muscle-relaxant properties.
Dong quai is good for fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Take 1 capsule daily. For women only.
Licorice root acts in the body like cortisone, but without the harmful side-effects. Take 2 capsules daily.
Support liver function with milk thistle extract, artichoke, turmeric and dandelion.
St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. Take 20 drops of tincture or capsules as recommended on the label.
Take 1 tbsp. dandelion juice or 1 cup tea, twice daily for four to six weeks to reduce frequency and intensity of pain and to strengthen the connective tissue.
Calendula taken orally in high doses has a positive effect in reversing symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Take garlic, 5,000 mcg of standardized allicin three times daily, for detoxification and to enhance immune system function.
A combination of burdock, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Turkish rhubarb has had good results in improving this condition.
Massage painful areas with juniper oil.
Add juniper oil or rosemary oil to bath water. Take a half-hour bath, then rest in bed for an hour to ease pain and calm the system.
Use cayenne, echinacea, goldenseal, astralagus, myrrh and chaparral to boost the immune system and improve circulation. Combine as a tea or tincture, mix with juice for palatability.
Rub tea tree oil everywhere it hurts at least once daily; muscle pain takes about six weeks to disappear.
Curcumin is an excellent anti-inflammatory and immune system normalizer. Take 1,000 mg three times daily with food.
Chronic conditions can be treated by an experienced homeopath to achieve lasting results.
Take 4 tablets under the tongue every hour or two for initial pain, then four times daily for two weeks.
Ferr phos is excellent for muscle soreness and stiffness in initial stages of inflammation. The pain is worse at night and from motion.
Nat phos is useful in many cases of rheumatic complaints, as most are associated with overacidic conditions. The sweat is sour and an acidic taste is present in the mouth.
Kali sulph is recommended when the pains shift and wander, worse in hot, stuffy atmospheres and in the evening; better in the cool, open air and while moving.
Use Calc phos for cold, numb muscles, worse at night and in cold, wet weather; relieved by rest and warmth.
Mag phos is excellent for sharp, stabbing pains, relieved by warmth and aggravated by cold. Muscle contractions and associated twitching are also helped by this remedy.
Excess stress is known to cause or precipitate attacks of fibromyalgia, so stress reduction techniques should be part of the therapy.
Deep breathing is the basis of all stress-reduction techniques. Deep, relaxed inhalations, expanding the entire chest cavity and using the full diaphragm muscle, is vital to deep breathing.
Moderate aerobic exercise, such as cycling, swimming or walking, is strongly recommended.
Regular gentle massage helps relieve the pain.
Lymph drainage can be very beneficial, as it helps to detoxify muscle and body tissue.
Take saunas and warm baths, and apply warm compresses and packs to help alleviate the pain.
Heat applied to the painful areas helps to increase blood supply and relax muscles.
Some people find it helpful to wear a copper bracelet—the copper can penetrate the skin and produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Copper stimulates the liver to manufacture superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant.
Stretching exercises that promote flexion of affected muscles are recommended. Do not stretch or overexert to the point of pain.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy reduces stress and eases pain. Blood circulation is also improved, which helps eliminate toxins.
Acupressure
For knee pain, apply deep thumb pressure to the points on the knees, as illustrated.
For pain in general, apply deep thumb pressure to the points on the calves and the heels, as illustrated.
Reflexology
Work on the whole foot, especially the reflexes corresponding to the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and solar plexus, as illustrated.
It is very important to be understanding and sympathetic to those suffering from fibromyalgia. Not believing that the afflicted person is in pain can add to their stress and worsen the condition. For the young, it is important that teachers are informed and understand that the student, even though looking perfectly healthy, might not be able to participate in sports or other activities.
It is advisable to determine hidden food or chemical hypersensitivities by the immunological test of ELISA/ACT. Many fibromyalgia sufferers also have irritable bowel syndrome and it is recommended they take a comprehensive digestive and stool analysis for parasites. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Flax Oil (Flora)
Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)
Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)
Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)
Bio K (Greens+)
C Extra (Natural Factors)
Calcium and Magnesium Citrate (Natural Factors)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil (Natural Factors)
Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)
Digestion Formula/Forte (NaturPharm, Inc)
Grape Seed Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)
Flax Oil (Omega Nutrition)
Myalgia-Force (Prairie Naturals)
Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)
Magnesium Citrate 100 mg w/ Malic Acid (Sisu)
Leritone Magnesium & Vitamin E (Yves Ponroy Canada)
Other Nutritional Supplements
Peace River Bee Pollen (Natural Factors)
Pollen Plus Energy (Natural Factors)
Royal Jelly (Natural Factors)
Bee Pollen (Nature's Herbs)
Herbal Remedies
Migranon (Flora)
Schoenenberger Dandelion Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)
Schoenenberger St. John's Wort Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)
St. John's Wort Oil Extract Capsules (Flora)
Dong Quai Extract (Natural Factors)
Muscle and Joint (Natural Factors)
Natural Pain Ease (Natural Factors)
St. John's Wort Extract (Natural Factors)
Turmeric Extract (Natural Factors)
Valerian Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Burdock (Nature's Herbs)
Cayenne-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Curcumin-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Devil's Claw Extract (Nature's Herbs)
Dong Quai-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Echinacea-Golden Seal Combination
(Nature's Herbs)
Garlic, Odorless (Nature's Herbs)
Hops-Valerian Combination (Nature's Herbs)
Licorice Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)
Slippery Elm Bark (Nature's Herbs)
St. John's-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Valerian-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Willowprin Max (Nature's Herbs)
Ginkoba (Pharmaton)
Ginkosan (Pharmaton)
External Therapies
Basil Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Juniper Berry Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)
Pepper Oil, Black (Karooch Essential Oils)
Rosemary Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)