Fibromyalgia
Don’t let chronic pain slow you down!
Many patients with fibromyalgia in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the U.S. have come to Dao Integrated Health after facing many barriers when trying to relieve their symptoms or even get a firm diagnosis regarding their chronic pain.
The lack of agreement on best practices for symptom relief makes this condition difficult to navigate, and the frustration is often made worse by the wide range of possible symptoms, often without a predictable pattern. But Integrative / Functional Medicine and Acupuncture has a lot to offer patients suffereing from chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia doesn’t have to hold you back, read on to learn about holistic approaches that are showing a lot of promise.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is more common in women than men and is more likely to appear as menopause begins (as if menopausal women didn’t have enough to deal with it!).
For many patients dealing with chronic pain in San Francisco, the most pressing symptom is unexplained widespread pain in the soft tissues, the areas between the bones like fat, muscle, fibrous tissue and blood vessels. People with fibromyalgia in San Francisco describe the sensation as a dull, constant pain, which is often triggered by touch, and can become progressively more debilitating. Most often, this pain occurs at multiple points, called regions of pain, on both sides of the body and above and below the waist.
Other symptoms can include:
- Stiffness in the morning
- Tingling hands or feet
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Jaw pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Unexplained fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Skin sensitivity
Many patients also report mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating – a symptom often described as “brain fog.”
That’s quite an extensive list of symptoms, and to further complicate matters, patients can experience combinations of different symptoms at different times.
Causes
This is another difficult element of fibromyalgia in San Francisco since studies haven’t yet identified a specific trigger. However, many medical practitioners have noticed that it often begins after a patient has experienced a physically or emotionally traumatic event, like a car accident, relationship breakdown, or injury. This connection is further supported by the fact that people who have post-traumatic stress disorder are more prone to fibromyalgia.
Some evidence points to a genetic component of a person’s susceptibility. If you’re experiencing symptoms, think about your relatives’ health history. Conventional medicine has been slow to recognize fibromyalgia in Livermore patients, so even if a relative wasn’t diagnosed officially, having a history of fibromyalgia symptoms could be a red flag.
Roadblocks in diagnosing fibromyalgia
A 2010 study looking at the journey to diagnosis study found that fibromyalgia patients waited an average of about one year before even seeing a healthcare practitioner, and many had to see multiple practitioners with an average of 2.3 years before concluding they in fact had fibromyalgia.
Promising developments
In recent years we have seen some promising developments in fibromyalgia research, with particularly exciting developments being made regarding holistic practices that can help ease the severity of symptoms.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
The wide range of symptoms and their unpredictable nature make diagnosis a challenge. A definitive diagnostic test isn’t yet available, and as a result, many people struggle with symptoms for months or years before arriving at a solution. If you suspect you may have fibromyalgia in San Francisco, always work with a medical practitioner who doesn’t dismiss how you feel. Your concerns deserve to be heard.
A process of elimination
Arriving at a fibromyalgia diagnosis is partly a process of elimination, since other health issues, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis or Sjogren’s disease, can cause many of the same symptoms. A thorough physical and mental health exam can help narrow down the cause.
More common in women
Because fibromyalgia is much more common in women, men may face additional barriers to diagnosis. It’s important to note that this condition does occur in men and that the symptoms can greatly impact their quality of life. Men who are experiencing the symptoms above may need to be even more persistent in pursuing a diagnosis.
Natural Remedies
What are some natural remedies for fibromyalgia?
To date, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, there are numerous natural ways to help relieve symptoms and restore quality of life, including:
Supplementation
- Magnesium citrate supplements have been found to reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
- Melatonin can improve sleep quality, which is important in coping with the many symptoms.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 and fish oil can also help reduce pain.
- Studies have found a possible connection between Vitamin D deficiency and fibromyalgia, so make sure you are getting enough, particularly during the winter.
- D-ribose helps relieve pain and depression and can prevent insomnia in fibromyalgia patients.
Herbal supplements
- One promising study on Ginseng found that it helped to relieve fibromyalgia pain and insomnia.
- Curcumin, a component of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that can also help to relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia.
- Some patients experience an improvement in mood with the use of St. John’s Wort.
Exercise
When you’re tired and sore, exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do, but numerous studies have linked exercise with good outcomes for people with fibromyalgia. Yoga has been found to be especially useful in easing both physical and psychological symptoms. Other effective activities include walking, any exercise in water, and strength training. Be sure to always work with a professional trainer to get acquainted with strength work, preferably one who has treated chronic pain in San Francisco patients before.
Remember that consistency is more important than intensity. Don’t push yourself. Small amounts of exercise help, but you don’t want to overdo it and cause more pain.
Diet
Many patients find an anti-inflammatory diet helps ease their symptoms. In particular, a diet that is low in FODMAPs is often effective. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols, but in simpler terms, FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates which may cause inflammation or digestive upsets.
Common high-FODMAP foods include:
- Wheat
- Onions
- Garlic
- Beans
- Many fruits, including apples, figs, mangos, peaches, and nectarines, are high in FODMAPs, and should be avoided.
- Some vegetables, particularly asparagus, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
- Many sweeteners, particularly honey, high-fructose corn syrup, and agave nectar.
- Dairy products that contain lactose.
As you can see, FODMAPs are found in a lot of foods, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients by swapping for nutritious foods low in FODMAPs. The goal isn’t to eliminate FODMAPs forever but to find an amount that works for you.
Implementing these lifestyle changes can reduce the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia and restore your quality of life. Starting a new diet or supplement regime without support is not recommended.
Functional Medicine Testing and Treatments
Functional Medicine Testing
At Dao Integrated Health, functional medicine testing can uncover deeper contributors to fibromyalgia symptoms, such as:
Hormonal imbalances:
Low cortisol, thyroid dysfunction, or estrogen/progesterone imbalances.
Mitochondrial dysfunction:
Reduced cellular energy production contributing to fatigue.
Nutritional deficiencies:
Insufficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, which are essential for nerve and muscle function.
Chronic infections or inflammation:
Hidden viral infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) or elevated inflammatory markers.
Advanced Functional Medicine Treatments
Mitochondrial Support:
Supplements like CoQ10, L-carnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid can enhance energy production and reduce fatigue.
Gut Microbiome Restoration:
Probiotics, prebiotics, and a personalized anti-inflammatory diet can support gut health, which is often linked to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Adrenal Support:
Adaptogens such as ashwagandha and licorice root may help modulate stress responses and improve resilience.
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture can help manage fibromyalgia by:
- Enhancing circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, reducing muscle tension, and aiding in cellular repair.
- Balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and alleviating emotional stress associated with chronic pain.
- Improving sleep quality by stimulating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system and reducing hyperarousal.
How to Improve Your Overall Well-Being
Exercise
In addition to yoga and aquatic exercises, other beneficial options include:
Pilates:
Focuses on core strength and postural alignment, which can help reduce musculoskeletal pain.
Walking:
Low-impact aerobic exercise that boosts endorphins and improves cardiovascular health.
Stretching:
Gentle, daily stretching can prevent stiffness and enhance flexibility.
Pro Tip: Work with a physical therapist or certified trainer familiar with fibromyalgia to design a safe, effective program.
Diet
Additional strategies for dietary management:
- Eliminate processed foods and artificial sweeteners, which can exacerbate inflammation.
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids from sources like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish to combat systemic inflammation.
- Hydration: Proper hydration supports cellular function, muscle health, and toxin elimination.
Classic Treatment Options
In addition to medications:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
A non-invasive technique to modulate neural pathways and reduce chronic pain perception.
Biofeedback Therapy:
Helps patients learn to control physiological functions, such as muscle tension and heart rate, to reduce pain and stress.
Massage Therapy:
Can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a multifaceted condition requiring a holistic approach to achieve lasting relief. Integrating functional medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle modifications, and conventional treatments can empower you to manage symptoms and reclaim your quality of life.
Before beginning any new treatment, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the best approach for your individual needs.
At Dao Integrated Health, we offer personalized care plans to support you on your wellness journey. Contact us today to start feeling better, from the inside out.
References
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