Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by muscle pain, joint pain and fatigue.
Patients who suffer from fibromyalgia usually feel these symptoms:
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Unbearable pain
- Chronic tiredness
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleep disorder problems
- Concentration problems
- Depression
Physicians will diagnose someone with fibromyalgia if they show positive reactions to 11 of 18 specific tender areas of the body.
For a disease with no known cause, fibromyalgia sure affects a lot of people, at least 5 million in the U.S. alone. Thatβs about an estimated 2β4% of the population! Now, whatβs strange about fibromyalgia is that it seems to affect more women than men, as 9 out of 10 people who reportedly suffer from fibromyalgia are female.
Treating Fibromyalgia With Conventional Drugs
Since the leading symptom of fibromyalgia seems to be muscle and body pain, scientists and doctors have tried to treat the symptoms with conventional drugs including NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), pain killers and antidepressants. However, these methods of treatment donβt seem to work very well.
First of all, most analgesics are very mild, and given the level of chronic pain that a majority of people experience, the results arenβt very effective at all. If you have fibromyalgia, chances are youβre suffering from all sorts of pains and aches, and taking multiple drug combinations can lead to serious side effects that can drastically interfere with how you live day-to-day life.
Furthermore, taking different combinations of drugs can result in a real problem, especially when you want to slow down or stop the medication. In many cases, some of these pain relievers can be quite addicting, and have some serious side effects!
Causes and Remedies for Fibromyalgia
There can be many contributing factors to fibromyalgia, including chronic inflammation, gluten intolerance, emotional and physical stress.
If an individual really wants to fix the problem, you must address the root cause. Many studies suggest that certain lifestyle changes can be more than enough to keep fibromyalgia at bay.
If youβre looking for natural remedies for fibromyalgia, consider the following:
Eat Anti-inflammatory Nutrients
Inflammation can cause a range of health problems, including muscle and joint pain. A German study found that anti-inflammatory antioxidants like Quercetin (found in black and green teas, red onion, broccoli, tomato) can naturally reduce inflammation that can help fibromyalgia. Also, omega-3 fats can naturally reduce inflammation. If youβre going to purchase a fish oil, make sure you only buy a high-quality fish oil, high in antioxidants like astaxanthin and low in mercury. Additionally, turmeric can reduce inflammation associated with fibromyalgia as well.Β Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may prevent and slow cancer growth, protect against liver disease and help reduce symptoms of digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. While simply adding turmeric to your daily cooking will increase consumption and enhance flavor, there are other methods to boost intake and encourage possible inflammation reduction.
Go Gluten-Free
One in seven people are gluten intolerant, and Iβd even say that most people donβt do well with gluten. Gluten is a protein found in most grains like wheat. Iβd start by eliminating all grains except for brown rice and quinoa. Gluten can lead to neurological problems, weight gain, inflammation, muscle pain and fatigue. Many people have gone gluten-free and have seen some incredible results because of it.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
A review in Neuroscientist found significant association between fibromyalgia and physical and sexual abuse in both adults and children. If you havenβt dealt with past issues in your life, I strongly encourage you to find a good counselor who can help you begin to heal emotionally. Another great place to start is by reading The Bondage BreakerΒ by Neil Anderson. Also, schedule some fun and relaxation into your life. Stress can raise cortisol levels and inflammation markers which contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
Research published in Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology reports neck trauma causing spinal, joint and muscular injuries increases the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Chiropractic care works to correct spinal misalignments and correct posture through spinal adjustments and rehabilitative spinal exercises.Β Also, patients with fibromyalgia have been shown to have hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Upper cervical spinal adjustments have been shown to have a positive effect by decreasing hyperactivity.
Address Nutritional Deficiencies
A study of 41 people with fibromyalgia found that taking five grams of D-RiboseΒ (an organic compound) three timesΒ daily showed significant improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms. Also, studies have shown supplementing with magnesiumΒ can help with fibromyalgia symptoms andΒ physicians recommend taking 250β300 milligrams twice daily. Some magnesium-rich foods includeΒ pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cocoa, almonds, spinach, halibut and black beans.
Is someone in your family suffering from fibromyalgia? Iβd love to hear your thoughts on fibromyalgia and conditions like chronic fatigue.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: draxe.com
If youβve suddenly been feeling pain and discomfort in your body, along with symptoms of fatigue, for some inexplicable reason, then you could be suffering from fibromyalgia, which affects hundreds of thousands of people between the ages of 20β50, most commonly women. Fortunately, a few natural remedies can be used to control the symptoms of this painful condition.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .Β
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "5 Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
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We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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