Fibromyalgia

What causes fibromyalgia?

No one knows exactly for sure, but some believe it comes from being out of sync with yourself and your needs. There are many theories being tossed about, and some are more widely accepted than others. A direct genetic cause has yet to be found, although FMS does seem to run in families. This may be due to learned behavior regarding handling of stress, attitude, and overall lifestyle habits such as exercise and diet. Psychological and social causes may include depression, but some feel depression co-exists with any chronic pain problem. Many people with FMS are overly concerned with control, as indicated by coping mechanisms of “cognitive processing and restructuring”, rather than adapting to situations. In other words, these folks are always trying to change the system rather than work with it. Women are more commonly affected than men, and there are many theories why this may be, from hormones to gender differences in coping and sensitivity.

Nutrition is an area of focus as scientists seek to learn more about the cause of this predominately Western culture disorder. Our diets of highly refined carbohydrates, toxic food additives, and ingestion of foods to which we have developed a sensitivity all seem to contribute to symptoms in many people. There are neuroendocrine issues as well, that involve the entire hormone system of the body. Daily stress and its toll on the endocrine system probably is also a contributing factor in the development of this complex syndrome and one that should be addressed in any fibromyalgia program.

Whether sleep disturbances cause the problem or are caused by the problem doesn’t negate the fact that 75% of all FMS sufferers have sleeping problems. Additionally, some feel FMS is an immune system issue, as sufferers seem more prone to other autoimmune diseases. Lack of sleep is a big contributor to autoimmune disease development.

Very often trauma is what triggers FMS, and is often very minor in comparison to the resulting pain. Reasons for this may lie in the extensive fascia or connective tissue system of the body, and how the body repairs when damaged. Whiplash may affect the pineal gland and its secretory function of hormones due to fascial damage. Fascia is the connective tissue that holds us in one piece, and is layered throughout the body. When traumatized and not addressed, it can form a rigid sheet that no longer allows fluid movement of muscles and tendons. The technique of myofascial release can be very helpful in treating FMS.

Nutritional Approaches
I offer here an overview of what contemporary authors suggest may help FMS symptoms and the underlying pathology. Be sure to talk to your doctor before making radical dietary changes, especially if you are diabetic.

Our body’s genetic make-up has changed very little in the last 10,000 years, but our diet has changed radically. Our prehistoric ancestors survived quite well on meat, fruits and vegetables, and tubers (roots). Their meat was not farmed and fed artificial feed, and was much lower in fat content. They did not use dairy products. Soybean use was predominately in Asian countries, and they soaked or fermented the beans to remove unhealthy substances. Fruits and vegetables were fresh and seasonal. The use of grains as a food source did not come about until about 10,000 years ago, and the processing of grains is much more recent.

Based on this, I suggest organic fruits and vegetables as a basis of the diet. Organic foods are raised without artificial means, chemicals, hormones, or additives. I recommend totally eliminating refined carbohydrates such as flour, sugar, and white rice from the diet. Most people will find eliminating dairy foods is helpful. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, widely varying the selection to prevent allergies and increasing the likelihood of obtaining essential nutrients. Keep a food diary for about 2 weeks and note patterns in symptoms following ingestion of certain foods. You need adequate complete protein to heal, so a vegetarian or vegan diet may not be the right thing for you, especially if you are not well-versed in how to combine foods for complete protein ingestion. Lean meat, eggs, chicken, and fish are great sources of complete protein. Vegetable sources are not complete, and must be combined carefully at each meal. This takes quite a bit of knowledge to follow safely.

Supplementation should be done intelligently, with input from a knowledgeable practitioner to prevent drug/nutrient conflicts. Choosing appropriate herbs requires knowledge of herbal usage and contraindications. Seek advice of a knowledgeable practitioner. Do your own research as well, being aware of all possible side effects. Learn to listen to your body and it will tell you what it needs. I recommend a basic, complete, naturally sourced supplement system to address all basic nutritional needs. These days its very hard to get what you need from your diet, even if you eat organic produce. USDA organic is not all its cracked up to be. For more information, see Controversial Additives above. To see what I use and recommend to clients, click here.

Herbs that can be of value in FMS are generally in found in certain categories based upon their effect. Adaptogens and tonics are herbs that will increase the body’s ability to resist the negative effects of stress (emotional and physical). These are very important in the natural treatment of FMS, as it is felt they address the core issue- depletion of vital force energy. Some examples are Siberian ginseng, Reishi mushroom, American ginseng, Ashwagandha, and licorice.

Other herbs that regulate and balance assimilation, elimination, anabolism, and catabolism may be useful. This group is important in the treatment of FMS symptoms to promote detoxification of the tissues. Some examples are dandelion leaf (for the liver), kelp (for the lymph system), and horsetail (for the joints). Ionic footbaths are also helpful in detoxifying the body. Herbs that promote removal of lactic acid are also mild diuretics and promote urine output. An example is meadowsweet.

Anti-inflammatory herbs such as tumeric and licorice help with the mild inflammation of the muscles and joints, but no one is quite sure exactly how they work. Many of the herbs in this category also do other things that are helpful for FMS. As is true with all herbs, is especially true for this group; the whole plant must be used. Chemical derivatives don’t work the same way.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes include resting when tired, changing to a healthful diet, getting moderate exercise with stretching, and learning to manage stress. These can all make a positive impact on symptoms. Making a winding down ritual in the evening about one hour before bedtime can help induce a restful, natural sleep. Ask your doctor which of your medications can be taken on an “as needed” basis to reduce the potential for side effects.

Massage and Bodywork

Massage differs from bodywork in that classical massage uses kneading and stroking while bodywork uses holding of points, stretching of muscles and fascia, and may not use oils or lotions. Massage for fibromyalgia usually requires a lighter touch as do all disorders involving central energy depletion. Myofascial work is a commonly used technique, as is craniosacral work, and techniques developed to relax the central nervous system. Chiropractic care and acupuncture/Chinese medicine are other effective avenues to explore.
 
I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that YOU know more about what you need than a doctor. LISTEN to your body, go with the flow, enjoy your life more, don't assume there are no choices in a situation. There are infinite possibilities in any given moment- be more open to what you haven't considered in the past. Life is a journey, not a destination.