Fibromyalgia / Stan Meyerson, Pharmacist

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Fibromyalgiaby Stan Meyerson, Pharmacist http://www.needs.com/insights/Fibromyalgia.asp

Described as pain involving soft tissue and musculoskeletal parts of the body, FIBROMYALGIA (FM), is a debilitating painful condition affecting at least 3 million people in the U.S., predominantly women aged 25-50. FM affects the muscles, primarily the neck, lower back, shoulders, chest, base of the skull, knee joint, either side of the elbow, and thighs, also tendons, ligaments and connective fibrous tissue throughout the body. FM bears a resemblance to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), as both exhibit a wide range of parallel emotional and physical symptoms, chronic musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, depression, aching, disturbed sleep patterns, irritable bowel complaints, and fatigue. With fibromyalgia however there is an added dimension of "tender point" sensations in specific areas of the body.Causes - Precise etiology is unknown, however possible reasons for FM could be hereditary, viral infections, tension, mercury poisoning from dental amalgams, parasites, leaky gut syndrome, low serotonin levels, immune system problems, uric acid/phosphate accumulation, and stress.Diagnosis - FM has many of the same symptoms of CFS, with the added dimensions of Major & Minor Criteria.

Major Criteria Generalized aches or stiffness of at least three anatomical sites for at least three months Six or more typical reproducible tender points. Exclusion of other disorders that can cause similar symptoms.

Minor Criteria Generalized fatigue Chronic headache Sleep disturbance Neurological and psychological complaints Joint swelling Numbing or tingling sensations Irritable bowel syndrome Variation of symptoms in relation to activity, stresses, and weather changes. Diagnosis also includes between 11-18 tender points and is mandatory at specific muscle locations in the body. FM does not affect joints directly, but may affect where muscles join tendons. As muscle points become "tender," soreness begins, resulting in muscle stiffness, aching, most probably as spasms. As the "tender" points become more and more sensitive, depression, altered sleep patterns, anxiety, helplessness, and, irritable bowel syndrome can result. In view of the fact that restless sleep patterns prevent the body's cells and tissues from healing and regenerating properly, the end result is a lowering of stamina and endurance, lack of concentration with that "burned out feeling."TREATING FIBROMYALGIA Conventional treatments mask the symptoms with the use of analgesics, antidepressants, and some gout medicines (there is data that the accumulation of uric acid may be the origin in some people). Treatment with the anti-gout medicine Probenecid may be of benefit to some. Guaifenesin, along with a salicylate eimination program may also enhance uric acid excretion.Complimentary treatmentsWhile complimentary medicine also mask symptoms, in fact they may be more desirable than conventional therapies. Consider these facts.1. There are little or no side effects.2. They are equal or better as analgesics and or antidepressants than the traditional therapies and are less expensive.MAGNESIUM (MG) AND MALIC ACID serve several roles in managing FM patients. Mg helps promote normal absorption of calcium as well as potassium, B vitamins. Mg and malic acid are required for the formation of ATP, the cells basic energy source. Deficiency of magnesium can also lead to muscle cramps. Studies show that aluminum in the cells may be a contributing factor to the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Magnesium and Malic Acid facilitate the excretion of aluminum, preventing the toxic effects to the cell. Taken every 6 hours for a total intake of 300-600 mg of Magnesium and 1200-2400 mg of malic acid, the pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia may be reduced or relieved. Low levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin have been discovered to be one of the main contributing factors associated with the pain in fibromyalgia. 5-HTP is converted to serotonin assisting in treating fibromyalgia symptoms. Essential fatty oils combining flax, borage and fish help reduce the inflammation and pain of fibromyalgia.SAM (S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE), in trials has been shown to reduce the pain of fibromyalgia.200g four times a day for one month.Research point out that proanthocyanidins (grape seed ) helps in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Acting as anti-inflammatory in the tissues, antioxidant, immune system booster, and the promoting of healing in the body.MSM, a source of bioavailable sulfur, helps ease and lessen muscle soreness, pain, inflammation and cramps.Systemic Oral Enzymes Wobenzym contains systemic proteolytic enzymes, which cleave other proteins, helping to degrade harmful and abnormal immune complexes that precipitate autoimmune diseases. Wobenzym has three very important actions. It eats excessive fibrin, necrotic debris, and helps white blood cells. When treating CFS, and Fibromyalgia, Dr. Wong writes in his book 10 Natural Treatments You Haven't Heard Of Until Now, oral enzymes "This enzyme acts as anti-inflammatory and helps with the muscle and joint ache and swelling. It is also supportive of the liver, digestive and immune systems. AN ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE!!!" CAN ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE HELP FIBROMYALGIA? Fratt, Medical Writer Most conventional and alternative practitioners emphasize nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction in fibromyalgia treatment. Dr. Lu advises, "Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, which cause fatigue." He adds, "Three times a week of low-impact aerobics is better than walking or stretching." "Fibromyalgia is one condition that needs a multidisciplinary approach." Dr. Tony Lu, medical director for integrative medicine for the Loyola University Health System, often recommends a multidisciplinary treatment plan for fibromyalgia. "It's very hard to get satisfaction with plain, conventional treatment for fibromyalgia. This is one condition that needs a multidisciplinary approach." Mind-body therapy and acupuncture may hold promise as part of a multidisciplinary plan. Exercise, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, chiropractic, and massage may also provide some help.

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