Fibromyalgia & CAM

[Guest guest]

Got ut of American Pain Foundation Wow.

How many of us have tried these things.

Hugs Heidi

CAM and Fibromyalgia: At a Glance

People with chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia often turn

to some form of CAM. This article provides basic information on

fibromyalgia and " what the science says " about the effectiveness of

CAM practices that many people with fibromyalgia use. If you are

considering a CAM therapy for fibromyalgia, this information can help

you talk to your health care provider about it.

About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue.

People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well

as " tender points " on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and

legs, which hurt when slight pressure (about 9 pounds) is applied.

© istockphoto.com/hidesy

People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as:

Trouble sleeping

Morning stiffness

Headaches

Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called " fibro fog " )

Irritable bowel syndrome.

Women with fibromyalgia may also have painful menstrual periods.

Fibromyalgia may also be associated with depression.

The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but problems with the nervous

system could be involved. It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects

as many as 1 in 50 Americans. Most people with fibromyalgia are

women, and most are diagnosed during middle age. However, men and

children also can have the disorder.

CAM Practices Used for Fibromyalgia

Conventional therapies for fibromyalgia are limited, and research

shows that about 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia use some form

of CAM. These practices include:

Acupuncture

Biofeedback

Chiropractic care

Hypnosis

Magnesium supplements

Magnet therapy

Massage therapy

SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)

Tai chi.

What the Science Says About CAM and Fibromyalgia

According to reviewers who have assessed the research on CAM and

fibromyalgia, much of the research is still preliminary, and evidence

of effectiveness for the various therapies used is limited.

Research on acupuncture—stimulation of anatomical points with thin

metallic needles—for fibromyalgia has produced mixed results. One

review article notes that three studies found some evidence to

support the use of electroacupuncture (in which the needles are

pulsed with electric current). However, the effects of

electroacupuncture in these studies were mostly short lived, and two

studies of traditional acupuncture had negative results.

Some researchers believe that low levels of magnesium may contribute

to fibromyalgia. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence

that magnesium supplements relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Two small

studies had conflicting results.

A review of the research on massage therapy for fibromyalgia notes

only modest, preliminary support. Two studies had some positive

findings, but two others found either no benefits or only short-term

improvements.

Supplements containing the amino acid derivative SAMe are used for a

variety of conditions. Although several small studies of SAMe for

fibromyalgia have had mixed results, there is some evidence of a

benefit. Reviewers conclude that more research is needed.

Finally, according to reviewers, research evidence is insufficient to

draw conclusions about the effectiveness of other CAM treatments—

biofeedback, chiropractic care, hypnosis, and magnet therapy—used for

fibromyalgia.

NCCAM Research on Fibromyalgia

NCCAM funds clinical trials that look at CAM for fibromyalgia. Recent

projects include studies of:

The effects of tai chi on fibromyalgia patients' musculoskeletal

pain, fatigue, sleep quality, psychological distress, physical

performance, and health status

Brain-imaging techniques for determining whether acupuncture relieves

pain due to fibromyalgia

The effectiveness of a form of electroencephalograph (EEG)

biofeedback in treating fibromyalgia.

If You Are Considering CAM for Fibromyalgia

Talk to your health care providers. Tell them about the therapy you

are considering and ask any questions you may have. They may know

about the therapy and be able to advise you on its safety, use, and

likely effectiveness in relieving your fibromyalgia symptoms.

If you are considering a practitioner-provided CAM therapy such as

acupuncture, check with your insurer to see if the services will be

covered, and ask a trusted source (such as your fibromyalgia doctor

or a nearby hospital or medical school) to recommend a practitioner.

Although acupuncture treatment is generally safe, complications can

result if needles are not adequately sterilized or if the treatment

is not properly delivered.

If you are considering dietary supplements, keep in mind that they

can act in the same way as drugs. They can cause medical problems if

not used correctly or if used in large amounts, and some may interact

with medications you may take. The health care providers you see

about your fibromyalgia can advise you.

Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and

alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you

do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe

care.