Fibromyalgia Treatment Challenges

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder involving chronic pain that has no known cause. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue and mood disorders. FM affects about 2% of the US population and ranges between 1% and 11% in other countries.  It is more prevalent in adult women than men (3.4% vs. 0.5%) and is most common with increasing age with the highest occurrence between 60-79 years of age. The criteria for the diagnosis of FM was established in 1990 by the American College of Rheumatology as widespread pain of at least 3 month duration and pain on palpation (pushing with the fingers) of at least 11 of 18 specific tender sites on the body. Pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance are observed in all patients with FM. Additional features can include: stiffness, skin tenderness, post-exertional pain, irritable bowel syndrome, cognitive disturbances, overactive bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis, tension or migraine headaches, dizziness, fluid retention, paresthesias (numbness), restless legs, Reynaud’s phenomenon (white finger disease), and mood disturbances. FM is also strongly associated with anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, hypothyroidism, and many of the inflammatory arthritic diseases. Though there are no specific tests for FM, neurotransmitter deregulation including serotonin, norepinephrine, and substance P, result in an abnormal sensory processing in the brain and spinal cord. This results in a lower pain threshold commonly seen in FM.

            The treatment of FM may be best looked at from 3 specific goals which include: 1. Alleviate pain; 2. Restore sleep; and 3. Improve physical function. Thus the most successful approach to the treatment of FM has been reported to be multidisciplinary or, involving several different types of health care providers. Clinical tools often used by doctors to monitor symptom change include a 0-10 pain scale, a body function scale called the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) which measures physical function, common FM symptoms and general well-being; and, for measuring the physical and emotional side of FM, the SF-12 or SF-36 (SF = “short form” and either a 12 or a 36 item tool). The use of these tools helps monitor the success of the treatment that is being applied to the patient.

            Though medications are reported as an important treatment option (such as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, corticosteroids, opiates, various injections and more), the focus of this discussion is aimed at the alternative or complementary treatment approaches, as many FM patients cannot tolerate the side effects of the many different medications. Alternative approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling), exercise (strength & flexibility), acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment approaches, particularly manipulation but also soft tissue therapies and guided exercise training. Physiological therapeutic approaches frequently used in chiropractic clinics include low-power laser therapy, hydrotherapy such as whirlpool, Balneotherapy – using minerals and oils in the moving water, pulsed electromagnetic field, traction and massage therapy. Another exercise approach that can have great value in managing stress and facilitating sleep is Yoga. The key to a successful treatment outcome requires finding a “team” of health care providers that are willing to listen to the patient and work together to improve the patient’s quality of life. Through this concerted team approach, in addition to the patient taking responsibility by performing exercises on a regular basis, following a proper diet (we prefer a plant-based diet), and getting adequate restful or restorative sleep, FM can be quite well “controllable” and, a relatively “normal” lifestyle can be enjoyed. Your chiropractor can play the lead role in helping you manage your FM treatment regimen.

            If you, a friend or family member requires care for FM, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services!

To schedule an appointment for Fibromyalgia Treatment in San Francisco, call 415-392-2225. Mention this blog post for a complimentary FM assessment and recommendations. 

Comments

[mk]

Chiropractic adjustments clears the body of interference which causes malfunction in our systems. Adjustments are a simply way to start to heal your body. No matter what you may be experiencing with your health there is no question that chiropractic adjustments only help the body to heal. My patients feel much better after they receive a treatment feel free to try it and you be the judge.

[Fibromyalgia Treatment]

Fibromyalgia treatment does not have to be complicated. People who are determined to find help, can.

[Betsy Jacobson]

Approximately 10 - 12% of the general population has fibromyalgia, not 2% which was the figure presented in a paper in 1995 by Fred Wolfe, MD. A lot has been learned since then.

[Dr. Eben Davis]

Thanks for the update Betsy :-)

[Robert W Ferguson, DC, FIAMA]

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, being active in your own care is your best option. I have always made the following recommendations to my fibromyalgia patients: Reduce the amount of caffeine that they are drinking, start doing some aerobic activity for 10 to 15 minutes a day, and then increasing that time to 45 min. Start taking fish oil capsules. Because I am a chiropractor practicing in Indianapolis, I usually suggest that they check their vitamin D levels and place them on a vitamin D supplement.