I recently attended a well-presented conference hosted by UVM on Integrative Pain Management. One condition discussed was fibromyalgia, highlighting how an integrative approach to managing this disorder is needed for those who suffer. Fibromyalgia is one of those medical conditions that can be all-encompassing to the body and can be challenging to manage. I wonder how many of you reading here have been given this diagnosis. It is said that 2% of US adults are affected by fibromyalgia, more commonly in women than in men. In my clinical experience, the limitations of this condition can vary from being disabled by pain and fatigue to occasional flares when under stress that don’t necessarily stop daily activities.
Fibromyalgia: Pain, Fatigue, and More
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. There are typically mood imbalances, memory issues, and sleep disturbance. Sometimes there are digestive struggles and headaches. The widespread pain is usually described as a constant and dull ache, at particular points throughout the body, lasting at least three months. People may have flare-ups that have occurred over decades. Often stress can worsen the pain. There may be a triggering traumatic event or it may come on gradually over time. It’s believed with this condition that there is an abnormal increase of chemicals in the brain that signal pain. The brain’s pain receptors seem to become overreactive to both painful and non-painful signals.
Typically, medications are used as part of managing this disorder. There may be pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants. Often supporting sleep is a big part of treatment. Because this disorder involves the nervous system, it’s important to keep stress under control. Making choices throughout the day to minimize the potential for stress is important. One example may be, when scheduling your day, to make sure to give yourself plenty of time between appointments or activities to not feel rushed. Taking slow, deep breaths when feeling stressed will engage the parasympathetic nervous system and help you feel calmer. Too much sitting around may aggravate the condition while gentle exercise and gentle stretching should be beneficial. I have found that each individual needs to learn what works for their body. Often swimming and exercise in the water feels helpful to those suffering from fibromyalgia. You may need to avoid any kind of pounding type of exercise that shocks the muscles and joints. Yoga and tai chi are examples of gentle exercises that may be more helpful than running. The general understanding here is that leading a lifestyle that is gentle on the body may result in an easier time for those who deal with fibromyalgia.
Need for an Integrative Approach
When I was in graduate school for Chinese Medicine, we had to do a final research project. At the time, fibromyalgia was a relatively newly defined condition and I had several patients dealing with it. So I was curious to look at this through the lens of Chinese Medicine and fibromyalgia became my topic. I’ve seen many patients since then who struggle with this condition and truly do find that a more comprehensive approach is the most helpful. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs may be one part of the treatment plan. Acupuncture affects the circulation of blood through the muscles. It also regulates certain neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord that can influence the pain experience. Supporting healthy sleep and building energy levels is often a focus to bring a greater sense of wellness. Massage therapy may be helpful for some, though if the pressure is too strong it could aggravate pain levels.
My hope is that those who suffer from fibromyalgia seek out a wider, whole approach to treating their body. This includes looking at what types of food and movement will be best. You can seek out support from a naturopathic physician for additional guidance, along with care from the allopathic physician who may offer helpful medications. A physical therapist with particular experience with fibromyalgia will understand and look for the activities that are most helpful. I’ve found that counseling is often a part of finding wellness with fibromyalgia, as negotiating trauma or overwhelming stress may be of utmost importance. With certain conditions like this one, I believe it takes a team approach with everyone listening closely to what works best for the body.