Fibromyalgia Advice - by Kipp Clark
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread pain all over the body. Sufferers may also suffer from various other related symptoms such as disturbed sleep, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue (tiredness), stiffness when waking and headaches. The condition is poorly understood and is usually diagnosed by a doctor or therapist pressing 18 anatomically defined ‘tender spots’ on the body to check for abnormal sensitivity.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is predominantly caused by widespread fascial restrictions all over the body. The fascia is the tough connective tissue, which covers every muscle, muscle fibre, nerve and organ in the body. In fibromyalgia sufferers this 'web' of fascia has become dehydrated and tightened around sensitive structures of the body. 'Restrictions' (extra strands/areas of fascia which should not be there) also develop between areas of fascia. These fascial problems cause widespread pain, dysfunction, make movement more tiring and inhibit cell/tissue function and circulation. The reason fibromyalgia is poorly understood and difficult to diagnose is that fascial restrictions do not show up on any conventional medical tests (eg. X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests etc). Fascial restrictions also cannot be treated by conventional means (eg. They cannot be treated by operations or medication).
Fascial problems can develop for many varied reasons including physical trauma/injury, muscular tension, stress/depression, dehydration, scarring/operations, emotional trauma/bereavement, postural problems and poor lifestyle. Some experts also believe that a viral infection may often be a precursor to fibromyalgia. Often it is however, not possible to identify the precise cause of fibromyalgia in an individual and a combination of various different factors is more likely to be the cause.
Fibromyalgia sufferers have also been found to have increased levels of ‘substance p’ in their bodies which makes their nervous system overly sensitive to pain (what would be a slight ache to most people can be severe pain to a fibromyalgia sufferer). It is also thought that some fibromyalgia sufferer’s tissues may have become deficient in energy producing fuel. The body will then break down muscle tissue to provide the fuel needed for energy production which may also contribute to the pain, fatigue and fascial restrictions associated with fibromyalgia.
How can fibromyalgia symptoms be eased/treated?
Treatment
Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy
Fibromyalgia requires specialist (and gentle) treatment. Conventional massage, manipulation and acupuncture do not affect the fascial problems responsible for fibromyalgia syndrome (though they may ease the pain associated with these problems in some cases). A fibromyalgia sufferer will therefore need to find a Myofascial Release practitioner to effectively treat them (see www.myofascialrelease.com or read John Barnes’s book ‘Healing Ancient Wounds’ for more information). A Myofascial Release practitioner who has also trained in Trigger Point Therapy will be especially well qualified to effectively treat fibromyalgia.
A course of treatment will be required as it takes a number of treatments to release all the restrictions in a fibromyalgia sufferer’s body. It is common for fibromyalgia sufferers to be quite sore for a day or two after treatment. It is however, essential for their recovery to break down these restrictions and they will usually feel the benefits after a couple of days.
Supplements and Nutrition
A good diet is important for the fibromyalgia sufferer for numerous reasons. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in processed food is suggested. Apples, nuts and grains may be particularly beneficial due to their high magnesium/malic acid content!
Magnesium
Individuals with fibromyalgia are often deficient in magnesium which is needed for muscle relaxation, energy production in cells, nerve impulse transmission and also has a natural calming effect. Supplementing magnesium has been shown to ease pain, muscle spasm, anxiety and sleep problems in fibromyalgia sufferers. It is important to take magnesium citrate or chelate rather than cheaper, less bio available magnesium compounds. Recommended dose: 250mg/day, taken with a meal.
MSM
MSM is an organic sulphur compound which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties and is used by the body to support healthy muscles and connective tissue (fascia). MSM also supports healthy nerves, metabolism and immune function. MSM is thought to ease pain and stiffness in fibromyalgia sufferers. Recommended dose: take 3, 1000mg tablets a day, with food.
5 HTP
This supplement may be particularly beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers who suffer with anxiety, depression, fatigue or sleep problems but many individuals have also reported it also eased their pain. 5 HTP is used by the body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter important in maintaining balanced mood, regulating pain sensitivity and promoting energy. Recommended dose: Take 3, 100mg tablets a day.
High quality multivitamin, mineral and anti-oxidant
Individuals suffering with fibromyalgia are often deficient in nutrients essential for body health and immune function. Extensive fascial restrictions can also lead to a build up of toxins/metabolic waste products in the body and a good intake of vitamins and anti-oxidants will help rid the body of these. A quality multivitamin, mineral and anti-oxidant is therefore important to aid an individual’s recovery from fibromyalgia. I recommend Usana’s ‘Essentials’ which have been independently proven to be the best on the market.
Olive Leaf Extract + ImmuneC (Vitamin C and Zinc)
These supplements are particularly relevant for individuals who suffered illness/viral infection prior to developing fibromyalgia. They help the immune system fight any infection which may be aggravating/causing the fibromyalgia. They can be purchased from Higher Nature. Take 3 x ImmuneC and 3 x Olive Leaf Extract (500mg) per day, with food (for 1 month).
*Myofascial release will still be required to release fascial restrictions as supplementation cannot do this in itself!
Exercise and Lifestyle
Low intensity exercise (eg. walking and swimming) may be beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers as its helps keep their body systems healthy, removes toxins, balances mood and aids restful sleep. It is important that sufferers drink plenty of water and few diuretics as dehydration can aggravate fascial problems. Stretching can also help prevent fascial restrictions ‘tightening up’ which may lead to increased pain. A generally healthy lifestyle is recommended to aid recovery and reduce the chance of further fascial restrictions developing. If the individual suffering with fibromyalgia is prone to stress then it would also be wise for them to learn a relaxation technique such as meditation or tai chi, or to have a regular reflexology treatment. Stressful situations should be avoided if possible!
What other help is available to fibromyalgia sufferers?
There are numerous local help groups where sufferers can share their experiences and give each other advice or support. Ask your GP or use the internet to search for local groups. There are also many websites dedicated to the support of fibromyalgia sufferers. Try:
For more information contact the author Kipp Clark
Tel: 01256 766173 / 07769 666448. Visit his
Web site.
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