FIBROMYALGIA

UNDERSTANDING FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects over 12 million Americans every year, approximately 90% of which are women. Fibromyalgia symptoms typically begin between 20 and 30 years of age. Signs of fibromyalgia typically include widespread pain, headaches, arthritis, muscle spasms, tingling, numbness, balance issues, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue, bloating, depression, anxiety, sinus problems, tooth disorders, restless legs, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), jaw pain, bladder concerns, and/or rashes.

There are several comorbid conditions that share pathophysiology with fibromyalgia in regard to neuroendocrine, autonomic nervous system, genetic, and psychosocial conditions. Some of these comorbid conditions include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder, bulimia nervosa, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysmorphoric disorder, social phobias, irritable bowel syndrome, or migraines. However, this does not indicate an increased risk of developing these conditions.

COMMON FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS

Fibromyalgia symptoms may appear or worsen after periods of stress. This is because of the connection with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Stress causes an increase in cortisol and individuals with fibromyalgia have difficulty regulating cortisol levels. Increased pain sensitivity stems from abnormal levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that inhibit pain within the brain. This makes individuals with fibromyalgia more sensitive to heat and cold as well as mechanical and ischemic (lack of blood flow) pressure. Individuals experiencing fibromyalgia also commonly complain of insomnia, non-restorative or non-refreshing sleep, early morning awakening, and poor quality of sleep. This stems from imbalances in neurotransmitters as well as inositol and choline. Genetically, the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene is implicated in enhanced pain sensitivity. Environmental factors that may trigger fibromyalgia include mechanical/physical trauma or injury and psychosocial stress. Some of these include accidents and physical trauma, surgery, stress, emotional trauma, emotional, physical, or abuse.

CLINICAL NUTRITION & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH FOR FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is mainly a disorder of the nervous system and the HPA axis so your nutrition practitioner will ensure that your nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement management plan will address these issues. A qualified practitioner can consult with you and run tests to determine the best management protocol for your fibromyalgia. This may include an impact questionnaire, micronutrient testing, genetic testing, or another personally applicable clinical test.

CONTACT US