Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a primary chronic pain condition, classified as such by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11 Version: 2019).
Includes a Complimentary 3D Body Composition Scan
What is fibromyalgia?
FMS is a complex multi-system physical illness, characterised by pain experienced in at least three or four quadrants of the body and significant other symptoms.
Fibromyalgia affects people of all age groups, including children, and is more prevalent in females, as with many other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. It is estimated that as many as 1 million Australians (3-5%) experience this chronic pain condition.
Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with other conditions, such as
- Arthritis
- Sjogrens
- Lupus
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic headaches
While it is not yet known what causes fibromyalgia, the latest research suggests it is related to stress. Research studies are investigating a wide range of issues as possible causes of fibromyalgia, including
- Genetic components
- Brain inflammation
- The role of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol)
- Neuro-chemical imbalances
Most research findings point to a malfunctioning of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, resulting in pain amplification. Peripheral systems (soft tissue/muscles and nerves) also demonstrate some abnormalities.
What triggers fibromyalgia?
Various triggering events may precipitate the onset of fibromyalgia, including
- Infection
- Trauma (e.g., physical injury, accidents, surgery, emotional trauma)
- Development of another disorder (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
- Emotional stress
It is now thought that these triggering events awaken rather than cause an existing physiological abnormality.
Diagnosing FMS
The criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia, established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), states that the pain must be experienced in all four quadrants of the body, last for at least three months, and include 11 of the 18 designated tender points in the body. Additionally, individuals undergoing fibromyalgia may also experience symptoms such as cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”), headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, morning stiffness, numbness or tingling of the extremities, painful menstrual periods, restless legs syndrome, sleep disturbances, and temperature sensitivity.
Fibromyalgia tends to progress slowly, usually beginning early in adulthood. It is a chronic condition that will last a long time, and although it is painful, it does not cause damage to the muscles, joints, or internal organs. Muscle knots are associated with fibromyalgia due to abnormally large amounts of a protein called ground substance that can build up in injured areas of muscles.
Symptoms of FMS
Symptoms can vary widely for each patient, common symptoms include:
- Non-restorative sleep
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal stiffness
- Cognitive dysfunction
FMS is a complex persistent pain syndrome where a person experiences ongoing widespread body pain. This varies in different people but can involve the muscles, ligaments, tendons and surrounding structures without any obvious tissue damage. Understanding your condition and its variations may lead to clinical grouping and tailored treatments.
How we treat fibromyalgia at Vivitality
Like any other chronic disease, the first step in treating fibromyalgia is to determine the root cause of the problem. We do this by measuring the level of systemic inflammation in the body, levels of toxicity, and metabolic impact.
Once we gather all the information, we create an anti-inflammatory diet and fitness plan based on the results of the toxicity and metabolic tests for you.
In the next step, we develop a nutritional plan with therapeutic doses of natural supplements based on the results from the inflammatory and insulin resistance tests.
Going forward, we will reduce localised pain and minimise the impact of fibrotic tissue formed using cutting-edge technology such as monopolar radiofrequency and muscle stimulation, helping your muscles to regain tone and strength.
Finally, to achieve long-term results, we prescribe homoeopathic remedies that target the entire spectrum of chronic disease.
To ensure long-term results, we follow up for one year on a monthly basis to adjust treatments accordingly.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia and wish to improve your well-being and quality of life, lose no time and talk to us today about our unique treatment options for long-term results.
