Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A Gentle Approach To Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by diffuse body pain accompanied by fatigue. Other associated symptoms include headache, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, rheumatic disease, anxiety, and even irritable bowel syndrome. It is more frequently found in women, often under a great deal of stress. Fibromyalgia can be attributed to other underlying problems such as arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome or it can be idiopathic (from unknown cause).

Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is symptom-based, and the prognosis of fibromyalgia is not malignant. A study published in Arthritis Care and Research followed fibromyalgia patients for three years, and found that symptoms decreased over time (regardless of treatment used). Regardless, it is a disorder that can significantly decrease quality of life in those suffering from it.

Treatment options from conventional medicine include: NSAIDs, anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications, and cortisone injections. Various combinations of these can be effective; however, they are not without side effects. Numerous alternative treatment options are also available.

As with any health condition dealt with naturopathically, treatment would depend on the culprit (which is unique to each patient). While a healthy diet is the essential starting point, fibromyalgia patients benefit from nutritional supplementation along with herbal remedies to gently help ease the pain. In addition, patients also see a great deal of relieve with the usage of intravenous therapy, where high doses of nutrients (including vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5 B6, B12, magnesium & Calcium) are delivered into the blood stream. These vitamins and minerals help to decrease inflammation, relax tense muscles, and boost energy and mood as well. Patients have notice improvement after as few as just one treatment.

If you, or someone you know suffers from fibromyalgia, naturopathic medicine is definitely the way to go for effective therapy with minimal side effects.

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