Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions, affecting up to 10 million folks in the U.S. and up to 3 to 6% worldwide. Approximately 10% of affected patients have severe symptoms that can result in partial or total disability. Reported symptoms include chronic aches, pains and stiffness with an emphasis on the shoulders, neck, low back and hips. The pain and fatigue are frequently heightened secondary to physical exertion or psychological stress. How do we know this it not a psychosomatic issue (frequently identified as such)?
Identification of functional abnormalities in muscle tissue
Mitochondrial defects (powerhouse of most cells)
Oxidative stress (free radicals)
Neuroendocrine abnormalities (thyroid etc.)
Elevated brain glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter)
inFibromyalgia creased inflammatory markers
Bacterial overgrowth in the gut (SIBO)
"leaky gut"
Vitamin D deficiency
Low levels of L-tryptophan (precursor to serotonin)
Fibromyalgia is one of the most frustrating things to treat and involves addressing all of the following:
sleep
hormones (sex, thyroid (high doses of t3) etc.)
Infections
toxicity
nutrition/glutamine
GUT/ SIBO, glutamine, H pylori
exercise
pain
chemical sensitivities
oxidative stress
This can be overwhelming. Most clinicians start by addressing sleep issues however, I have had good success starting with healing the gut.
For additional information check out Dr. Alex Vasquez book entitled "inflammation Mastery 4th edition)"..He goes into incredible detail in chapter 5 section 4.