Getting a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can mean different things for different people. Most people I talk with who have fibromyalgia want to hurt less and sleep better. They want to be able to live life without all the pain. In this article I want to discuss the common traits of fibromyalgia and how you can fight it.
There are no specific medical tests to diagnosis fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is usually the diagnosis when there are no other specific reasons for the chronic widespread areas of pain and restless sleep. Other associated symptoms may be fatigue, joint stiffness, memory issues (brain fog), headaches, migraines, TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), gastroesophageal reflux disorder, restless leg syndrome, irritable bladder, pelvic pain, and other symptoms.
Women tend to be affected more than men. For every nine women, one man is affected. Although the cause of fibromyalgia has long been a mystery for researchers, it is said to affect 2-4% of the population. Although it has been linked to genetics, central nervous system dysfunction, emotional or physical stress, hormone imbalance, and physiological issues, my experience has shown stress to be at the top of the list for triggering fibromyalgia.
You can approach fighting fibromyalgia from a couple different directions. Some choose to use medications to fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some common prescriptions used are pain pills, nerve pain pills like Gabapentin or Lyrica, anti-depressants, muscle relaxers, and sleep aids. While these may provide some temporary relief, they seldom cure the cause.
Another approach to fighting fibromyalgia starts with getting natural, deep, restorative sleep on a nightly basis. A one-year study following 492 patients suffering from fibromyalgia found that a poor nightly rest played a critical role in increasing the symptoms. Not only did the data suggest pain was increased, but the level of depression and lack of physical function went up.
Over time a vicious cycle begins to occur. The lack of sleep directly increases the level of pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. As the symptoms increase, the inability to sleep increases.
When your body is able to get into deep restorative sleep (stage III & IV), your body restores the chemicals (hormones/neurotransmitters) used to help you deal with stress. These chemicals, which include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, cortisol, DHEA, HGH, and others, help your body to work properly through the day. At each exposure to stress, your body uses up some of these hormones and neurotransmitters. When they start to get low your body doesn’t work right and you don’t feel right. This leads to chronic mood disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Serotonin is a key hormone necessary in fighting back against fibromyalgia. Serotonin helps you regulate sleep, digestion, pain, moods, mental clarity, and reduces sugar cravings and over-eating. Serotonin deficiencies can result in trouble sleeping, trouble staying asleep, irritability, increased emotional distress, noise sensitivity, increased mood swings, depressive states, increased pain, brain fog, and preference for solitude.
There are ways to maximize your serotonin levels naturally. One way is to supplement your body with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a supplement that is derived from a plant and is completely natural. It is already found in your body. It naturally converts into serotonin and can increase your melatonin levels which help you sleep. A second way to increase your serotonin levels is through regular exercise. A third way to increase serotonin is by getting more sunlight. Natural sunlight on your skin can synthesize into Vitamin D which helps in the production of serotonin. Lastly, increasing Omega-3 EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) by supplementing with fish oil, cod liver oil, or flax seeds can increase your serotonin levels.
As with any chronic condition, we are looking for clear improvement over a specified time. With fibromyalgia you have to make changes to see results. I believe in the amazing, healing, restorative powers that our bodies possess inherently. Without getting good consistent sleep our bodies can’t heal properly. It may take time, but if you work towards getting consistent deep, restorative sleep then you will be on the right track to fight your fibromyalgia and improve your quality of life.
-by Brandon Crouch, D.C.
About the author: Dr. Brandon Crouch is a Chiropractor with Crouch Family Chiropractic. Dr. Crouch is an advocate for being proactive when it comes to your health and encourages people to make healthy informed decisions. For more information or questions, you can contact him online at: office@crouchfamilychiro.hush.com or find him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CrouchFamilyChiropractic.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Crouch. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information is meant for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or condition. Please consult your healthcare professional before changing or starting any new dietary, vitamin, or mineral supplement.
