Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are both “syndromes”. These two syndromes often present together as a package and therefore will be considered jointly in this alternative medicine article. Also frequently associated with fibromyalgia diagnosis we see adult ADHD and adult ADD , hypoglycemia, adrenal fatigue, chronic intestinal yeast infections or candidiasis and other related conditions. These associated conditions are all discussed below. A syndrome, as opposed to a disease, is a set of symptoms not specifically attributed to a single cause. Sometimes fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are termed “multicausal” meaning that there are more than one contributing causes to the total picture. This multicausal aspect of fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ” chronic fatigue syndrome is what makes the condition so difficult to identify and treat. Unfortunately, with some practitioners, once you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia you have about reached the end of available help. Little more treatment or hope will be offered. Thus fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome becomes what we term a “dead end diagnosis”, meaning, “you’re stuck with it, that’s about all we can do”.
The good news is, once you begin to view fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as having multiple contributory causes, you can then address each of the different potential causes and its remedy. The syndrome then becomes a set of separate identifiable problems each of which contributes to the big picture. As you focus on the identified contributing factors and the treatment for each, you begin to see the progressive resolution of the syndrome. With that view point in mind, the next logical step is to ask yourself what are the causes that contribute to the FMS/CFIDS picture? There are a few but not as many as you might think. The causal factors that most frequently contribute to FMS/CFIDS are addressed in an Online Comprehensive Health Assessment. The assessment, all easily accomplished from the convenience of your computer, will give you good insight into whether you are experiencing any of the common causes of FMS/CFIDS. Those factors include:
Yeast and candidiasis, a common yeast problem frequently associated with FMS/CFS.
Food allergyis usually associated with Candidiasis and undetected in most cases, especially the delayed onset type.
Gastrointestinal disordersdisorders including the “leaky gut” and microbial parasites, among others, are often a factor.
Toxic metals including lead, mercury, cadmium and aluminum are unsuspected culprits and should be considered in persons who have been exposed to them.
Hormonal imbalances including thyroid, adrenal and progesterone insufficiencies as well as others may be a problem.
Poor diet, junk food, smoking, obesity, and alcohol should always be considered.
In our clinic, every FMS/CFS patient completes the Online Comprehensive Health Assessment mentioned above. We consider it to be a required part of every patient’s program. It is very easy to complete in spite of being extensive and global in its evaluation of your potential for these FMS/CFIDS causal factors. It is done at your convenience and time table, all online.
The Contributing Factors to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As you have read above, FMS/CFIDS are caused by a variety of different conditions which on the surface would seem to be unrelated to fibromyalgia. There is a tremendous amount of literature available on FMS/CFIDS and your challenge is to sort through it all to see what applies to you.
There are certain health issues which we find common to nearly all FMS/CFIDS patients. Those issues are discussed in different pages of this web site and you should study each one. As you do, you will begin to see how the various issues discussed correlate with one another to develop the syndrome we know as fibromyalgia. Some may apply to you and some may not but it is good to understand the big picture. Those most common issues and their links in this web site are listed below:
* chronic fatigue syndrome fibromyalgia (CFIDS) It is imperative that you study this section to complete your understanding of fibromyalgia.
* Adrenal Axis-Stress and Cortisol Imbalance
* Benefits of Exercising
* Arthritis Alternative
* Gastrointestinal Disorders
* Hypoglycemia Treatment
* Hypothyroidism Treatment
* Metal Toxicity
* Wilson’s Syndrome
* Yeast and Candidiasis
At the risk of being redundant, we again urge all fibromyalgia sufferers to do an online Online Comprehensive Health Assessment which will address and give insight into all these factors we have discussed above.
Suggested Therapies for FMS/CFS Patients
Chiropractic
Most every chiropractor has had experience in treating FMS successfully. The spinal manipulation as well as physical therapy offered by chiropractors is beneficial and will be particularly successful in conjunction with the suggestions offered in this report.
Massage
A good massage therapist can help fibromyalgia. Ask your chiropractor for a referral to a massage therapist.
Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for FMS/CFIDS patients. Realizing you may feel terrible most of the time and the last thing you want to do is exercise, we can offer this encouragement; if you do what little you can and stick with it in spite of the discomfort, it will help. Just do it.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a definite must for FMS. It is excellent for relaxing of trigger points and muscle pain.
Supplements
Malic acid is a nutrient that plays a role in muscle cellular metabolism and the production of energy. There are several products on the market that contain it. We suggest “Fibroplex” from Metagenics company, available through your chiropractor.
Magnesium is critical to muscle relaxation. You should take 400 to 600 mg. per day divided into two or three doses.
Calcium is also important to proper muscle function. About 1200-1600 mg. per day is a good dose. Do not waste your money on inexpensive calcium carbonate products. Get products containing calcium citrate or calcium hydroxy apatite.
SAMe (S-adenoslymethionine) is a product which has shown in studies to help with the pain and depression associated with FMS.
Vitamins B6, B12, and Folic acid will be very good especially if your blood homocysteine is elevated. Homocysteine is a lab test usually ordered for cardiovascular assessment but has also been found to be elevated in FMS patients. Ask your physician to order this test for you.
Melatonin is helpful for insomnia. We recommend you use this supplement under the supervision of your nutritionist.
Valerian is an herb that has good relaxing and soothing qualities.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that was beneficial in FMS studies. The form used in the studies was 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. This supplement is not available in the original form except by prescription. Precursor 5HT forms are available as a supplement.
Coenzyme Q 10 is well established as a muscle oxygen enhancer. We highly recommend this supplement.
Ionic Minerals have been successful in FMS. The Eniva company sells a good product for FMS patients.
Vitamin E combined with Selenium are good muscle relaxers.
Other supplements are discussed in the related pages of this web site outlined above.
Recommended Supplements
Listed below are supplements we recommend for our patients with fibromyalgia. Metagenics sells pharmaceutical-grade nutrition products not available in stores. They are available only through healthcare providers. Products we commonly recommend for this condition include:
Fibroplex
Vessel Care
CoQ10 ST-100
MyoCalm
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Diet
It is very important that you minimize the intake of junk food. Particularly bad for you are white sugar, partially hydrogenated fats and oils, coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, snack foods, etc. Try to maintain an alkaline diet which emphasizes fruits and vegetables. Try to maintain as healthful diet as possible.
Attitude
When you feel bad most of the time, it is difficult to muster up an attitude necessary to achieve the relief you are seeking. If you will be diligent in pursuing the protocols outlined herein, you will succeed. Be persistent. You’ll get better. Let us know how you are doing.
