Fibromyalgia
A chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, tender points, and fatigue, fibromyalgia can range in severity from mild to debilitating. While controversy exists over the diagnostic criteria, there is no doubt that patients with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms in addition to their pain, including sleep disturbances, depression, mental fogginess, headaches or migraines, and gastrointestinal symptoms. While medical literature descriptions of the symptoms of fibromyalgia date back to the early 17th century, it is only recently that the diagnosis of fibromyalgia has been accepted.
Key Points:
- A multi-symptom condition, including pain, tender points, and other symptoms
- No blood test or imaging can diagnose fibromyalgia
- Diagnosis is made by a physician with a thorough history and physical exam, and after other possible causes have been ruled out
- Many patients visit multiple physicians before receiving an accurate diagnosis
- Recent research shows that there are biochemical, metabolic, and immunoregulatory abnormalities associated with fibromyalgia
- It is estimated that 3-6% of the general population suffers from fibromyalgia
How Can Naturopathic Medicine Help?
Dr. Esposito takes a multi-system approach to treating a patient with fibromyalgia. Optimizing detoxification and elimination is essential, and she will work with you to find a daily routine that allows your body to efficiently let go of what it does not need. It is common for the adrenal glands to be functioning sub-optimally in this condition, and we will test your adrenal function via salivary testing to evaluate your adrenal response over the course of a day. Treatment will focus on optimizing cortisol production from your adrenal glands while also balancing other adrenal hormones such as DHEA. In addition, blood sugar regulation will be addressed if needed, through diet and supplement recommendations. Generally patients with fibromyalgia experience non-restorative sleep, and while this is linked to adrenal function, we often the need to treat other systems as well, such as the pineal gland, to regulate the sleep/wake cycle.
For more information on the natural approach to Fibromyalgia please visit Dr. Esposito"s Fibromyalgia Articles page.
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