Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia - a disease with no known cause, can present itself with various symptoms and there is no diagnostic testing which can confirm the disease. Yet fibromyalgia is one of the most common rheumatic conditions among us today.

Some of the common symptoms of the condition include and not limited to, widespread muscular, tendon and joint pain, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbance and heightened sensitivity. Although we do not know the exact cause of fibromyalgia, researchers today have developed a theory called ‘central sensitization’ that states “people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals.” (Mayo Clinic, Jan 2007).

We also know that there are certain factors which seem to contribute to the development of the disease. These factors include, trauma or injury to the spine, sleep disorders, bacterial or viral infection and chemical or hormonal imbalance. Medical treatment for fibromyalgia is limited to muscle relaxants, over the counter pain killers such as Tylenol or aspirin and sometimes even anti-depressants.

A recent randomized study conducted by the Mayo Clinic showed that acupuncture was effective in treating fibromyalgia by alleviating pain, regulating sleep and improving digestive function. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is a great alternative or adjunctive therapy for people suffering from fibromyalgia not only to alleviate pain but also to address other symptoms associated with the condition.

Acupuncture treatments may be given once to twice a week from 6-8 treatments. For more chronic or severe cases, treatment course may be longer.