"You're laying in bed watching TV and all of a sudden you get these sharp random pains. They feel serious, but they go away. As time goes by they become more intense and frequent. Now they appear when you're driving, or wake you up from a deep sleep. Your doctor has no idea, and all your tests come back negative. If this sounds like you, this is what a world of living with Fibromyalgia feels like, and we can help!"*
-Juliana Mazzeo, MS, CDN, Director
Nutrition Wellness Center of Nassau County
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is marked by general joint and muscle pain and fatigue. It is not uncommon for fibromyalgia to be accompanied by a set of symptoms, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome. When this occurs, it often signals the onset of a particular disease or a greater risk of developing the disease.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia exhibits a vast array of symptoms which resembles that of some other disorders, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, hyperthyroidism, and bursitis, which often results in misdiagnosis. However, the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are musculoskeletal pain and chronic fatigue. Some other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Common Causes of Fibromyalgia
Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, researchers seem to concur that certain factors may increase the risk of developing the condition. The lowered pain threshold observed in fibromyalgia sufferers is often linked to lower levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that produces a calming reaction. Lower levels of serotonin lead to a lower pain threshold or increased sensitivity to pain. Another consensus is that poor physical condition or stress can increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia because it can lead to muscle strain and fatigue. Slight muscle trauma may also increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia because it leads to ongoing muscle pain and fatigue.
Biochemical changes in the body may also increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia because it spurs hormonal variations in the body. Likewise, lower levels of human growth hormone may also cause muscle pain. Disordered sleep, or sleep that is light and not refreshing, may also increase the risk of developing muscle or joint pain because it lowers serotonin levels. Certain diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arthritis, autoimmune disease, and lupus may also increase your risk of developing muscle and joint pain or make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.
Heredity may also increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia. It is suggested that people with fibromyalgia may have genes or a gene that causes them to be oversensitive to stimuli. In fact, studies show that several genes have been found to occur more often in individuals with fibromyalgia. It is also believed that when a person with a genetic tendency is exposed to certain physical or emotional stressors, such as an acute illness or traumatic events, there is a change in the body's response to stress, which can cause a higher sensitivity in the body to pain.
Non-holistic medical treatments for fibromyalgia include over the counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium and prescription medications, such as tramadol. Sometimes antidepressants, such as Prozac, Cymbalta, or Savella may also be prescribed to help alleviate pain and induce sleep. Anti-seizure drugs, such as Gabapentin, are also prescribed to help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. In addition, your doctor may also recommend self-care to prolong healing.
Many fibromyalgia suffers have been found to have specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies, which when addressed with proper nutrition and dietary planning, results in increased improvement. There has also been a marked correlation with patients that have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as having a microorganism imbalance, such as yeast. Nutrition Response Testing, which includes gradual diet planning and potentially whole food supplements, can help correct these imbalances. NRT results in decreased pain, improved mood, increased energy and an overall reduction in symptoms.
Our unique and holistic approach to treating your Fibromyalgia begins by evaluating and understanding the function of your tissues, muscles, and internal organs. You may be experiencing an unknown allergic reaction, or you may have the beginning of a more severe or chronic illness. Either way, any chemical imbalance we find, we can correct and restore balance to your system. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Fibromyalgia. It requires close attention to detail and personalized care to find the cause in your body.
Left untreated, fibromyalgia can lead to some mental and physical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and mood disorders. However, studies show that the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers incur a greater risk of developing depression, which can increase the chance of suicide in those with a history of depression.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain that can prompt sufferers to endure in silence, which can lead to anxiety and depression and even worsen your symptoms. Utilizing the advanced techniques of Nutrition Response Testing, I can pinpoint the root cause of your condition and develop a plan to help your body heal from within and alleviate pain.
Self-care, or a healthy lifestyle, is critical in the management of fibromyalgia, as well as other diseases. A customized, all-natural, safe, effective nutrition plan can help build a fibromyalgia remedy program, just for you. I have been instrumental in developing effective dietary programs for ailing individuals, for years, and look forward to assisting you towards improved health. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, please contact the Nutrition Wellness Center for a free consultation to see how we can help.
Please contact us today.