Fibromyalgia

It is a common occurrence marked by widespread pain that can affect as many as 1 in 25 people. It affects women more frequently than men.

There are usually no outward signs of fibromyalgia.

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

• widespread pain, often caused by prolonged activity
• tiredness, lack of energy
• disrupted sleep patterns
• cognitive dysfunction - forgetfulness or inability to concentrate

Less common symptoms include:

• headaches
• mood disorders - irritability, anxiety or crying
• irritable or unpleasant bowel
• increased sensitivity (to cold, sound, touch, shock)
• sensitive joints and muscles

Examinations:

• This condition is often difficult to diagnose as the symptoms vary greatly and may result from other causes
• blood tests to rule out thyroid complications (hypothyroidism), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), nutritional deficiencies (e.g. iron, folate, B12 etc.)
• other tests chosen on the basis of anamnesis and examination

Which supplementary therapies should I try?

BICOM bioresonance, acupuncture, homeopathy, nutritional counseling, osteopathy, reflexology

References

• Simon C et al. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
• Jones DS et al. Textbook of Functional Medicine, 3rd ed. Gig Harbor, WA: Institute for Functional Medicine, 2010.
• Anthony, H et al. Environmental Medicine in Clinical practice. Southampton: BSAENM Publications, 1997.
• Deare JC, Zheng Z, Xue CC. Acupuncture for Treating Fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; (5): CD007070.
• Boehm K, Raak C, Cramer H et al. Homeopathy in the treatment of fibromyalgia - a comprehensive literature-review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2014; 22: 731–42.
• Busch AJ, Barber KA, Overend TJ et al. Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; (4): CD003786.