Fibromyalgia is a complex and debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the population, with an estimated 10 million individuals in the United States grappling with its symptoms. While it is more commonly diagnosed in women, fibromyalgia does not discriminate and can impact men and children across all ethnic backgrounds. The hallmark of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain that can be both physically and mentally exhausting for those affected.
In addition to the pervasive pain, individuals with fibromyalgia often experience a range of other challenging symptoms that further compound their suffering. One of the most prevalent issues is the overwhelming fatigue that can range from moderate to extreme, making even simple daily tasks a struggle. Sleep disturbances are also common, with many individuals facing difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and discomfort.
Moreover, fibromyalgia can heighten sensitivity to stimuli such as light or sound, amplifying the discomfort experienced by those with the condition. Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as "fibro fog," can cloud thinking processes and memory, impacting daily functioning and quality of life. Mental health is also significantly affected, with depression and anxiety frequently accompanying the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, further complicating the management of the condition.
Western medicine prescribes anti-depressants and anti-seizure medication to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. Side-effects of these medicines can include weight gain, dizziness, and blurry vision. With acupuncture, fibromyalgia can be managed naturally without side effects or multiple medications.
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a non-inflammatory condition, meaning it is caused by imbalance in the nervous system as opposed to inflammation in the body. Acupuncture directly stimulates the nervous system to increase serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for pain management, sleep, and mood. Increased serotonin in fibromyalgia patients can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce pain, and improve quality of sleep to decrease feelings of fatigue. Acupuncture also decreases the levels of Substance P in the body. Substance P is a neuropeptide that is responsible for heightened pain sensitivity and depression when it is overproduced by the brain. In a medical study comparing acupuncture to the anti-seizure medication Lyrica, acupuncture had a 94.7% total effective rate at relieving pain and improving sleep quality for fibromyalgia patients. Comparatively, Lyrica only had a 79% total effective rate.
Chronic pain conditions don't need to be managed by medications with a laundry list of side-effects. Start managing fibromyalgia naturally with acupuncture today!
Sources:
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Fibromyalgia Relief Confirmed." (August 1, 2018). Retrieved from https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1870-acupuncture-fibromyalgia-relief-confirmed
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Beats or Complements Drugs for Fibromyalgia Relief." (December 21, 2017). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1813-acupuncture-beats-or-complements-drugs-for-fibromyalgia-relief
The National Fibromyalgia Association. "About Fibromyalgia." (2018). Retrieved from http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia
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