Conditions - Pain - Fibromyalgia

• Back and neck pain
• Herniated discs
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injury
• Knee and hip pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis

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Fibromyalgia


Patrick Massey MD, PhD, Integrative Medicine, ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, Elk Grove Village IL and serving the Chicago area

Fibromyalgia – the incidence of fibromyalgia seems to be increasing. This may, in part, be an increased acceptance of fibromyalgia by the traditional medical community. However, it seems that more women are simply reporting and increase in the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a relatively new medical condition that is almost unique to women (9:1 ratio to men), between 20-50 years of age, in an industrialized nations. The casuse(s) of fibromlaygia are unknown. However, fibromyalgia is associated with chronic stress, illness and physical and mental abuse. Fibromyalgia may be the result of more stress than a body can handle resulting in adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalance and subtle changes in thyroid, adrenal and brain function.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include muscle and joint pain, profound fatigue, memory impairment, headaches, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, increased chemical sensitivity, cold symptoms, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Some medications may be beneficial for fibromyalgia, however, side effects can limit their use. Dr. Massey has found that many patients with fibromyalgia can get significantly better by addressing underlying medical conditions and stresses. Dr. Massey published the first study (click here) using intravenous vitamins therapy (click here) for patients with medication – resistant fibromyalgia. His research showed, over 2 months, a significant improvement in pain and energy.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are improved with:

• Intravenous vitamins
• Supplements
• Medications
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Graded physical therapy exercises
• Energy medicine
• Diet
• Improving bowel function
• Stress reduction
• Low dose naltrexone (click here)

Dr. Massey believes that fibromyalgia is, to a great extent, the result of stress and lifestyle and not an uncurable disease. Medications may help but they are not a long term answer.

See Dr. Massey's video on fibromyalgia and the integrative medicine approach at ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, click here
 

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