Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, also known as soft tissue rheumatism, is a chronic pain disorder characterized by muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Although the exact cause is not yet fully understood, stress, genetic factors, and changes in the central nervous system play an important role.
Treatment often involves a combination of pain medication, physiotherapy, exercise, and stress management. Complementary alternative therapies such as acupuncture, phytotherapy, hyperthermia, and mitochondrial therapy can provide additional relief.
Working closely with a physician is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life from an early stage.
What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain disorder characterised by widespread pain in muscles and joints, as well as exhaustion and sleep disturbances. This condition of persistent exhaustion and pain can significantly impair the quality of life of those affected and sometimes lead to social withdrawal.
It is important to understand that fibromyalgia represents a disorder of pain perception and processing. The central nervous system perceives pain more intensely, although no physical damage can be found as the cause of the pain.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not yet fully understood, but they are the focus of extensive research.
Current findings suggest that infectious diseases, chronic stress, and sleep disorders play a significant role in the development of the condition. In patients with fibromyalgia, an imbalance of the neurotransmitters substance P, glutamate, noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, and endogenous opioids is often detectable.
Mitochondria also play an important role in fibromyalgia. Therefore, mitochondrial disorder should always be considered, and the mitochondria should be strengthened.
Hormonal imbalances can influence the course of fibromyalgia, especially in women, with fluctuations during the menstrual cycle potentially intensifying symptoms.
Risk factors such as vitamin D deficiency, other rheumatic diseases, smoking, and obesity should also be considered when searching for causes.
Chronic pain can lead to tension, poor sleep, and psychological discomfort, which can negatively affect pain perception.
This vicious cycle can be challenging, but with close supervision of a physician, there are numerous ways to improve the quality of life.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms – An Overview
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that presents a wide range of symptoms throughout the body. The nature and intensity of these symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another. Although the condition is more commonly diagnosed in women, men may experience more pronounced symptoms.
The leading symptoms include persistent pain that can occur in various locations and with varying intensity throughout the body. Additionally, there is tenderness at so-called tender points, which are mainly located in the neck and shoulder area, as well as in the lower back and hips. Many affected individuals also suffer from sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and depression, which can further affect pain tolerance.
Due to the characteristic combination of symptoms, the condition is also referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome.
This symptomatology can significantly impact quality of life and often leads to social withdrawal, as the environment often shows little understanding. However, it is important not to leave those affected alone and to offer support where possible.
Fibromyalgia Pain in Cold Weather
During the cold seasons, fibromyalgia symptoms can worsen, as the cold often has a negative impact on the course of the disease. To counteract this, it is important to keep warm and ensure that the body’s core temperature remains stable.
Light exercise and movement can be very helpful. However, the individual need for regeneration and sufficient sleep should always be considered.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Eyes
Some patients report fibromyalgia symptoms that affect the eyes. These can include severe dryness, increased light sensitivity, pain around and behind the eyes, and swelling of the eyelids.
The eyes are organs with a high nerve supply, fine muscular control, and intensive blood flow. Therefore, they are occasionally affected by such symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Test and Diagnosis
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging, as there isn’t a specific test for it. It is often identified by carefully ruling out other conditions.
Patients often go through various processes within the healthcare system to rule out other musculoskeletal disorders, infections, and autoimmune diseases before the diagnosis can be made and appropriate therapy can be initiated.
The overall impression is crucial, taking into account the symptoms reported by patients and any tenderness at certain points.
It’s essential to perform comprehensive diagnostics with excellent laboratories to facilitate personalised and cause-oriented therapy.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
Unfortunately, there are currently no specific fibromyalgia medications that treat the cause of the condition, as it is not yet fully understood. It is therefore important to develop an individual treatment strategy for each patient.
The treatment of fibromyalgia is versatile and includes a range of therapeutic approaches to provide the best possible support for those.. For an optimally tailored treatment, thorough, cause-oriented diagnostics are crucial.
Conventional Medical Approaches
Various pain medications can be used to effectively relieve acute pain. These offer short-term, symptomatic relief to reduce discomfort.
Physiotherapy is advised to help prevent poor posture caused by pain and to increase mobility.
Additionally, guided relaxation exercises can help those affected to better cope with pain and associated stress.
In addition, it is important to treat sleep disorders and manage emotional stress to improve overall well-being.
Complementary Medical Approaches
Integrating complementary medical approaches with conventional therapies can be a valuable addition to the treatment of fibromyalgia.
For example, acupuncture can help relieve pain, cupping can stimulate blood circulation and thus relieve tension, and herbal remedies (phytotherapy) can reduce inflammation in the body and thus contribute to an improvement in symptoms.
Other effective integrative approaches include hyperthermia, mitochondrial therapy, intestinal cleansing, and detoxification of the body. These methods aim to specifically address the underlying causes of the symptoms.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is an effective and proven method for treating fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that targeted overheating can achieve significant improvement in symptoms and reduction of pain.
Essential mechanisms include promoting blood circulation, optimising metabolism, positive effects on the autonomic nervous system, as well as immunological adaptations with anti-inflammatory effects.
Whole body hyperthermia in pain therapy. A controlled trial on patients with fibromyalgia
Mitochondrial Therapy
There are numerous studies and therapy reports that show a connection between fibromyalgia and mitochondrial function. Consequently, mitochondrial therapy is an important tool in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Methods that can support mitochondria include IHHT therapy, ozone therapy, infusion therapy and chelation therapy.
Intestinal Cleanse
Gut health and the composition of the gut microbiome play an important role in the development of fibromyalgia. Therefore, intestinal cleansing is another important method in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Association among Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) and Fibromyalgia: A Prospective Study
Detoxification from Toxic Metals
Chronic exposure to toxic metals can lead to persistent oxidative stress and thereby exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. Detoxification of the body through chelation therapy or INUSpheresis can provide valuable support in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Diet and Lifestyle in Fibromyalgia
Dietary and lifestyle adjustments can significantly help many people to cope with their pain and are an essential part of the comprehensive treatment of fibromyalgia.
In addition to regular physiotherapy, a lot of individually adapted exercise is recommended, as this can have positive effects on pain perception. It is advisable to discuss suitable options with your physiotherapist to get the best possible support. It is always important to maintain a balance between regeneration, sleep, and exercise.
Switching to a minimally processed, low-carbohydrate diet can be very beneficial. There are no strictly forbidden foods in fibromyalgia, however products containing gluten can worsen symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. It can therefore be helpful to test for possible allergies and temporarily avoid gluten (see article: Gluten Intolerance). If you are interested, feel free to ask your doctor for a personalised nutrition plan.
Another important lifestyle adjustment can be avoiding stressors and practicing relaxation strategies. This can help many patients to better manage their situation and alleviate symptoms.
Living with Fibromyalgia – Flare-ups and Work
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the associated symptoms can significantly impact one’s quality of life, as persistent pain often disrupts the ease of daily living.
Especially during stressful periods, individuals may experience flare-ups, characterised by intensified symptoms that can temporarily hinder work ability and lead to social withdrawal. In these challenging times, it is particularly important to seek support and develop effective strategies to manage flare-ups.
Rehabilitation programs for fibromyalgia can be helpful, offering techniques to better cope with the condition, providing new perspectives, and helping to reduce everyday stress.
We recommend discussing possible options with your doctor or physician.
Dr. med. Karsten Ostermann M.A.
The treatment concept should always be multimodal, meaning various interlocking therapies, as single interventions rarely lead to success.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fibromyalgia
In the following section, we answer commonly asked questions about fibromyalgia. For individual concerns or specific questions about your personal situation, we recommend consulting your physician.
Fibromyalgia is considered incurable.
In our experience, the condition can be treated very well with an integrative, cause-oriented approach. This can significantly reduce symptoms and strengthen the body, so that quality of life can be restored.
Yes, in addition to medicinal pain treatment, lifestyle changes play a significant role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. An anti-inflammatory diet, regular physical activities, and targeted relaxation strategies can significantly alleviate symptoms. These approaches offer patients the opportunity to actively participate in their recovery and improve their quality of life. However, it is important to plan carefully and consult with an experienced doctor to prevent worsening of symptoms.
An essential part of conventional medical treatment is the optimal adjustment of pain medication to improve patients’ well-being. There are continuously new medications that either work more effectively or have fewer side effects.
However, before taking new medications, it is essential to consult with your physician to find a personalised solution.
Fibromyalgia itself does not shorten life expectancy, as it does not cause direct damage to organ systems. However, the stress caused by the condition, social withdrawal, and a loss of quality of life can have indirect effects on lifespan.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that presents a range of symptoms. Affected individuals often report varying pain throughout the body, persistent fatigue, sleep disruptions, depressive moods, and concentration difficulties.
Yes, stress plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of fibromyalgia. Both personal and work-related stress, particularly when prolonged, can increase the risk of fibromyalgia. It is therefore advisable to reduce stress as much as possible.
If you feel stressed or overwhelmed by your current situation, do not hesitate to seek professional support.
Yes, gluten intolerance can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. This occurs because the body’s reaction to intolerable foods leads to inflammation, which can negatively impact pain perception.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.