Fibromyalgia is a neurological condition which affects approximately 3 to 6 percent of the world population including 10 million people in the U.S. alone (i). Women are predominantly diagnosed with fibromyalgia but men and children also suffer from it. It is commonly misdiagnosed as its symptoms mirror many other conditions. There is no known cause for fibromyalgia but its symptoms can cause extreme havoc on those who suffer from it.

In September 2017 the condition was brought into the limelight when Stephanie Germanotta, more commonly known as Lady Gaga, announced via Twitter that she suffered from fibromyalgia and had to cancel some tour dates due to her debilitating pain (ii). This has brought more attention to the condition and it’s helping people understand that you may look healthy on the outside but the pain within the body is unbearable. Never judge a book by its cover.

 

Detection

There isn’t a specific blood test for fibromyalgia, however, certain blood tests can rule out certain conditions which can help doctors get an accurate diagnosis. The causes of fibromyalgia can vary for each person, including:

 

Heavy metal toxicity

Lack of quality sleep

Hormonal changes

Inflammation

Genetic factors

Thyroid imbalances

Poor nutrition

Leaky gut syndrome

Food allergies

Bacterial/viral infections

Parasites

Autoimmune diseases

Gastrointestinal disorders

 

Symptoms of fibromyalgia are vast. They can range from widespread pain all over the body, muscle and joint pain, chronic fatigue, brain fog, tender points all over the body, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, to name a few.

 

How does it affect the body? Fibromyalgia can affect each person differently which is why it is hard to diagnose. It is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis as their symptoms are similar but different. People who suffer from fibromyalgia can be in extreme pain. Sometimes the pain can be so intense that they can’t even get out of bed. This can cause more anxiety and depression as they aren’t able to do the normal tasks they once did. Also, people may not believe them as they look fine. As a society we have learned to rely on "seeing is believing", so if you can’t see it then it mustn’t be real—they must be making it up.

 

How is fibromyalgia treated with conventional medicine? Conventional doctors may refer patients with fibromyalgia to rheumatologists as their symptoms are similar to those with arthritis. They will probably prescribe medication for pain management. The FDA has approved three medications for the treatment of fibromyalgia: Cymbalta, Savella and Lyrica (iii). Some doctors have been known to prescribe antidepressants as well. Conventional doctors may recommend aerobic exercise and stress management techniques to try and handle the pain.

 

LifeWorks’ Solution

At LifeWorks, we believe treating the underlying cause for all conditions is the best solution. With regards to fibromyalgia, the pain is often due to an infection or toxin affecting mitochondria within the tissues. Mitochondria are tiny energy-producing factories within our cells that can be damaged over time. We also find that the thyroid gland may not be performing the way it should which can be attributing to their condition. We provide a program specialized to each of our patients which addresses any underlying health issues they may have, using several different therapies, including:

 

PEMF

MAS MAT

HOCATT

IV Therapy (including Ozone)

 

PEMF

PEMF is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. When the cells of the body have been injured due to trauma, they may lose their ability to generate proper energy levels to maintain their health. When this occurs, they will swell and heal slowly or not at all. PEMF helps the body recover by energizing the cell so it can heal faster. PEMF can help with pain and inflammation.

 

MAS MAT

Mas Mat is Magnetic Field Therapy and is similar to PEMF. When cells are damaged, the Mas Mat has proven to increase blood circulation. This revitalizes the body and rejuvenates the cells. Mas Mat also helps with pain and inflammation.

 

HOCATT

The HOCATT is wonderful for our fibromyalgia patients. It’s an ozone steam wherein a patient sits in their own personal sauna for 30 minutes. Carbonic acid opens the pores and allows the heat and ozone to penetrate the skin into the body. The heat warms the body and can reduce the amount of pain while the ozone helps the body detox, increasing oxygen levels in the blood and overall energy.

 

IV THERAPY

IV Therapy provides the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal. By doing it intravenously, you bypass the broken digestive system and deliver the nutrients to the cells directly. The Myers’ Cocktail IV helps boost or maintain a healthy immune system. This mixture of B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium helps many conditions. Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in the body and helps the process of boosting the immune system. It can also fight inflammation, detoxify the body, aid in cellular repair and raise energy levels. Ozone IV’s may also be ordered such as UVBI and MAH which help kill off bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Come and hear in more detail the topics covered in this article. Dr. Minkoff will be hosting a free talk titled: Fibromyalgia – A Closer Look at Pain and Exhaustion, 6:30 pm, November 15, at Nature’s Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Seating is limited; arrive early.

Dr. David Minkoff is co-founder and medical director of LifeWorks Wellness Center, one of the foremost alternative health clinics in the U.S. LifeWorks is located at 301 Turner St., Clearwater. For more information, call 727-466-6789 or visit LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com. See ad page 2.

 

^{(i) fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/ prevalence/}

^{(ii) instyle.com/syndication/lady-gaga- fibromyalgia}

^{(iii) rheumatology.org/i-am-a/patient-care giver /diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia}