Fibromyalgia (FM)

It is an extremely common pain condition occurring in a defined pattern. Patients with fibromyalgia usually ache all over, sleep poorly, feel stiff on waking, and are tired all day. They are prone to headaches, memory and concentration problems, dizziness, numbness and tingling, itching, fluid retention, abdominal or pelvic cramps, diarrhea, and several other symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is now diagnosed based on widespread pain and symptom severity scores, rather than the older tender point examination.

Fibromyalgia often runs in families, suggesting an inherited predisposition. It may lie dormant until triggered by an injury, stress, or sleep disturbance. It is closely related to chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome. Some researchers have suggested that these may all be different facets of the same underlying disorder.

No one really seems to know what causes fibromyalgia. It was once mistakenly thought to be either an inflammatory or a psychiatric condition. Currently, we know what may trigger or aggravate it: stress, a viral or bacterial infection, depression, weather changes, trauma such as a death in the family or an automobile accident, or abnormality of deep sleep (so-called “loss of non-REM stage IV” sleep).

Why these events trigger fibromyalgia in some people but not others is not yet fully understood. One theory is that genetic predisposition plays a role, possibly linked to other physical abnormalities.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, FM is seen as a systemic problem that manifests as widespread muscle pain. Beyond muscle pain, there are other symptoms that vary from person to person, indicating different types of FM with different underlying causes. Qi (energy) deficiency is the most common type and is often related to digestive system problems. It is noteworthy that in western medicine, FM has strong links with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Cure is a strong term. There is no single easy cure for fibromyalgia. Some doctors have found that FM symptoms resolve completely in certain patients. The symptoms of FM can vary in severity and often wax and wane, but most patients tend to improve over time. By making fundamental lifestyle changes and working to maintain an optimistic attitude, the FM sufferer can become the FM survivor.

1. Improve deep sleep.
2. Get daily gentle aerobic exercise.
3. Avoid excessive physical and emotional stress.
4. Avoid prescription tranquilizers and sleeping medications of the benzodiazepine group.
5. Avoid alcohol and narcotic pain medications in the evenings.
6. Follow a diet low in fats and simple sugars.
7. Give up caffeine completely.
8. Seek professional help.

Fibromyalgia and chronic pain are among the most common reasons patients visit acupuncture clinics. There is considerable research showing efficacy, though the unknown mechanism of fibromyalgia makes it difficult to rely on any single study.

According to the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Statement (November 3-5, 1997): “There is evidence of efficacy for postoperative dental pain. There are reasonable studies (although sometimes only single studies) showing relief of pain with acupuncture on diverse pain conditions such as menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, and fibromyalgia.”

Through various studies, acupuncture has been shown to relieve pain by increasing microcirculation, promoting endorphin secretion, desensitizing nerve pathways, and reducing inflammation.

Beyond symptom relief, acupuncture also addresses the root causes of FM. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the efficacy of acupuncture in treating sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, and general fatigue, all of which are strongly connected to the underlying FM syndrome. It is one of the best options for treating FM systematically without side effects.

Most acupuncture points do not hurt because the needles are hair-fine. Patients typically feel a brief mosquito-bite sensation. Some points tend to be more sensitive than others, and we take extra care with those to avoid discomfort.

$95/session, $45 consultation. 30-45 minute initial consultation.

Alberta Health Care does not cover acupuncture. Most company benefits cover acupuncture when treatment is provided through a Registered Acupuncturist. Contact your HR department or insurance company for coverage details.

Many FM sufferers have benefited from acupuncture treatment. It is a reasonable natural modality with the potential to help. “It works for many” does not mean “it works for you.” As for you, there is only one way to find out.