Fibromyalgia and Acupuncture?
An estimated 10 million Americans have fibromyalgia, and this number is on the rise. Fibromyalgia is more common in women and symptoms include muscle and joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues like IBS, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Patients often feel misunderstood by healthcare practitioners due to the full range of symptoms they experience.
Many people who suffer from this disease feel ignored and pushed aside, or worse, told their symptoms are not real because lab tests came back normal.
There are many possible causes of fibromyalgia, including immune system dysfunction, nervous system, circulation, and gut dysfunction as well as things like elevated cortisol (stress) levels or other hormone imbalances.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that a weak immune system might be one factor that triggers this disease. Recent studies show genetic irregularities of three immune molecules called CCL11, CCL4, and MEFV in fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy individuals. Working to improve the immune system function also seems to help reduce the flu-like malaise body ache symptoms that fibro patients report.
The connection between gut function and fibromyalgia is also well-known. Something like 70% of fibro patients also struggle with GI symptoms. We have found clinically that working to improve GI function also seems to improve pain that feels heavy in nature.
These are just a couple of examples of how we think about pain in relation to fibromyalgia patients.
What does this mean to fibromyalgia patients?
It says that there is hope for treating this disease and getting more than just moderate symptomatic relief. At our clinic, we have been helping fibromyalgia patients reduce their pain levels and improve their energy for years by working to address the root causes of their symptoms.
We do this by supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, correcting digestive problems, managing the stress response system and helping to improve blood circulation using evidence-based medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle coaching. We also arm our patients with tips and tricks to deal with the various types of pain that come from fibromyalgia so that they can minimize future flares.
About Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia at Centered: Richmond
We offer no-risk consultations to potential patients. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and are looking for additional care, schedule an appointment. If for some reason we are unable to take you on as a patient, there is no charge for your in-office consultation.
Our patients are also surprised to discover that they do not need to stop or change their existing medical plans or medications to be a candidate for care at Centered
If you are curious about the process, you can watch one of our former patients discuss her experience as a fibromyalgia patient at Centered: Richmond below.
Whether or not our clinic is an appropriate fit for you, we strongly recommend you keep looking for answers and for medical practitioners who are willing to look at the whole picture with you and for you. Feeling better is POSSIBLE.
