Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
February 27th, 2009
A syndrome of chronic pain, fibromyalgia causes muscle and soft tissue tenderness as well as fatigue, sleep difficulties and other symptoms. Fibromyalgia affects three to six million Americans, or about two percent of the population, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
Widespread muscle pain, musculoskeletal aches and stiffness are the primary symptoms of fibromyalgia; the majority of individuals experiencing fibromyalgia are women between the ages of 34 and 56.
Currently there is no test for diagnosing fibromyalgia. An American College of Rheumatology exam is performed to determine the characteristic tender points and widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body typically associated with fibromyalgia. By process of elimination, fibromyalgia is diagnosed by ruling out conditions that have similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroidism, and Lyme disease.
Although the causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown, previous research indicates that the syndrome may be a central nervous system processing disorder in which pain is caused by abnormal sensory processing. Fibromyalgia may also be due to a genetic predisposition.
Allopathic therapies for fibromyalgia consist of over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), or prescription drugs (tramadol, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants).
Many individuals find that these allopathic therapies do not effectively treat the muscle pain caused by fibromyalgia and try alternative treatments such as acupuncture. The National Institutes of Health has issued a statement which concludes that acupuncture may be helpful as an adjunctive therapy for fibromyalgia.
Traditional Chinese medicine views fibromyalgia as a condition caused by body imbalances, poor nutrition, sleep disorders, excess strain, and mental and emotional stress. Your acupuncture physician will complete a full assessment to determine which imbalances are at the root cause of your fibromyalgia. Acupuncture treatment is tailored to your individual constitution and fibromyalgia syndrome pattern.
Acupuncture can significantly improve the pain, fatigue and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. Acupuncture and recommended Chinese herbal medicine formulas can improve sleep deficiencies and other symptoms, increase energy and improve overall health.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. Feb. 21.
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