Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disorder that affects a large number of people, with estimates ranging from 1.2 to 2 million persons in England alone. It is characterised by persistent pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties known as “brain fog.” Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized it as a disease in 1994, some healthcare professionals continue to question its validity, causing confusion and frustration among those affected by the condition.
In this post, we will address the shortcomings of traditional fibromyalgia medications and present a functional medicine approach to treating autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia. This strategy aims to treat people and restore them to full health by addressing the underlying causes of fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses.
Understanding Fibromyalgia: More Than Just Pain
Beyond the hallmark symptoms of pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia encompasses a comprehensive range of manifestations, including:
- Muscle and joint stiffness
- Trouble sleeping
- Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog,” which can affect concentration, clear thinking, and memory
- Heightened sensitivity to light, noise, odours, and temperature
- Bloating or constipation
These symptoms can fluctuate, coming and going in periods known as flare-ups, making the condition unpredictable and often challenging to manage.
The Mysterious Cause of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia’s exact cause is unknown, however it is likely to be a combination of inherited and environmental causes. Pain sensitivity is increased in patients, and brain imaging investigations have revealed altered communication in neural circuits that transmit and receive pain. Certain health concerns, stress, or other life events may precipitate fibromyalgia.
Conventional vs. Functional Medicine: A Different Approach
Conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms through pain drugs and antidepressants. Although these methods may offer temporary respite, they fail to address the root causes of fibromyalgia. In contrast, functional medicine aims to identify and address these underlying triggers. By doing so, it tries to restore the patient’s health rather than just manage symptoms.
In functional medicine, we see things differently. Instead of working on the tip of the iceberg: the apparent pain, inflammation, and depressed mood, we work on the submerged part of the iceberg. We investigate underlying biochemical glitches causing the disease process at a cellular, molecular, and organ level with the help of functional diagnostics. This investigative side of functional medicine is our first line of action.
Root Causes Originating in the Digestive System
Several studies have linked fibromyalgia with digestive issues. For instance, 73% of patients reported GI symptoms, compared with 37% of those with osteoarthritis. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is present in 30–70% of patients. FM syndrome occurs in up to 60% of patients with functional bowel disorders. Candida overgrowth, SIBO and leaky gut are common culprits we investigate.
Candida Overgrowth
Candida, a fungus or yeast normally present in small colonies in our intestine, can overpopulate our gut under certain circumstances such as chronic stress, excessive alcohol drinking, or a poor diet. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, and eventual rupture of the gut lining, allowing Candida to penetrate the bloodstream and release toxins. This can manifest as insomnia, skin issues, unexplained fatigue, and more.
SIBO and Leaky Gut
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when colonic bacteria translocate into the upper gut region and overpopulate it. This can lead to irritation and severe compromise of the gut walls, allowing particles of proteins and bacteria to invade the bloodstream. A porous gut-lining, or Leaky Gut Syndrome, is one of the initiating factors of all auto-immune disorders, including FM.
Cross-Food Reactivity of Hidden Food Intolerances
Gluten sensitivity is enough to wreak havoc with your health. The majority of gluten intolerance symptoms do not appear in the digestive tract. Pain, sleep difficulties, cognitive impairment, behavioural issues, unexplained exhaustion, anxiety, and sadness are the most common symptoms.
Living with Fibromyalgia: A Lifelong Journey
Living with fibromyalgia might be difficult, but remember that you are not alone. It is critical to keep a positive self-image and manage stress as effectively as possible. Exercise, a nutritious diet, and excellent sleep hygiene can all assist to lessen the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Conclusion
Finally, functional medicine provides a holistic approach to understanding and treating fibromyalgia. It provides a more holistic and successful therapy technique by concentrating on the core causes rather than just the symptoms. If you have fibromyalgia, you should look at the functional medicine approach. It could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant you.
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This article was written by our team of specialist therapists at Perfect Balance Clinic. If you would like more specific advice about how our team can help you with this condition or symptoms you may be having, please complete the contact form below and one of the team will get back to you shortly.
