Hello, drgrisanti-ga!
I have listed a range of Fibromyalgia links which cover numerous
alternative treatments. There are so many articles, and so many
alternative treatments suggested, that you need to be wary.
Traditional medication, nutritional therapy, exercise, physical
therapy, mindwork, bodywork, magnetic therapy.......are all suggested
therapies for Fibromyalgia.
==
You may want to start by reading this series of articles by Thomas
Shinder on the Fibromyalgia Community Support Network.
http://www.fmscommunity.org/shinder.htm
Some excerpts follow from:
"The Fibromyalgia Syndrome: It's Not All In Your Head."
"If you are one of the many who suffer from fibromyalgia, you know the
feelings well: pain which moves from joint to muscle to bone to back
to head. If pain were the only problem, perhaps you could handle it
better, but factor in the fatigue, lethargy, tingling and confusion,
and your life can seem like a living 'death' sentence.
"Fibromyalgia occurs predominantly in women, with the female-to-male
ratio reported to be about 20 to 1, and afflicts an estimated seven to
ten million Americans. Even more impressive are the estimates that
fibromyalgia generates between twenty to thirty million physician
visits a year in the United States alone. But it's not a condition
unique to Americans. This "unexplained pain" syndrome has been
reported in almost every part of the world.
"Fibromyalgia has been defined by experts as a syndrome of episodes
characterized by diffuse body pain and the appearance of at least 11
'tender points' out of a possible total of 18. However, to sufferers
of fibromyalgia, the syndrome consists of much more than mere tender
points."
***
"Treatment for fibromyalgia is a trial and error process. Generalist
physicians will prescribe amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant).
Most do this because they have heard that it's the right thing to do,
although some, with less noble motives, do it because they know the
side effects are so intolerable that the patient will stop the
medication and not return for a second visit. This is a common ploy
among many pain clinic physicians who view fibromyalgic patients as a
source of annoyance and frustration, and somehow less deserving of
their time and attention than those whose pain they consider more
"real."
"Among physicians who do attempt to help patients with fibromyalgia,
medications from the antidepressant, anticonvulsant,
anti-inflammatory, steroid, and opiate classes are typically tried.
Trigger point injections, in which the 'tender points' are injected
with a local anesthetic, are often recommended. They occasionally lead
to temporary relief, but seldom provide long lasting benefit."
"The best treatment has yet to be defined. During three years of
neurology practice specializing in pain management, I saw hundreds of
women with fibromyalgia. Many had been told by other doctors that
their symptoms were "all in their heads," but my opinion is that this
is a disease of the "heart" (limbic system, or emotional part of the
brain). We do not yet know what the exact neurochemical changes are,
but knowing that they are there is very important. Especially to all
the women who have essentially been brainwashed into believing they're
"crazy." They're not -- but it's sometimes easier for the "all
knowing" medical establishment to put that label on patients than to
admit to its own ignorance.
"The answer to the mystery of fibromyalgia probably lies in the field
of neurobiology, the study of the nervous system and its interactions
with the rest of the body. Until physicians can be persuaded to take
the condition seriously, to stop ignoring the medical evidence, and
stop dismissing it as "just another woman's thing," all we will be
able to do is treat the symptoms. Too many doctors decline to do even
that."
***
EXERCISE, COGNITIVE THERAPY AND MEDICATION
==========================================
"Daniel J. Clauw, M.D., on the Effective Treatment of Fibromyalgia."
ImmuneSupport.com (09-06-2002)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3854
Some excerpts:
ImmuneSupport.com: Do you have a standardized treatment protocol for
your FM patients?
Dr. Clauw: I use a combination of low-impact aerobic exercise,
symptom-based pharmacologic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Not all patients need all three. I usually begin by prescribing
medications to target the two or three most prominent symptoms that a
patient has. In most cases pain is one, but poor sleep, fatigue,
memory problems, or other symptoms sometimes interfere more with
function than pain. I only use one treatment at a time, and see if it
works before deciding whether to continue with the treatment, or
discard it.
One of the biggest problems I see in practice is that doctors and
patients try too many things at once, and then they have limited
ability to tell if something is working, or whether a new symptom is a
side effect of a treatment. After I find the correct one or two
medications to reasonably control many of the symptoms, then I will
add aerobic exercise, and sometimes cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT). Both exercise and CBT can either be done simply (with simple
instructions for exercise or a workbook or Arthritis Foundation course
for CBT) or with more professional guidance (e.g., with a physical
therapist, personal trainer, social worker, or psychologist). These
treatments take many months to work (in contrast to medications which
usually work within a month or so if they are going to work at all),
but the benefits are more durable than the benefits obtained from
medications. If this combination of treatments doesn’t work, I will
sometimes add complementary and alternative therapies at this point.
ImmuneSupport.com: What are your recommendations for the following
important issues for FM patients (as applicable):
Dr. Clauw:
Sleep (unrestful sleep; insomnia): Sleep hygiene (avoiding
caffeine/alcohol, exercising near bedtime, etc.), followed by
tricyclic medications (e.g., Flexeril, Elavil in very low doses given
a few hours before bedtime), or sedatives (e.g., zolpidem [Ambien]).
When using the tricyclic drugs or any medications, fibromyalgia
patients should "start low, go slow." I usually begin at 5-10 mg of
Flexeril or Elavil taken two hours before bedtime, and increase the
dose by 5-10mgs per week.
Pain: Tricyclics, tramadol (Ultram), venlafaxine (Effexor)
Low energy (combating fatigue): Buproprion (Wellbutrin), venlafaxine
Depression (drugs prescribed, etc.): See above recommendations, plus
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil,
Celexa).
Brain fog (inability to concentrate, memory problems, etc.): Same as
for low energy, plus occasional use of Central Nervous System (CNS)
stimulants.
Diet: I don’t think there is any diet than can be recommended except a
sensible, healthy diet.
Supplementation (how to address any deficiencies): There are a few
supplements that may be helpful for FM such as magnesium supplements,
or SAM-e, but patients should understand that these are drugs when
taken in this way. I am always somewhat amused when a patient comes in
to me taking eight different nutritional supplements, and says that
he/she doesn’t want to take any drugs. A drug is anything that is
ingested to change the body’s physiology – nutritional supplements are
drugs.
NUTRITION, HORMONES, MEDICINE AND MAGNETS
==========================================
The following article is very extensive!
"Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum's Treatment Protocol for Fibromyalgia & Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome," by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. ImmuneSupport.com
(02-13-2002)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3346
Michael E. Rosenbaum, M.D., on Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and
Fibromyalgia." ImmuneSupport.com.( 03-14-2003)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/4337
NEUROSOMATIC DISORDER THERAPY
=============================
"Jay A. Goldstein, M.D.’s Unique Treatment Protocol for Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia," By John W. Addington.
ImmuneSupport.com (03-03-2003)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/4351
"Dr. Goldstein's CFS/FM protocol revolves around his understanding of
these ailments as neurosomatic disorders. In helping to define such
disorders, Dr. Goldstein says patients afflicted "do not feel, think,
or function properly because the brain does not handle information
properly." According to his research, Dr. Goldstein believes brain
circuitry and transmittal of data for proper bodily function and
health have become altered in conditions like CFS. Further, Dr.
Goldstein comments "how the brain, the immune system, and the hormonal
system simultaneously regulate the function of each other is usually
'out of whack' in various ways in patients with neurosomatic
disorders."
"Dr. Goldstein believes that neurotransmitters, chemical substances
that act as information messengers in the brain, are abnormally low in
this condition. Norepinephrine and dopamine are two such
neurotransmitters lacking in CFS patients. When these are decreased,
the brain has difficulty assessing relevance of the numerous messages
it constantly receives. Because of this, mentally challenging
situations such as taking a test or sensory stimulating situations
such as a shopping at a mall can be overwhelming."
"Another cause of this easily distractible state is elevated levels of
substance P. Substance P is a chemical that transmits pain messages.
Overproduction of substance P results in increased sensations of pain.
Dr. Goldstein believes elevated amounts of this pain messenger found
in CFS and FM are interrelated with their hypervigilant state, and can
contribute to anxiety and panic attacks."
(Read complete article for therapy)
HOLISTIC TREATMENT
==================
Please read the following articles:
"Dale Guyer, M.D., Discusses the Holistic Treatment of Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and Fibromyalgia [including Transfer Factor therapy].
ImmuneSupport.com (07-17-2002)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3725
"Kent Holtorf, M.D., on Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome &
Fibromyalgia."ImmuneSupport.com (04-23-2003)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/4532
GENERAL ARTICLES COVERING TREATMENT OPTIONS
===========================================
"Functional Medicine Applications: Reversing Eight Vicious Cycles that
Block Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Healing," by Richard
Podell, M.D. ImmuneSupport.com (04-29-2003)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/4563
Understanding and Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia,"
By Leon Chaitow N.D., D.O., M.R.O. ImmuneSupport.com (05-09-2003)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/4578
There are a number of articles highlighting alternative treatments on
the Suite 101 website at
http://www.suite101.com/subjectheadings/contents.cfm/14685
GUAIFENESIN
===========
"Achieving Effective Results with Guaifenesin."ImmuneSupport.com
(03-31-2003)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/4445/T/CFIDS_FM/searchtext/St%2E%20Amand/
"Treating Fibromyalgia with Guaifenesin," by R. Paul St. Amand, M.D.
ImmuneSupport.com (10-04-2001)
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3133/T/CFIDS_FM/searchtext/St%2E%20Amand/
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
===================
From "Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Improving Treatment, Unraveling the
Cause." Facts of Life: Issue Briefings for Health Reporters.Vol. 6,
No. 8 (December 2001)
http://www.cfah.org/factsoflife/vol6no8.cfm
Behavioral Medicine Puts Mind Over Matter
Taking care of the mind may be a good bet for people facing the
chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome, say
behavioral medicine experts like Joan E. Broderick, Ph.D., assistant
professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the State
University of New York at Stony Brook.
Broderick, a clinical psychologist who has a special interest in
fibromyalgia and rheumatological disorders, notes that there is no
cure and no adequate medical treatment for fibromyalgia. However,
mind-body techniques such as relaxation exercises and meditation show
promise for those confronting the syndrome's sometime debilitating
symptoms.(5)
Today's medical model tends to focus on biological disease status-that
which can be detected through blood tests, X-rays and MRIs-says
Broderick. In contrast, behavioral medicine, also known as mind-body
medicine, approaches the person from an "illness" point of view (5).
And, unlike psychiatry, which focuses on treating mental illness,
behavioral medicine offers psychosocial interventions to help prevent
and treat medical illness.(5)
"Mind-body medicine takes a very broad view of the individual and his
or her experience of the illness," Broderick explains. "Our
philosophical point of view is that what's going on in the body
affects the mind, and what's going on in the mind affects the body. If
you're depressed, frustrated, tired, angry or scared, that can have an
impact on pain, for example."
She adds that mind-body techniques, many of which fall under the
umbrella of cognitive-behavioral therapy, are designed "to have the
person gain some voluntary control over what would otherwise be viewed
as involuntary responses." In addition to altering the body's
physiological response to stress and arousal, mind-body medicine
addresses social support issues and helps people strike a better
balance between the stress of daily tasks and leisure activities.
Broderick has found that people with fibromyalgia tend to "drift
farther and farther away from engaging in pleasurable
activities-seeing friends, going to the movies, gardening, window
shopping-all of the things that in their healthy state of being gave
them pleasure and balanced out the laundry, shopping, cooking, work
and child care."
Mind-body medicine applies knowledge about motivation, learning and
behavior change to promote "a more normal, healthier balance."
Techniques include education, examination of one's attitudes, stress
management, relaxation exercises, meditation, guided imagery and
biofeedback as well as exploration of social and family relationships
and improved communication skills.
Although it focuses on the psychosocial aspects of a person's
well-being, this approach is viewed as an adjunct, not an alternative
to conventional medical care.
Broderick is convinced that mind-body medicine is here to stay and
will gain wider acceptance in the future. A number of studies have
shown positive effects of mind-body medicine for people with
fibromyalgia, (5, 9, 11) and the Arthritis Foundation has adapted its
well-established, community-based Arthritis Self-Help Course into a
similar fibromyalgia self-help course that incorporates
cognitive-behavioral strategies.
"As time goes on, there is going to be increasing awareness of these
interventions," she says. "We are talking about fibromyalgia, but we
could be talking about any chronic illness because behavioral medicine
is a general approach toward maintaining a healthy body and mind that
is applicable across the board."
CONSIDER PHYSICAL THERAPY
=========================
See question link:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=83267
Notice especially the links for exercise videos:
"The Fibromyalgia Community at http://www.fmscommunity.org/ex.htm#ex
has a wealth of articles and videos concerning exercise and
stretching. A sample exercise program link follows:
http://www.fmsni.freeserve.co.uk/Exercise.htm
FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT LINKS with additional information for treatments
=====================================================================
These resources are compiled from another question I answered about
Fibromyalgia:
The Fibromyalgia Personal Support Center
http://fmpsc.org/
The Discussion Wall
http://fmpsc.org/wall/discussion.html
eFibro.com
http://www.efibro.com/
A place for those with fibromyalgia to share their thoughts and
experiences regarding the living with and dealing with this disease.
Fibrohugs Fibromyalgia
http://www.fibrohugs.com/
Our friendly and supportive place is where sufferers of
Fibromyalgia, their families and friends, can come for tough love,
gentle hugs, and lifelong friendships. You will learn about
Fibromyalgia, and ways we can help ourselves to fight this horrid
disease. You'll find many supportive people on our Message Forums with
whom you can ask questions, talk about problems, or just have a
friendly shoulder to cry on.
Fibromyalgia Support
http://www.fibromyalgiasupport.com/
World’s largest Fibromyalgia Site.
Includes chat room and message boards
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Information Exchange Forum
http://www.co-cure.org/index.htm
Chock full of information and links
Message board
http://co-cure.org/wwwboard/
The Fibromyalgia Community
http://fmscommunity.org/index.htm
Support group links
http://fmscommunity.org/sptgrp.htm
Fibromyalgia Support Groups Directory
http://www.theriver.com/Public/cfids/usspt.htm
Includes links to support groups by state.
National Fibromyalgia Association
http://www.fmaware.org/
Noah Health
http://www.noah-health.org/english/illness/neuro/cfs.html
Ask NOAH About: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Scroll halfway down page for the start of the fibromyalgia links
Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/M_E_/
This group is for people with M.E./CFS/CFIDS and FMS, it is a
self-help support group for people with these conditions. Members can
share information on their personal experiences, relate to others,
make new friends, share their recommended treatments and non
recommended treatments, share photographs, post messages on the
message board.
FMS CHAT Fibromyalgia Chat Group
http://www.lclark.edu/~sherrons/supportgroups.htm
The FMS CHAT support group, for persons with fibromyalgia syndrome
(FMS), has a very active, informed membership. Issues frequently
discussed are medications, alternative therapies, and applying for
Disability (social security, insurance, etc.).
Despite its name, this is not really a "chat room," but rather a
listserv conducted via email. Before joining this listserv, recognize
that members receive a high volume of mail, sometimes as many as 300
messages a day."
The Fibro Page from She Who Watches and Waits
http://members.tripod.com/~Mamajaz/windancr/s-fibro.html
An extensive list of links concerning Fibromyalgia may be found at:
Found Health
http://www.foundhealth.com/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/F/Fibromyalgia/
The Google Fibromyalgia Directory
http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Musculoskeletal_Disorders/Connective_Tissue/Fibromyalgia/Support_Groups/
=====
I hope you can find some alternatives that work for you in the above
references!
Please don't hesitate to ask me for clarification if needed *before*
rating my answer and I will be happy to help if I can.
umiat-ga
Google Search strategy
fibromyalgia treatment alternatives |
