FIBROMYALGIA Raj Saini Greenbrook Pharmacy www.greenrx.ca 519-742-9955
OBJECTIVES Introduction Causes/Symptoms/Diagnosis Stress, Hormonal Balance & Fibromyalgia Treatment-Pharmaceutical Treatment-Natural SHINE Protocol Conclusion
What is Fibromyalgia? INTRODUCTION It is a chronic condition that involves fatigue and widespread muscle pain that corresponds to specific points (tender points) on the body. What is central sensitization? Central sensitization is a condition of the nervous system that is associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain. When central sensitization occurs, the nervous system goes through a process called wind-up and gets regulated in a persistent state of high reactivity. This persistent, or regulated, state of reactivity subsequently comes to maintain pain even after the initial injury might be healed.
CAUSES Physical trauma event Neurotransmitter imbalance Sleep abnormalities Adrenal Dysfunction Stress Thyroid Dysfunction Infections Parasitic Infections Dysbiosis Leaky Gut Food Sensitivities and Allergies Heavy Metal Exposure Family History
Widespread pain Stiffness Fatigue Unrefreshing sleep Sleep disturbances Headache Allergies or sensitivities Poor concentration Poor memory Allergic symptoms Painful menstruation Irritable Bowel Depression Urinary Complaints Fatigue after exercise SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
What Are the Diagnostic Guidelines for Fibromyalgia? After ruling out another serious medical problem, your doctor will consider whether or not your condition meets two fibromyalgia criteria: Has there been widespread pain in all four quadrants of your body for a minimum of three months? Do you have tenderness or pain in at least 11 of 18 specific tender points when pressure is applied?
Stress, Hormonal Balance, and Fibromyalgia What s the Connection?
Adrenal Glands Primary responsibility is to release cortisol Release cortisol when we are under stress We follow a cortisol cycle during the day Fight or flight Past emotional trauma and disrupted cortisol rhythms
Ovaries More severe symptoms premenstrually and sometimes after menopause Probably because estrogen, progesterone, and possibly testosterone can affect pain and fatigue in the body A study done in 2005 and found; 50% of women experience more pain and fatigue during their periods 25% stated that their fibromyalgia symptoms started with menopause 26% said the severity of their symptoms increased after menopause It makes sense that by gently balancing our hormones we can lessen the symptoms of fibromyalgia
Thyroid When the thyroid is imbalanced it is usually because the adrenal glands are imbalanced Recent research has demonstrated an association between thyroid conditions and fibromyalgia Symptoms of hypothyroidism can contribute to more intense fibromyalgia symptoms ie, low body temp, poor immune function,fatigue
Treatment-Pharmaceutical NSAID s Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen Don t work that well alone, they work better when taken with other meds TriCyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline) Increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These relax painful muscles and heighten the effects of endorphins
Treatment-Contd Antidepressants Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Paxil Help to relieve pain, fatigue, and sleep problems Anticonvulsants Lyrica, Gabapentin Calm overactive neurons and possibly influence the release of neurotransmitters
Treatment-Natural 5-HTP Aids in sleeping, anxiety, muscle pain, morning stiffness Increases serotonin levels in the brain Magnesium Aids in sleeping and also in decreasing the number and severity of tender points CoQ10/L-Carnitine Improves fatigue, helps relieve muscular weakness ATP recycling Vitamin C Helps to support the adrenal glands
Treatment-Natural Cont d Cat s Claw Great for inflammation in the gut Cordyceps Increases the oxygenation Vitamin B-50 Complex Energy, immunity, nerve and brain function Vitamin D Important for mood and immunity
Treatment-Natural Cont d Omega 3 (Fish Oil) For cell membranes and mood D-Ribose Is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in the body It helps with ATP production which is the primary energy source for all living cells Increases energy,, sleep quality, mental clarity, and well being, while also decreasing pain
SHINE PROTOCOL SLEEP Must give your muscles and nervous system a chance to heal Hormonal Balance Balancing your adrenal, thyroid, and ovarian hormones can make a huge difference Immune Health Make sure you rule out any bacteria, viruses, yeast or parasites Make sure you rule out gluten allergy/intolerance
SHINE---Contd Nutrition Provide your body with whole fresh foods, especially fruits and vegetables, high quality proteins Vitamins and supplements Emotional Health Negative childhood experiences can influence our health Try to be more loving and forgiving of yourself
CONCLUSION Fibromyalgia is a syndrome caused and influenced by many factors Must look at the body as a whole Must have a multifactorial approach Diet, gut, exercise, supplements, medication
Greenbrook Pharmacy and Natural Health Foods Raj Saini 519-742-9955 greenrx@live.com