Symptoms

Aching, tender muscles, *fatigue and poor sleep characterize fibromyalgia, a *pain syndrome which is similar to *rheumatism in its effects on muscles and *joints. The term fibromyalgia indicates pain of the muscles and fibrous connective tissues throughout the body, and also includes discomfort in the tendons and ligaments. Predisposed areas are the neck and shoulders, lower back, chest and thighs.

Typically, soreness begins slowly, with muscle stiffness, aching and spasming, which worsens with muscle overuse. Certain muscle points will be particularly stiff and tender. Endurance and stamina are very poor, and the sufferer often feels constantly worn out and unable to concentrate. Accompanying problems include *irritable bowels and mood disorders, like *depression and *anxiety. Mostly women are affected by fibromyalgia, but it is a common condition and can affect adolescents and men.

Causes

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, since laboratory tests often show no evidence of the illness. There is some link between fibromyalgia and *chronic fatigue syndrome. Some suggest the cause is a virus, or the result of toxins accumulating in the muscles from lactic acid build-up. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome victims have been found to have abnormally shaped red blood cells secondary, most probably, to viral damage. This causes a phenomenon called rouleau, which can be seen by live cell or darkfield microscopy as congregations of red cells sticking closer together and stacking up like a bunch of old car tires. Plant enzymes are often recommended for the rouleau seen on live cell microscopy. The pain is caused by tiny tears in the muscles from exercise that do not heal properly.
Muscle pain and fatigue reflect emotional and physical *stress, and the syndrome mostly affects young women who lead driven, tense and particularly stressful lives. In men, fibromyalgia seems to be correlated with physical stress and occupational strain. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases should be ruled out with tests, and an underactive *thyroid should also be investigated. Food *allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and *obesity aggravate fibromyalgia.

The cause of this syndrome is not purely psychological, and depression, if present, is only one of the many symptoms. Antidepressants alleviate symptoms because the pain in fibromyalgia is a central nervous system problem, related to inadequate or poor sleep. In contrast to modern medical methods, a holistic approach focuses on the individual case history to relieve underlying problems. A healthy diet, a light exercise program, stress alleviation and an interest in personal health are known to provide significant help over the long term.

Nutrition

The daily diet should include milled flax seed, 3 or more tbsp., or cold-pressed, unrefined flax seed oil. Flax seed and its oil contain the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help relieve the inflammation of fibromyalgia. The oils of fatty fish such as trout, cod, halibut, mackerel and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids and therefore work as anti-inflammatory agents.

Since an upset mineral balance contributes to fibromyalgia, avoid coffee and tea, as these interfere with mineral absorption. Alfalfa can be used for pain control. It contains saponins, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and trace elements.

Nutritional Supplements

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona