Fibromyalgia Management

By Robin P. Cohl, DC

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) affects approximately 10-12% of the U.S. population. This medical condition is the most common chronic, widespread pain syndrome and 30% of patients diagnosed with this disorder have chronic regional pain. FMS is characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain, with widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbances.
New research in FMS management includes cold laser therapy and establishing the proper amounts of vitamin D levels in the body. They both have a positive effect on modulating neurological pain patterns in the body. Cold laser therapy shows significant benefits in the management of chronic pain and FMS.
Fibromyalgia appears to be related to having a deficiency of energy and oxygen in the cells of the body. The energy in the cells of our body requires the production of units of energy called ATP. Noxious stressors that may be emotional, chemical and physical in nature over-stimulate nocioceptive receptors (pain sensors in the body).
When pain patterns go unchecked over time by our bodies, the immune defense mechanisms are stressed and there is damage at the cellular level. Cell injury occurs from ATP depletion and increased free radical damage in our body tissues; neuromuscular pain in the case of FMS. Patients with this chronic medical condition experience low ATP production as fatigue, global achiness and soreness, and no energy to get through the days activities.
Cold laser works at a cellular level to enhance ATP production through light or photon energy. Maximum ATP production is generated in the bodys cells by laser light energy. Photon stimulation carries a significant potential for the amelioration of chronic pain with autonomic and neurovascular abnormalities.
Recent research in pain management has suggested that fibromyalgia is an autoimmune variant similar to other medical conditions like Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis. There appears to be a connection with low levels of vitamin D in the blood with the incidence of fibromyalgia. It is estimated that 40-60% of patients with fibromyalgia have a Vitamin D deficiency.
Clinical research now supports vitamin D therapy for widespread musculoskeletal pain including fibromyaigia. This is a positive shift in using nutritional therapy by integrative health care providers. When combined with innovative technology like the use of cold laser therapy the general public now have a powerful combination of alternative and safe options in treating pain.