Fibromyalgia and Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and complex pain condition that affects around 10 million Americans, or 2-4% of the population. The ratio of women to men with this disorder is 8 to 2, and is found in people of all ages, ranging from adults to children. The literal translation of the word is pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. However, pain is not the only symptom that fibromyalgia brings on and can vary greatly from each person diagnosed.

Doctors diagnose the disorder on several symptoms including fatigue, functionality, how the person feels, tenderness, as well as their overall well-being. These symptoms, as well as others, vary in intensity. Other key symptoms include issues with sleep, including sleep disturbances (whether it be sleep apnea or waking up feeling unrefreshed), or fatigue. Issues with cognitive activities such as thinking clearly or memory problems, as well as overall stiffness of the body are amongst the most common symptoms that are reported.

Other symptoms can include migraines, tension headaches, anxiety/depression, or even pelvic pain. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), overactive or irritable bladder, tinnitus, or even GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease) are other conditions that may accompany fibromyalgia. Stress is shown to worsen the symptoms and issues related to the disorder.

Since there is no cure for fibromyalgia yet, a multi-disciplinary approach for pain management and the relief of the symptoms is recommended. This varies from cognitive behavioral therapies, medications, to gentle exercise to help reduce the number of flare ups and the intensity of the pain.

How Acupuncture Can Help with Fibromyalgia Symptoms

If you’re suffering from Fibromyalgia, these symptoms are not news to you. You may be searching for a new or another way to find relief from your symptoms, and acupuncture just may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Due to its all-natural and holistic approach, acupuncture will not affect any of the medications that you’re taking now, so there is very little risk if you want to try it out.

Because it is so difficult to treat, a combination of methods is a great option. Many studies have shown that it has beneficial and long-term effects on those diagnosed with the disorder.  One study that used images of the brain showed that acupuncture raises your threshold to pain, which is low in people with Fibromyalgia, giving you long term relief from pain. Another study in Britain using MEG brain scan showed that acupuncture could even deactivate that of your brain’s pain matrix, further reducing the pain and symptoms from the disorder.

The benefits from acupuncture shown by experts in both Eastern and Western medicine have shown to include less pain, better sleep and relaxation, boosts in your immune system, and better overall health. Due to the increasing popularity of acupuncture for a plethora of disorders and conditions, it has become more mainstream, as more and more people reap the benefits from acupuncture treatments. If you feel that acupuncture could help to benefit you and help to reduce the symptoms you feel, then don’t hesitate to try it out to help you live each day better, not just temporarily, but for the long haul.