Fibromyalgia: the Invisible Illness by Lorna Vanderhaeghe, B.Sc.

Called the invisible illness because it is difficult to diagnose, fibromyalgia (FM) is a common rheumatic syndrome affecting close to sixteen million North Americans. This multi-syndrome disorder is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and chronic aches and pains; the most common symptom is widespread muscle pain. FM comes from the Latin fibro meaning supportive tissue, myo for muscle and algia for pain. It currently accounts for 1 out of 8 of all visits to rheumatologists in the UK. Like rheumatoid arthritis, it is more common in women and affects those between the ages of 30 and 60.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and chronic aches and pains; the most common symptom is widespread muscle pain.

The pain of FM is thought to be caused by a tightening and thickening of the thin film of tissue, which holds muscles together. In order to diagnose FM physicians apply pressure to certain trigger points including the neck, rib cage, hips, knees and shoulder area to see if tenderness and pain are present. Eleven of 18 specific locations must feel tender in order for your doctor to confirm FM.

Diagnosis is difficult

Symptoms of FM are varied and may include allergies, anxiety, mental confusion, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, dizziness, heart palpitations, dysmenorrhea, fingernail ridges, stiffness, inability to exercise, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, irritability to light, sound and smells, mood swings, sleep disturbances, skin tender to the touch, total body pain, aching and joint swelling. FM patients describe a feeling of extreme muscle fatigue as if they had been shovelling snow for days. The pain is so intense that it feels like the muscles are being stretched and torn. Symptoms are unique to each person, making FM difficult to diagnose. Many diagnostic tests - blood, urine, x-ray, CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and more - may be performed with no conclusive evidence of anything wrong. FM sufferers are often referred to psychiatrists for their symptoms. Their lives become unbearable, especially when no one takes their pain seriously. It is often difficult for family and friends to understand this shadowy disease. Causes. No one cause can be pinpointed but it is believed multiple stressors - a traumatic emotional event, stress and depressive episodes - contribute to the disorder. Nutritional deficiencies and heavy metal and chemical toxicity are also major factors. There is also thought to be a connection between chronic fatigue syndrome and FM, as often those who acquire FM have a history of relentless fatigue. Repressed emotions or a traumatic emotional or physical event and serious illness are also linked to the disorder. Physicians must peel away the causal layers of each symptom and treat each one individually in order to eliminate the disorder.

Treatments for Fibromyalgia

A healthy diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds is of paramount importance. Total body detoxification is also important. Several methods of detoxification combined work best. Saunas help excrete toxins via the skin; internal cleansers that combine herbs and fibre will aid the removal of waste products from the colon and support the kidneys and liver. Dry brushing the skin with a soft body brush will increase circulation to the skin and enhance the lymphatic system. As well, the removal of mercury amalgam dental fillings may be required for optimal healing. The elimination of allergy-causing foods and substances should be adopted and the following nutritional supplements should be added to your treatment program.

Many of the symptoms of FM overlap with those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The main symptom difference between the two is fatigue in CFS and muscle pain in FM. Treatments for CFS focus on the elimination of viruses that may be causing the fatigue, whereas FM treatments look at reducing the inflammatory factors that cause the pain and swelling of joints and muscles. Due to the many symptoms of FM and CFS a combination of therapies may be required to get the conditions under control.

Sleep, laughter and exercise

Let's look at how we can support the body while it is undergoing the healing process. Focus on repairing disrupted sleep patterns with the addition of valerian extract or melatonin before retiring at night to induce a restful sleep. Gentle exercise should be performed during the day to keep muscles from wasting. Exercise may include anything from just walking from the front door to the sidewalk or no-impact water walking at your local pool, to sitting in a chair lifting your legs and arms. To get more from your gentle exercise routine strap on velcro weights which you can purchase in 0.5 - 3-pound sizes.

Laughter has a soporific action; rent comedies and spend time around funny people. Laughter and exercise both increase brain serotonin levels, known for reducing pain. Sleep and gentle exercise not only help produce a good sleep state, they also enhance the functioning of the immune system. Poor sleep quality and pain go hand in hand with fibromyalgia. When one improves so does the other. Take melatonin beginning with .5 mg and increase it gradually until deep sleep is obtained without a groggy feeling the next morning (Melatonin is available only on prescription in the UK-Editor) Each person's dose is different but on average around 3 mg works effectively. Valerian also induces a relaxed, sleepy state. It is available in tablet, tincture and tea form. Choose the form you wish and take as recommended on the label.

5-HTP and St. John's wort

5-HTP and St. John's wort are effective at increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Many clinical trials have shown their effectiveness at relieving depression, and one double-blind study involving 50 fibromyalgia patients showed that 5-HTP in a dose of 100 mg three times per day improved symptoms of anxiety, muscle pain, sleep patterns and early morning stiffness. 5HTP increases serotonin levels, improving sleep and mood. St. John's wort has been proven to be a very effective herb for the treatment of depression. It also increases serotonin levels. A dose of 100 mg three times per day is effective at reducing certain symptoms of FM.

Magnesium and malic acid

Magnesium, a potent immune nutrient, is especially important for FM persons. Magnesium levels are low in most people with chronic illnesses. In healthy individuals it is found in high concentration in muscle cells, as it is required for production of ATP, the energy substance. Magnesium should be supplemented in a dose of 100 mg three times per day. Magnesium lycinate is our choice as it is very well absorbed. Studies have shown that the combination of 300 to 600 mg of magnesium per day, along with malic acid, reduce FM symptoms.

Malic acid should be added in a dose of 1200 to 2000 mg per day. It is a powerful detoxifier of aluminum and has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the pain associated with FM. Also include coenzyme Q10, 300 mg per day, and L-carnitine, 500 mg per day, as both are important in the Kreb's cycle for energy production; reducing the fatigue associated with FM.

Sterols and sterolins and FM
Chronic viral and bacterial infections are also common in persons with FM, due to the poor state of their immune systems. The plant nutrients, sterols and sterolins are very effective at modulating the immune system and reducing inflammatory responses and autoantibody reactions. Sterols and sterolins should be the basis for your FM recovery program because it will shut off the inflammatory immune factor Interleukin-6 (IL-6) that is responsible for causing pain and inflammation. Sterols and sterolins will also increase your mother hormone, DHEA, as they are precursors to pregnenolone, from which the body then makes DHEA. Many FM sufferers have found that none of the supplements they try work. There is a good reason for this. FM is made worse by the release of IL-6 and unless we turn off this powerful inflammatory immune factor everything we take is ineffective. But once we turn off IL-6 with sterols and sterolins all the other nutrients do their job. Take two capsules of Moducare three times per day on an empty stomach for six weeks. Then for maintenance take one capsule three times per day thereafter. Within weeks, many FM patients report a decrease in pain and general improvement in well-being. Combined with the other nutrients recommended above, an excellent diet, and detoxification therapies, FM will soon be only a bad memory.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe, BSc. is co-author of The Immune System Cure, (Cicco Books, UK) published in six countries and four languages. She is also author of Healthy Immunity, Scientifically Proven Natural Treatments for Conditions from A-Z, Kensington Books, USA.


Professor Bouic, Ph.D, co-author of The Immune System Cure, Cicco Books, UK believes that FM is a curable condition. "It requires a person to take responsibility for their own healing, seek the right professional help and therapies, and transform their attitude towards the illness from a curse to an incredible opportunity for growth and self-transformation". No small task, but that is what you require to heal. He says that since there are multiple causes to this illness, there are multiple cures. "What works for one person may not work for another due to iochemical individuality. Do not give up; the most important gift is the power of faith. Faith in the healing process and faith in oneself to heal."