What are the Best Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Are There Any Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition to have – one that causes generalized pain and sensitivity all over a sufferer's body. Worse, it's not fully understood by doctors, so there are few treatment options available.

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you may be researching potential alternative treatments that can help to alleviate some of your symptoms. Though there aren't rigorous scientific studies on any of these, anecdotal and experiential evidence suggests that many sufferers are finding some relief by taking one or a combination of the following supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia:

1.       5-HTP-This is a chemical synthesized from tryptophan, the substance found in foods such as turkey and milk. It is thought to help increase the amount of serotonin produced in the brain, which in turn helps alleviate some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

2.       Capsicum-Many people know of capsaicin, a chemical found in red chili peppers that makes food spicy and may promote weight loss, but the fruit of the red pepper plant can also be used to create capsicum, and may be effective in treating muscle pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.

3.       Magnesium-This is a mineral that everyone's body needs. It's present in large amounts in our internal systems, and it is vital to hundreds of chemical reactions our bodies perform every day. If you have normal magnesium levels, you may not find this particularly effective, but there is some research that suggests fibromyalgia is worsened by a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiencies are actually quite common in Americans, especially among the elderly and the African-American populations.

4.       SAMe-This is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is used to treat osteoarthritis, arthritis, migraines, and more. Around the world, many countries require a prescription for SAMe, but in the U.S., it is one of the most commonly purchased vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it is available over the counter.

5.       Vitamin D-A recent study in Austria found that people suffering from chronic pain due to fibromyalgia may get some relief by taking Vitamin D. Researchers found an association between decreased pain levels and this particular supplementation; however, they couldn't establish a cause-and-effect link, so more scientific study is necessary. Vitamin D is one of the most common and inexpensive vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it's nearly impossible to get too much (so long as you don't exceed 2,000 IUs per day for adults and 1,000 IU per day for infants.)

There are many more supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia currently undergoing scientific study and review. Those listed above, in combination with treatments prescribed by your doctor, may help you find some relief. 

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Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Myofascial Pain Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: Similarities and Differences

Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two similar disorders that can drastically reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Oftentimes, those that suffer from one also suffers from the other, and other times patients are diagnosed with one when they actually are afflicted with the other.

What are the similarities and differences between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia? Here is a quick primer:

The Similarities:

Both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are characterized by extreme sensitivity and pain in the absence of trauma or injury. They both cause sleep disturbances, and the chronic level of pain can cause depression and anxiety. They also both occur alongside chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Differences:

Myofascial pain syndrome usually manifests as pain and sensitivity in specific muscles or parts of the body, while fibromyalgia tends to affect a sufferer generally whereas they feel sore and sensitive all over their body. People with myofascial pain syndrome have trigger points, which are hard knots in the muscle that cause pain in both the trigger point and elsewhere along the nerve. This is not the same as a tender point for fibromyalgia – a trigger point can be eliminated with the right therapy, whereas fibromyalgia's tender points are chronic and much more difficult to treat. Where fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder (meaning it affects the brain's neurotransmitter cells) myofascial pain syndrome is neuromuscular, meaning that it affects the nerves that control voluntary muscles.

The most important distinction between these disorders is the fact that of the two, myofascial pain syndrome is easier to treat because there are specific treatment plans that works for most people. If you suffer from both conditions, seeking out a treatment that can alleviate the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can also calm the pain that results from fibromyalgia.

Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome with Biofeedback

Electromyography biofeedback has become a popular – and effective – therapy for sufferers of myofascial pain syndrome because it is safe, non-invasive, and doesn't involve medications. Biofeedback helps a doctor understand where a patient's trigger points are, and can help a patient learn to regain control of their improperly regulated muscle. Biofeedback for myofascial pain syndrome comes in two varieties: static procedures, which are used to find tension in the muscles, and dynamic procedures, which can help to correct muscles' electrical characteristics and restore imbalances in the body's biomechanical processes.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, talk to your doctor about learning to manage it with biofeedback today. It may be just the therapy you need to start living a pain-free life.

Trigger Point Injections (TPI) as an Effective Treatment Method

Trigger point injections (TPIs) are an option for treating muscle pain in some patients. This procedure is used to treat areas of muscles that contain trigger points, which are knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. This can be caused from muscle overuse, such as a repetitive motion or a muscle injury, common in myofascial pain syndrome. Sometimes these knots can be felt just below the skin. These trigger points are tender and can irritate the nerves around them resulting in pain that radiates and can be felt in other parts of your body.

 The Trigger Point Injection (TPI) Process

According to WebMD.com, during the trigger point injection (TPI) process, the health care professional inserts a small needle into the individual’s trigger point. This injection contains a local anesthetic or saline. Once injected, the trigger point is inactive and the pain goes away. The injections are given in a doctor’s office and many times several trigger points are injected during one visit. After the injection a bandage is placed over the site, and if this area is painful, it is recommended that ice, heat, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen be used for the soreness. Generally it takes several sessions to achieve a lengthy relief from the pain.

When to Use Trigger Point Injections?

TPIs are used to treat various muscles, but especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck. TPI is oftentimes used to treat the pain associated with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain affecting all areas of an individual’s body, and tension headaches. It is also used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles), when other treatments have failed to provide relief. The effectiveness of TPIs in regards to myofascial pain syndrome is still being studied.

Trigger point injections are used to treat knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax, commonly known as trigger points. This can be caused from muscle overuse, such as a repetitive motion or a muscle injury, common in myofascial pain syndrome. Injections are normally given in a doctor’s office and more than one site may be injected during a single visit. It may take several sessions to achieve prolonged relief from your pain.

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Myofascial Pain Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: Similarities and Differences

Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two similar disorders that can drastically reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Oftentimes, those that suffer from one also suffer from the other, and other times, patients are diagnosed with one when they actually are afflicted with the other.

So what are the similarities and differences between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia? Here is a quick primer:

The Similarities:

Both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are characterized by extreme sensitivity and pain in the absence of trauma or injury. They both cause sleep disturbances, and the chronic level of pain can cause depression and anxiety. They also both occur alongside chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Differences:

Myofascial pain syndrome usually manifests as pain and sensitivity in specific muscles or parts of the body, while fibromyalgia tends to affect a sufferer generally – they feel sore and sensitive all over their body. People with myofascial pain syndrome have trigger points, which are hard knots in the muscle that cause pain in both the trigger point and elsewhere along the nerve. This is not the same as a tender point for fibromyalgia – a trigger point can be eliminated with the right therapy, whereas fibromyalgia's tender points are chronic and much more difficult to treat. Where fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder (meaning it affects the brain's neurotransmitter cells) myofascial pain syndrome is neuromuscular, meaning that it affects the nerves that control voluntary muscles.

The most important distinction between these disorders is the fact that of the two, myofascial pain syndrome is easier to treat, because there are specific treatment plans that work for most people. If you suffer from both conditions, seeking out a treatment that can alleviate the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can also calm the pain that results from fibromyalgia.

Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome with Biofeedback

Electromyography biofeedback has become a popular – and effective – therapy for sufferers of myofascial pain syndrome because it is safe, non-invasive and doesn't involve medications. Biofeedback helps a doctor understand where a patient's trigger points are, and can help a patient learn to regain control of their improperly regulated muscle. Biofeedback for myofascial pain syndrome comes in two varieties: Static procedures, which are used to find tension in the muscles, and dynamic procedures, which can help to correct muscles' electrical characteristics and restore imbalances in the body's biomechanical processes.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, talk to your doctor about biofeedback treatment today. It may be just the therapy you need to start living a pain-free life.

Are There Any Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Millions of people suffer from fibromyalgia, an enigmatic disease characterized by chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and a host of other symptoms afflicting multiple body systems. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but there are some vitamin supplements that may help with some of the symptoms. Helpful vitamins for fibromyalgia include:

 • 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
• Alpha hydroxy acids
 • Magnesium
• Probiotic supplements

Although taking vitamins for fibromyalgia cannot cure the disease, they may help allay some of the many symptoms of the disorder, including pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and mood irregularities.

5-HTP for Fibromyalgia

5-hydroxytryptophan, (5-HTP) is a molecule that is converted by the body into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Many researchers believe that people with fibromyalgia may have low serotonin levels, which are associated with the fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain issues, and mood problems that are often found in this disorder. The recommended dosage of a 5-HTP supplement is 50-500 mg. It is often recommended to begin with a low dose and then increase the dosage gradually. Individuals who are on an SSRI or other drug that affects serotonin levels should use caution when taking a 5-HTP supplement.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia

Alpha hydroxy acids are found in fruits. One type of acid within this group is malic acid, found in apples. In people with fibromyalgia, malic acid may help to relieve joint pain, especially when taken along with supplemental magnesium. A recommended dosage of malic acid is 1200-2400 mg and is often taken along with 300-600 mg of magnesium. The magnesium is important for the process of transporting the malic acid to the brain, where it plays a role in maintaining optimal serotonin levels.

Probiotics for Fibromyalgia

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in fibromyalgia. These often take the form of nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Probiotic supplements contain microflora, which are endosymbiotic microbes essential for digestion. In addition to the benefits of probiotics for digestion, recent studies have indicated that probiotics, especially those involving the bacterium, lactobacillus rhamnosus, may help to improve mood and facilitate better responses to stressful situations.

SAMe for Fibromyalgia

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring compound that helps with many functions in the human body. Supplements of SAMe have been shown to be effective for some pain disorders, such as osteoarthritis. It may also function to elevate depressed mood, although researchers are not quite clear on the mechanisms by which this occurs. Especially in an injectable form, SAMe can help treat the pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, and depressed mood that often occur in fibromyalgia.

Melatonin for Fibromyalgia

There is not yet an adequate amount of research into the use of melatonin to treat sleep-related symptoms of fibromyalgia. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements are available over-the-counter as a sleep aid, and could potentially be helpful in normalizing the sleep-wake cycle in the context of fibromyalgia. Vitamins for fibromyalgia cannot cure the disease, but there are some supplements that may be helpful in treating some of the symptoms. 5-HTP and SAMe may help with abnormalities in serotonin level, which cause a depressed mood in people with fibromyalgia. Melatonin may be helpful for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and magnesium and malic acid may help the chronic pain that is characteristic of the disease.

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What Are The Best Vitamins For Fibromyalgia

There have been a lot of research studies done lately to discover the best vitamins for fibromyalgia.  There are quite a few supplements that offer promising relief for the chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other symptoms related to the disease. Natural treatment options can offer solutions to make living with fibromyalgia easier.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for fibromyalgia sufferers. The “sunshine vitamin” aids the immune system, helps to maintain cognitive functions, and is important for the maintenance of healthy bones. It can also help cheer you up. A study published by the Clinical Rheumatology journal found strong correlation between low vitamin-D levels and the muscle aches, depression, and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. You can get vitamin D simply by sitting in the sun, but it is also available in many foods such as salmon, shrimp, milk, and egg yolks.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is next on our list of vitamins for fibromyalgia, because it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce the body’s production of inflammatory hormones, which means less tender joints, pain, and stiffness. A study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that taking at least 2,400 mg a day can significantly reduce pain. It is recommended that you look for mercury-free fish oil brands to ensure your supplements are clean and uncompromised.

Ribose

Ribose can be one of the most effective vitamins for fibromyalgia pain. Tight muscles are a common cause of fibro pain, but to release muscles need energy. Ribose is a simple sugar with an energy building benefit. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative Complimentary Medicine, ribose can increase energy by an average of 61% and cut the pain experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers by an average of 15.6%. The benefits of ribose offer direct improvement of many of the debilitating symptoms of the disease.

SAMe

S-Adenosyl methionine, or SAMe, is a synthetic form of a compound naturally produced by the body. Research shows it’s one of the best vitamins for fibromyalgia sufferers, as it lessens chronic pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also assists in the production of brain hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which means it also improves your mood. SAMe can be an effective way to combat the depression and brain of fibromyalgia.

Managing Your Symptoms

Taking vitamins for fibromyalgia is a great idea to help minimize the many symptoms of the disease. There are also a number of therapeutic options you can explore. For instance, neurofeedback therapy is a cutting edge technique that is being used to treat sufferers of insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. The process is noninvasive and focuses on redirecting brainwaves to healthy, functional patterns. Along with vitamin supplements like those mentioned in this article, neurofeedback therapy may be something fibromyalgia sufferers want to consider. Make sure you explore all the options available to you, in order to making living with fibro easier.

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