Called the invisible illness because of its difficulty in being diagnosed, fibromyalgia {FM) is a common rheumatic syndrome affecting close to 10 million North Americans. It's characterized by musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and chronic aches and pains.

The most common symptom that stands out in this multi-syndrome disorder is widespread muscle pain. Fibromyalgia comes from the Latin fibro, meaning supportive tissue, myo for muscle and algia for pain. It currently accounts for 15 to 30 percent of all visits to rheumatologists in North America. Fibromyalgia, like rheumatoid arthritis, is diagnosed more often in women and most often affects those between the ages of 30 to 6U years. [Editor's note: But that doesn't mean men don't get it in equal numbers; it just means the medical profession is predisposed to diagnose it only in females].

The pain of FM is thought by some to be caused by a lightening and thickening of the thin film of tissue which holds muscles together. To diagnose FM. physicians will 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 lender upon pressure 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; sensitivity to light, sound and smells; total body aching; mood swings; sleep disturbances; skin tenderness; total body pain; and joint swelling.

FM patients describe a feeling of extreme muscle fatigue–as if they had been shoveling snow or gardening for days with no break. The pain is so extreme that it feels like the muscles are being stretched and torn. Symptoms are unique to each person, making FM a syndrome difficult to diagnose. Many diagnostic tests–like-blood, urine, X-ray, CAT scan and magnetic resonance imaging–may be performed with no conclusive evidence that there is anything wrong.

Many FM sufferers are often referred to psychiatrists. Life becomes unbearable for those living with this painful condition, especially when no one lakes their pain seriously. It is often difficult for family and friends to understand this shadowy disease.

No one cause can be pinpointed but some believe 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 may be a connection between chronic fatigue syndrome and FM, as those who acquire FM often have a history of relentless fatigue. Repressed emotions or a traumatic emotional or physical event and serious illness are also linked to the disorder. Individuals 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 system detoxification is very important. Several methods of detoxification combined work best. Drinking a minimum of two litres of pure, unchlorinated water and having several healthy bowel movements daily is a must. Saunas help EXCRETE toxins via the skin. Internal cleanses 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 before a shower or bath will increase circulation to the skin and enhance the lymphatic system. The removal of mercury amalgam denial fillings may be required for optimal healing. Allergy-causing foods and substances should be eliminated.

Many of the symptoms of FM overlap with those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The main symptom difference between the two is that fatigue is worse in CFS and muscle pain is worse in FM. Treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome focus on the elimination of viruses that may be causing the fatigue, whereas conventional 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 chronic fatigue, a combination of therapies may be required to get the conditions under control.

Poor sleep quality and pain go hand in hand with fibromyalgia–when one improves so does the other. Focus on repairing disrupted sleep patterns. There are many natural remedies and strategies to promote sleep–see your natural health practitioner for the best method for you.

Gentle exercise (like stretching) during the day should be performed to keep muscles from wasting. Exercise may include just walking from the front door to the sidewalk or no-impact water walking at your neighborhood pool to sitting in a chair lifting your legs and arms- Use caution in choosing a pool–chlorine can aggravate FM! Sleep and gentle exercise also help enhance the function of the immune system.

Laughter has a soporific action; rent comedies and spend time around funny people. Combine laughter along with exercise–they both increase brain serotonin levels known for reducing pain.

Nutrients to Ease FM Symptoms

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. 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. 5-HTP increases serotonin levels thereby improving sleep and mood. St John's wort is a very effective herb proven for the treatment of depression. It also increases serotonin levels. A dose of 100 mg three times per day may be effective at reducing certain symptoms of FM.

Magnesium, a potent immune nutrient, is especially important for those with FM. Magnesium is low in most chronic illness sufferers. It should be found in high concentration in muscle cells as it is required for production of ATP (the energy substance). 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 also be added in a dose of 1,200 to 2,000 mg per day. Raw apples are a natural source of malic acid. It is a powerful detoxifier of aluminum and has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the pain associated with FM. Co-enzyme Q₁₀ and L-cainitine may help as both are important in the Kreb's cycle for energy' production reducing the fatigue associated with FM.

Malnourishment due to poor eating habits leads to immune suppression. The body must have a chance to heal. Plant sterols and sterolins, as well as antioxidants, balance cells that are suffering from the physical, mental and nutritional stress.

Stefan Kuprowski. ND and director of the Ecomed Wellness Clinic treats many FM patients. He believes that FM is a curable condition.

"It requires a person to take responsibility for his own healing; to seek the right professional help and therapies; transform their attitude towards the illness from curse to an incredible opportunity for growth and self-transformation." he says. "No small take, but that is what is required to heal."

He says since there are multiple causes to this illness, there are multiple cures. What works for one person, may not work for another due to biochemical 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.