Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes pain all over the body. A diagnosis is given when a doctor finds that at least 11 out of 18 points are painful to the touch and the pain has lasted longer than three months. Over 5 million Americans have it and over 80 percent are women. While the cause of is unknown, fibromyalgia is often treated with prescription drugs, psychology and sleep management. However, supplementation with vitamins and herbs have also been used with promising results.
Vitamin D
A vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the pain and muscle weakness associated with fibromyalgia. While studies do not show that a deficiency causes fibromyalgia, it can cause pain or make chronic pain worse. Dr. Michael Holick, believes that a vitamin D deficiency is frequently misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients also suffering from anxiety and depression are even more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency according to a a 2007 study by the Department of Rheumatology at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast.
Myers' Cocktail
A Myers' Cocktail is an intravenous vitamin therapy for the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia. The injection consists of magnesium chloride hexahydrate, calcium gluconate, vitamin C, hydroxocobalmin, or B12; pyridoxine hydrochloride, or B6; dexpanthenol, or B5; riboflavin, or B2; thiamine, or B1 and niacinamide, or B3. While many centers providing these injections claim a large reduction in pain and fatigue, these results may only last between 24 and 48 hours. Oral supplementation of this therapy requires only a vitamin B complex, vitamin C and magnesium and is more affordable than injections.
Natural Herbs
Herbs can be used for the symptoms of fibromyalgia such as pain and weakness, as well as the additional complications, such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety and depression. For example, chamomile is calming and may help with sleep and anxiety, ginger, goldenseal and turmeric are anti-inflammatory, ginseng boosts energy and relieves stress, cayenne helps muscle pain, lavender helps insomnia and depression, passionflower helps insomnia, stress, and anxiety, St. John's Wort decreases pain, stress and anxiety by inhibiting the neurotransmitters, and garlic, astragulus and echinacea support the immune system.
Safety
You should never attempt to self-medicate with natural herbs or vitamins without the supervision of a medical professional. While there have been some reports of self-treatment with omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and gingko with varying rates of success, vitamins and herbs can have the same effect on the body as prescription medication and must be used with extreme caution. For example, St. John's Wort should never be combined with antidepressant medication. Only your doctor can test your blood and determine if vitamin D or an oral or intravenous version of the Myers' Cocktail is right for you.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor if you think you have fibromyalgia or a vitamin deficiency. Take the time to have the proper tests and receive a medical diagnosis before you attempt self-treatment. If you would like to explore complementary medicine for your treatment, seek out a qualified and licensed practitioner, such as a naturopathic physician or acupuncturist trained in herbal treatments. Working with a qualified health care provider is the safest and most effective way to treat fibromyalgia.
References
- Women's Health Information Center: Fibromyalgia
- UK Fibromyalgia: Vitamin D Deficiency May Exacerbate Chronic Pain
- The National Institutes of Health: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with anxiety and depression in fibromyalgia
- Fibromylagia Network: Myers' Cocktail
- National Institutes of Health: Self-reported Medication and Herb/Supplement Use by Women With and Without Fibromyalgia
- Tao of Herbs: Herbal Remedies and Fibromyalgia
