Creatine for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that can be severe and interfere with your daily life. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. People of all ages can have fibromyalgia, but it is most common in women from 20 to 50. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but the National Institutes of Health list several possible causes, including abnormal pain responses in the brain, sleep disturbances, a virus or infectious microbe and physical or emotional trauma. Creatine supplements might be one aspect of treating fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain to many parts of your body called tender points, which include your shoulders, neck, lower back, hips and knees. Additional symptoms include headaches and migraines, sleeping problems, depression and anxiety, morning stiffness and difficulties with memory and concentration. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is sometimes difficult, since there are no specific tests to aid in diagnosis. The criteria for diagnosis is widespread pain in all four quadrants of your body for at least three months and pain in at least 11 of 18 identified tender points when a certain amount of pressure is applied. Your doctor also will rule out all other conditions to which your symptoms might apply.

Treatment

Few drugs have been approved specifically for treating fibromyalgia. Treatment usually involves several different components, including medication, nutrition, exercise and alternative therapies. Prescription drugs for treating fibromyalgia include Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella. Doctors also might prescribe low doses of antidepressants. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen are used to treat fibromyalgia pain. Sleep aids might be used to help with getting needed rest, and psychological counseling can help you deal with depression and understand your illness better. Alternative therapies that also might help with pain include massage, physical therapy and acupuncture. Regular mild exercise is beneficial, as are healthy diet changes and nutritional supplements like creatine.

Creatine

Creatine is a compound created by your body from the amino acids L-methionine, L-arginine and glycine. Ninety-five percent of the creatine in your body is found in skeletal muscle, with some also in the brain and heart. It is essential in forming adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which supplies the muscles and tissues of your body with energy. Creatine is available in your diet in foods such as meat and fish. Supplements are often taken by athletes to increase strength and endurance.