Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can have a serious impact on your life and your overall well-being. While there's no known cure for fibromyalgia, doctors typically prescribe medications and recommend lifestyle changes and self-help techniques to manage symptoms. Additionally, use of topical, oral or intravenous DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, may provide benefits, although there's not much clinical evidence to support this claim. Talk to your doctor before using DMSO.
About DMSO
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a form of sulfur traditionally used to treat chronic bladder infections. Sulfur is a natural mineral usually found near hot springs and volcanic craters, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Sulfur, in the form of sulfur-containing mud baths, has been used for centuries to treat painful joint conditions such as arthritis and certain skin disorders. While there's only a limited amount of clinical evidence to support its benefits for fibromyalgia, some research has shown that DMSO can reduce muscle pain and other symptoms traditionally associated with this chronic syndrome. DMSO is available over the counter as a topical cream or rub, or in liquid or tablet form.
Pain and Fibromyalgia
One of the defining features of fibromyalgia is widespread, chronic aches and pains, usually as "tender points" on specific muscles all over your body. You may experience stabbing or shooting pains, tingling, aching or numbness, or throbbing and twitching sensations. The National Fibromyalgia Association says your pain symptoms may be worse in the morning or during cold or humid weather. Additionally, fibromyalgia generally causes feelings of extreme fatigue and sleep disturbances. Symptoms also include gastrointestinal problems, headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety or vision problems. A wide range of medications are used to treat fibromyalgia, including antidepressants, pain relievers and sleep medications. Other treatments that can help include massage therapy, counseling, exercise, yoga, meditation and other stress relief techniques. DMSO may also provide relief from certain symptoms; however, use it only under the direction of your physician.
Clinical Evidence
Unfortunately, there's not much clinical evidence to support the benefits of DMSO for symptoms of fibromyalgia. A March 2002 report by Dr. Stanley Jacob at the Oregon Health Sciences University states that 70 percent of patients with fibromyalgia who receive oral, intravenous and topical DMSO experience improvement in their symptoms over at least two months of treatment. A clinical review published in the November 1999 issue of the pain management journal "Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America" states that while DMSO has been evaluated in uncontrolled clinical trials for its pain-relieving properties, these studies have had conflicting results. Due to lack of substantial research, more clinical studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of DMSO on fibromyalgia symptoms.
Considerations
While DMSO may provide benefit to symptoms of fibromyalgia, there's not enough evidence to prove it works. Do not use dietary supplements or over-the-counter products to self-treat your condition. If you suspect you have fibromyalgia, consult your doctor. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, oral DMSO may result in unpleasant side effects, such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness or nausea. Inform your doctor if you plan to use DMSO.
