Magnesium Shots For Fibromyalgia

Widespread pain, sleep disturbances and depression are just some of the symptoms you may experience if you suffer from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be frustrating for both patients and doctors alike, because it is a complex, often-misunderstood condition. However, research has shown that patients with fibromyalgia often have low levels of magnesium, which can exacerbate certain symptoms. Magnesium injections may offer some relief, although there's a lack of clinical evidence to validate this claim. Consult your doctor if you are interested in magnesium injections.

About Magnesium

Magnesium is a crucial mineral that assists in a number of important biological processes, including cardiovascular function, growth and development, enzyme activation and nutrient regulation. A true magnesium deficiency is unusual, since magnesium is widely available in a number of foods, such as legumes, nuts, green leafy vegetables, oatmeal and bananas. However, most Americans do not obtain enough magnesium from dietary sources. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to feelings of anxiety and agitation, insomnia, bodily aches and pains and depression, symptoms that prominently feature in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Treatment

While widespread bodily aches and pains are the predominant feature of fibromyalgia, a number of additional symptoms are also typically present, such as sleep problems, anxiety and depression, fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome. Although the causes aren't totally understood, people with fibromyalgia are thought to have an increased sensitivity to pain. A number of treatments can help with symptom management, although there is no known cure. Certain medications, stress relief techniques and psychotherapy can help. Since low levels of magnesium can contribute to increased levels of pain and fatigue, researchers have evaluated the benefits of magnesium treatment on symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there's not much evidence to support specific claims about the benefits of magnesium injections.

Clinical Evidence

A study published in 1992 in the "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine" showed evidence of magnesium deficiency in patients with fibromyalgia. This study also demonstrated the benefits of magnesium treatment in reducing pain symptoms related to fibromyalgia, although the researchers used oral magnesium and not injections. However, another study, published in 2010 in the journal "Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine," showed that magnesium injections, in the form of magnesium sulfate, did not result in any benefits for patients with fibromyalgia. More research has focused on the benefits of intravenous nutrient therapy with the Myer's cocktail, which consists of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C. A study published in the May/June 2007 issue of the journal "Alternative Therapies" showed that patients with fibromyalgia experienced significant benefits, including decreased pain, fatigue and increased energy levels, from treatment with the Myer's cocktail. The combination of magnesium with other nutrients may therefore have a more beneficial effect when used in intravenous treatments. More studies are necessary to fully evaluate these benefits.

Considerations

Although certain nutritional supplements may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat your condition. If you think you have fibromyalgia, consult your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options. Always inform your doctor before using any dietary supplement.