Dr. Robert Bennett of Oregon Health Sciences University explains that fibromyalgia is a clinical label used to describe a condition defined by a constellation of symptoms, including wide-spread chronic pain, fatigue, depression and many other problems. He comments that fibromyalgia sufferers receive little relief from current conventional treatment modalities, but that some patients may be able to be helped by a multi-disciplinary approach.
Step 1
Make dietary changes. Eliminate nightshades and MSG from your diet. Certain foods and food additives have been shown to contribute to fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal pain. The toxic compound called solanine is found in nightshade vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. The book, "Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease (Nutrition and Health)" discusses the relationship of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to bodily pain, and notes that there are numerous side effects from this food additive.
Step 2
Visit a massage therapist for regular massages to relax and loosen tight muscles.
Step 3
Add turmeric and fish oil to your daily supplement routine, suggests holistic doctor Andrew Weil. Both are known for being able to relieve fibromyalgia and arthritic pains in the neck and elsewhere in the body.
Step 4
Consult a homeopath for pain relief. Homeopathic remedies such as Rhus Tox, Bryonia and Cimicifuga are useful for the treatment of fibromyalgia, including pains in the neck. The remedy Rhus Tox has been scrutinized in a double blind study and is reputed to offer pain relief for fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal conditions, according to a report submitted by the Complimentary and Alternative (CAM) Review Board in September 2009.
Step 5
Alkalize your body. Eating foods that will help to create an alkaline-forming state in your system--like lemons, cream of tartar, apple cider vinegar and alkaline grains such as amaranth, quinoa and millet--can relieve body pain by limiting acidosis, according to the book, "Alkalinize or Die." When your body is slightly alkaline, it can increase its resistance to pain, fatigue and depression.
Step 6
Use a neck roll pillow to help position your head properly when you sleep, relieving strain on tender muscles and joints.
Things You'll Need
- Turmeric
- Fish oil capsules
- Homeopathic remedies
- Lemons
- Cream of tartar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Alkaline grains
- Neck roll pillow
References
- Fibromyalgia double blind study
- "Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease (Nutrition and Health)"; Laura A. Coleman and R. Roubenoff; 2008
- "Alkalinize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
