by Dr. Martin P. Rutherford, DC
Mainstream medicine considers fibromyalgia to be a muscular or psychological problem; but in fact fibromyalgia is a complex set of neurological, hormonal, immune, nutritional, and musculoskeletal problems.
The newest research indicates the central cause of fibromyalgia symptoms in most cases is an electrical (not chemical) imbalance in the brain called the “Functional Disconnection Syndrome”. Both hemispheres and all lobes of the brain are designed to work and vibrate “in sync”, coordinating its myriad of ultra-complex functions. When this occurs everything works fine and it is difficult to even become ill (remember the brain controls all systems of the body) but when different lobes and hemispheres are firing out of sync (like a symphony orchestra with certain musicians playing at different rhythms) neurons (brain cells) are not harmonic and we begin to experience multitudes of seemingly disconnected symptoms in the areas of the body supplied by the poorly firing neurons. These symptoms include pain, tenderness, fatigue, memory loss, rapid heartbeat, headaches “migraines”, irritable bowel, hormonal imbalances, and much more.
The newest research also indicates a major cause of fibromyalgia is clinical and subclinical autoimmune attacks against various tissues. This is a complex process, basically what happens is your immune system attacks and destroys tissues in your body including: nerve, brain, thyroid, pancreas tissues, causing fatigue, depression, and brain fog.
This immune system attack is totally abnormal and can be triggered by food sensitivities, viruses, infections, high amounts of insulin, high amounts of inflammation, and stress causing all of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The newest research also links abnormal blood sugar levels and hormonal problems to fibromyalgia. Many female fibromyalgia sufferers have menstrual problems, polyceptic ovaries, early menopause or thyroid issues that occur along with the fibromyalgia symptoms. Not a coincidence.
The above plethoras of conditions are ultimately “triggered” by a multitude of different things. Many fibromyalgia sufferers trace their problems back to a major infection or illness (for example pneumonia, bladder or yeast infection). For others it’s a physical trauma like a car accident or “birth of my last child”. Toxic exposures (cleaning chemicals, paint fumes) are common as many fibromyalgia victims cannot detoxify chemicals and toxic metals. Emotional stress is just as strong a trigger as anything else (going through a divorce, death of a loved one) the stress revs up your blood sugar, adrenal and inflammatory systems and totally throws your system out of balance. As you can see fibromyalgia is not a muscular or psychological problem. It is complex. Ten different fibromyalgia sufferers may have ten different mechanisms that trigger and cause dysfunction. All areas of brain dysfunction, imbalances in the hormonal, G.I., and immune system must be thoroughly assessed and handled at once for the best chance of improving or resolving the condition completely.
The key to success is a thorough history, an extensive neurological workup, and the appropriate testing to determine the “triggers” and metabolic imbalances involved in that persons individualized situation.
For more information contact Dr. Rutherford at www.PowerHealthReno.com
I am suffering with FM and can relate to everything said. I have a very good support system and I am forwarding this article on. Thank you for this info.
Judy
Would love to know from which studies results are quoted in this article, in particular where it concerns the autoimmune and hormonal abnormalities.
Hi Judy. You are very welcome for the information and we appreciate your forwarding the content! While this is a difficult disorder to live with, a solid support system, research and understanding of the disease along with a positive attitude will help people cope with its effects. It seems you have managed practicing all of the above and we commend you for sharing your inspiration with others! Nutrition is also very important with any autoimmune disease. Have you considered seeing a holistic nutritionalist? Please let us know if we can provide you any further information. Best in health and happiness, HB Mag
Hello Margreet. Thank you for your question. We apologize that the references were not posted with the article.
References:
1. Trauma and fibromyalgia: is there an association and what does it mean? White KP, Carette S Seminars in Arthritis & Rheumatism 29(4): 200-216, 2000.
2. The clinical syndrome of fibrositis. Wolfe F, American Journal of Medicine 1986 Vol. 81 (suppl 3A) Sept. 29, 1986; 7-14
For more information, contact Dr. Martin P. Rutherford, DC at Power Health Rehab & Wellness Center At 775-329-4402.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
Life’s a journey. Make it a healthy one. ~HB Mag
Could you please tell me how bad things could get in the future; as we have been browsing different sites. We found your site well informed but feel there is not enough information out there about the progression of M F. Also I wonder what your opinion on the use of cannabis to help control the pain of M F. Thanks Maggie
Hi Maggie. Thank you for your question and we appreciate your concerns. We have contacted Dr. Rutherford, the author of Fibromyalgia, Not a Muscular or Psychological Problem?, he will do his best to respond. In the meantime, you are welcome to call his office at 775-329-4402 and ask for him personally. He has done extensive research on Fibromyalgia and will be an excellent resource. You may also visit his website at http://www.chiroarts.com/dr-rutherford.html . If you do speak with him, please reference the article in Healthy Beginnings Magazine. We wish you the best! ~HB Mag
I was diagnosed with FM about 1 year and a half ago.Lyrica did not help me so I turned to a Chiropractor-nutritionist. The doctor put me on a elimination diet, and started adjusting my body. I have been visiting him for month on a weekly basis, then every other week, monthly, finally I do not need to see him only once in a while.
I have tried couple things to cure FM. This was the one that helped me tremendously.
My reccomendation to see a nutritionist and follow a protocoll.
The cure is in the food.
Sincerely,
Eva
Hi Eva. Thank you for your comment. We are glad to hear that you have found some relief from FM! You are correct, everyone is different and it is great that you have found what works for you. We appreciate you sharing your experience and suggestion with other readers! There is no doubt that others will find great value in seeking the the advice of a nutritionist. Best in health and happiness, HB Magazine
i enjoyed your article.. very helpful… my fibro has gotten worse in the last few months and i refuse to take medicine for it… I choose to run and exercise and eat a healthy diet…looks like i may have to try something different…. thinking of trying acupucture.
Thank you for your comment Ellie! You are on the right track and should continue eating healthy and exercising. Trying acupuncture is an excellent idea as well. There are several articles here on HBMag.com that will give you other ideas of things you could try. Just search Fibromyalgia in the search bar at the top right hand side of the page. Thank you for your interest in the magazine. Hope we have been of some help! ~Healthy Beginnings Magazine
thank you for the educational info on fm; i wish more people could and would become educated on this extremely difficult disorder, i was diagnosed about 4 months ago and i have been taking yoga classes a couple of times a week and i am learning to be mindful of my fibro thanks to my yoga practice. I was very hesitant at the thought of trying to manipulate my body at first, but i couldnt imagine life without it now , thank you .
Thank you for reaching out Pamela! We are happy to hear that you have found yoga to be comforting the pain of FM. Did one of your doctors recommend that you begin yoga as a therapy? We would be interested to know more about how you got started. Best in health and happiness, Healthy Beginnings Magazine
my concern is many do not know what this “condition” is and how to help! It seems hard to find a source that insurance will consider! I seem to do best with Acupunture and massage but insurance would rather give out pills! I am frustrated with lack of energy and simply aching alot! Is there a place to find info I can count on???
Hi Jean. We can certainly understand your concern! That is why it is so important to keep educating. Here is a list of articles on our site that may be able to help you in your search for answers: http://hbmag.com/?s=fibromyalgia Is this the type of information you are looking for or can we try to help with something else? Best in health and happiness, Healthy Beginnings Magazine
It seems that I have experienced most of the “triggers” several years before my supposed FM started. I started having bad low back pain, which ended up in a surgical fusion of L5/S1. Since my surgery 3.5 years ago, my pain has gotten worse and spread all over my body. I haven’t had an official diagnosis, but I can relate to 90-95% of everything said of FM. I still haven’t found a good remedy yet as activity causes immediate stiffness in my back, neck, and shoulders when I “take a break.” I can’t decide which is worse, not being able to sleep when you’re absolutely exhausted or the constant pain!
Thank you for your comment Shelby. We’re sorry to hear that you are in so much pain! The best thing we can tell you, is to try the natural solutions available and see if any of them help. There are several articles available within hbmag.com that address solutions to Fibromyalgia. Simply type the key word into the search bar. Please let us know if there is anything else you would like for us to address and we will see what we can do. Thanks again. Best in health and happiness, Healthy Beginnings Magazine