Believe it or not, fibromyalgia is a fairly new diagnosis. The American Medical Association (AMA) first defined it as a disease in 1987; however, it’s diagnosis has been controversial over the years with many physicians believing it is more of a psychiatric illness related to stress and other mental factors. (3) For individuals suffering from fibromyalgia, the associated pain and disability are very real. A comprehensive, integrative approach that includes diet, lifestyle, and supplement interventions may be beneficial in managing the condition.
Fibromyalgia definition
The ICD-10 diagnosis code describes fibromyalgia as a chronic musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder, leading to inflammation and fibrous degeneration of muscles. The condition is characterized by pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hips, and legs. Individuals may also report experiencing sleep disturbances, headache, fatigue, and painful menstruation. To date, the etiology of fibromyalgia remains unknown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that conventional medicine utilizes pharmaceuticals, including prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs to manage pain symptoms.
In addition to widespread pain and fatigue, the CDC states that cognitive difficulties, including inability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate, are also hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia. (6)
Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune condition, however, comorbidity of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can occur. (20)
Fibromyalgia causes and diagnosis
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear and is likely highly individualized, researchers have found that patients with this condition experience changes in the way the brain processes pain signals, causing painful sensations to become amplified. (11)
Because pain is present in all cases of fibromyalgia, analyzing pain is a key diagnostic goal. There are two types of fibromyalgia pain evaluated when diagnosing this condition:
- Widespread pain, which indicates that pain is on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.
- Tender points, which occur in 18 different sites of the body and are painful upon digital palpation. A minimum of 11 painful tender points is required to diagnose fibromyalgia. (2)
Treatment and natural remedies for fibromyalgia
There are several approved pharmaceuticals for fibromyalgia treatment with the most common being pregabalin (Lyrica). Due to the potential of side effects, a non-pharmaceutical approach to treatment may be preferable. This includes modifying diet and lifestyle habits, as well as evaluating nutrient deficiencies and considering nutrient interventions.
Fibromyalgia diet
According to a 2019 systematic review, diets that can improve pain and quality of life for people with fibromyalgia include a hypocaloric (or low calorie) diet, the low-FODMAP diet, and a raw vegetarian diet. (18) In that review, these three diets reduced markers of inflammation, improved sleep quality, and reduced anxiety and depression. Other research shows that a raw vegetarian diet can also significantly improve pain in patients with fibromyalgia. (9)
Another 2016 study found that women with fibromyalgia who ate foods high in anti-oxidants had better pain management and improved quality of life compared to the control group. (6)
Proactive symptom management
In addition to dietary recommendations, there are other proactive steps patients can take to better manage the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Acupuncture has been shown to help patients cope with various fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and quality of life. According to a 2013 Cochrane review, acupuncture with electrical stimulation was better at reducing fibromyalgia symptoms compared to needling alone. (7)
Yoga for fibromyalgia
Several studies have shown that yoga can help improve pain, fatigue, and mood in patients with fibromyalgia. (5) Research has also shown that when yoga is combined with other mindfulness activities such as meditation, patients are better able to cope with their symptoms, experience less anxiety, and have better overall mental health. (4)
Correcting nutrient deficiencies
Individuals with fibromyalgia may have nutrient deficiencies that can exacerbate their symptoms including:
Calcium and magnesium may also be a factor. While deficiencies in these two minerals have not been specifically linked to fibromyalgia, low dietary intake of these important minerals is correlated with increased pain. (1)
Nutrient interventions to consider
While correcting nutrient deficiencies is important, additional nutrient interventions may be worth considering for people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the human body from the amino acid tryptophan and is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. A short-term open trial demonstrated that 5-HTP improved pain intensity, the number of tender points, sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and overall quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. (17)
Acetyl-L-carnitine
In the human body, acetyl-L-carnitine is derived from the amino acid L-carnitine. A double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center trial showed that acetyl-L-carnitine provided pain improvement and mental health benefits to fibromyalgia patients. (15)
Coenzyme Q10
Studies indicate that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can help support optimal energy in individuals with fibromyalgia. A review of intervention studies demonstrated that CoQ10 improved symptoms of fatigue in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. (12)
Ribose
Produced in the body, ribose is a simple carbohydrate involved in energy production. A pilot study showed that ribose improved fibromyalgia pain intensity, sleep disturbances, energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being. (19)
The bottom line
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition and we continue to learn more about its etiology, useful diagnostic methods, and effective treatments. The best approach to managing symptoms should include a comprehensive examination of diet, movement, mindfulness, and certain nutrient interventions.
- Andretta, A., Batista, E., Schieferdecker, M.E., Petterle, R., Boguszewski, C.L., & dos Santos Paiva, E. (2019). Relation between magnesium and calcium and parameters of pain, quality of life and depression in women with fibromyalgia. Advances in Rheumatology, 59(55). https://advancesinrheumatology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42358-019-0095-3
- Bellato, E., Marini, E., Castoldi, F., Barbasetti, N., Mattei, L., Bonasia, D.E., & Blonna, D. (2012). Fibromyalgia syndrome: etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Pain Research and Treatment, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/426130
- Bennett, R. M. (1987). Fibromyalgia. JAMA, 257(20), 2802-2803. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/366274
- Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Jones, K. D., Mist, S. D., & Bennett, R. M. (2012). Follow-up of yoga of awareness for fibromyalgia: results at 3 months and replication in the wait-list group. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 28(9), 804–813. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0b013e31824549b5
- Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Jones, K. D., Bennett, R. M., Wright, C. L., & Mist, S. D. (2010). A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain, 151(2), 530–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.08.020
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, Jan 6). Fibromyalgia. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
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