Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed rheumatic disease after osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is not uncommon for a patient to walk into my office with neck or low back pain and incidentally note during the history that they have fibromyalgia. They often feel that the FMS is hardly worth mentioning because they believe it is untreatable. This is simply not the case. I have seen the following strategies literally cure FMS sufferers in my own office, and have seen many others improve dramatically.

Here are some strategies that you can begin to implement today if you suffer from FMS.

1) Regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments affect your entire nervous system. The adjustment itself is a "key" to the central nervous system. Brain patterns and the balance of parasympathetic to sympathetic nervous system activity change. Studies have repeatedly shown the ability of chiropractic to modulate the nervous system, and other studies have shown imbalance in the sympathetic nervous system in individuals with FMS.

2) Malic Acid and Magnesium supplementation. In 1995 the journal Rheumatology found that daily supplementation with 2400mg of malic acid and 600mg of magnesium greatly reduced symptoms in FMS sufferers. No side-effects were reported. These nutrients support energy production within your cells.

3) Low level laser therapy: A 2002 study in Rheumatology International reported that low level laser therapy was a safe and effective treatment for FMS. I have had excellent results with this in my clinic. It has no side-effects.

4) Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats modulate the nervous system and decrease systemic inflammation.

5) Tryptophan: this essential amino acid can be converted to serotonin and melatonin in the body. Serotonin is necessary for pain control, and melatonin for normal sleep rhythms. Many FMS patients are prescribed antidepressants called SSRI's that make serotonin "hang around" longer. In my opinion these drugs are very harmful when used long-term (Read PROZAC BACKLASH by Harvard Psychiatrist Joseph Glenmullen). It is as effective and much safer to use a tryptophan precursor called 5-HTP under the guidance of your chiropractor or medical doctor.

6) Lifestyle changes. These include a graded exercise program, good sleep habits, and mind-body therapy such as meditation or tai' chi. If you or someone you know suffers from Fibromyalgia Syndrome, make an appointment today! It may change your life.