Three Alternative Therapies For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complicated disease that researchers and physicians don't yet fully understand. There's no single drug or remedy that helps every patient, so it's important to be open to trying new remedies and therapies. If you'd rather stick with natural treatments than turn to pharmaceuticals, here are three natural remedies to try.

Chiropractic Care

Many fibromyalgia patients experience profound relief from their whole range of fibromyalgia symptoms when they begin undergoing regular chiropractic adjustments. By properly aligning the spine, a chiropractic adjustment can reduce the muscle soreness associated with fibromyalgia. This reduction in soreness, along with the release of serotonin that can happen after a treatment, improves patients' sleep. And improved sleep helps reduce the severity of depression and other mood-related fibromyalgia symptoms.

Chiropractic care is not a miracle cure, but it is one of the most comprehensive treatments for fibromyalgia. Chiropractors focus on whole-body health and healing, and fibromyalgia is a whole-body ailment. For best results, make sure you're working with a chiropractor who has experience working with fibromyalgia patients.

Naturopathic Remedies

Consider working with a naturopath, who will recommend herbal treatments for your fibromyalgia. A naturopath will analyze which fibromyalgia symptoms are most prevalent in your experience and will recommend remedies based on these symptoms. Some treatments that may be recommended include black tea extract, which is high in certain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, and chamomile, which is known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. As many fibromyalgia patients are deficient in magnesium, your naturopath may also recommend taking a magnesium supplement or eating more foods that are high in magnesium.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture theory posits that there is a flow of energy through the body, and any illness or ailment is the result of a disruption of that flow. By inserting needles into certain points along the body, acupuncturists re-direct the flow of energy and help alleviate suffering. Studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture for fibromyalgia relief have shown mixed results, but as this therapy is safe and natural, it's worth a try. Some patients experience almost immediate relief after an acupuncture session, while others need a few sessions before they notice an improvement. Acupuncture is likely best for treating the pain and soreness associated with fibromyalgia and may not be as effective at treating the mood-related symptoms.

If you're ready to take a more natural approach to managing your fibromyalgia, start working with a chiropractor, naturopath, or acupuncturist today. You'll know after a few weeks whether your chosen treatment is right for you -- and if it's not, you can move on from there and try something else. Don't get discouraged -- everyone is different, and the right treatment for your fibromyalgia is out there. 

For more information, contact a professional like those found at Healing Hands Family Chiropractic & Massage Centre​.