Fibromyalgia Treatment: Potential New Therapies

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread pain and a variety of other symptoms that can have a major impact on quality of life. Despite being common, fibromyalgia remains a difficult and frequently misunderstood condition, prompting many people to seek a range of treatments. Aside from traditional therapies, which run the risk of unpleasant side effects, medical marijuana and ketamine are emerging as promising alternatives to treating fibromyalgia. Please continue reading to learn more. 

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder primarily defined by persistent, widespread pain throughout the muscles, nerves, and bones in the body. It is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and emotional distress. 

Many patients experience “trigger points: throughout the body as well. These are small areas of extreme tenderness usually located near, but not directly on, a joint. Sometimes, even grazing these spots can illicit a pain response. 

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The root cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors that affect how the brain processes pain signals. Known and suspected risk factors include: 

• Female Gender: Fibromyalgia is nearly twice as common in women and individuals assigned female at birth. This discrepancy may be related to higher stress levels in women during hormonal changes, such as fluctuations during menstruation and menopause. (See below)
• Family History: Statistically, an individual is more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they have a family member with the disease. 
• Psychological Stress: Some studies have linked stressful life events and/or depression to the development of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. 
• Presence Of Certain Other Diseases: The risk for developing fibromyalgia increases in those already suffering from a rheumatic illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. 

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Individuals with fibromyalgia may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Widespread Pain: A constant, dull ache that lasts for several months and occurs on both sides of the body, above and below the waist. 
• Trigger Points: Areas of the body that are especially tender and can cause radiating pain when pressed. 
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Cognitive Difficulties: Often called “fibro fog,” these can include issues with focus, memory, and concentration.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep that is often linked to restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea.
• Other Symptoms: These may include headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, and sensitivity to noise, light, or temperature.

What Is a Fibromyalgia Flare-up?

A fibromyalgia flare-up is a temporary increase in the intensity of symptoms. These episodes can last for a few days to several weeks and are often triggered by physical or emotional stress, changes in weather, poor sleep, or illness. Managing flare-ups typically involves identifying and avoiding triggers, pacing activities, and implementing self-care strategies (see below).

What Is The Typical Fibromyalgia Treatment?

The treatment of fibromyalgia often involves a multifaceted approach tailored to each individual’s symptoms and needs. Key components of typical ​​fibromyalgia treatment include:

• Medication to help manage pain, improve sleep, and reduce other symptoms.
• Physical therapy exercises and techniques to improve flexibility, strength, and stamina.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage stress and improve coping skills.

What Fibromyalgia Medication Is Available?

Several medications are commonly prescribed to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, including:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Antidepressants, such as duloxetine and minalcipran, can be used to treat both psychological symptoms and nerve pain. 
• Certain anti-seizure drugs, such as gabapentin, can be used off-label to treat nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia. 
• Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzeprine, can help manage muscle spasms and aches

Fibromyalgia Self-Care

Self-care plays an important role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and should focus on both the physical and mental health toll this disease can take. Among other things, patients can support their medical treatment by implementing the following self-care strategies:

• Regular Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help reduce pain and improve mood. 
• Healthy Diet: A well-rounded diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can benefit your general health and, especially, your cognitive and gut function. Gut health, in particular, plays a critical role in mood regulation.  
• Sleep Hygiene: Setting a regular bed time, reducing caffeine intake, and avoiding food and screens one hour before bed can work wonders in improving sleep quality. 
• Stress Management: Methods such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote physical and mental relaxation.
• Cold/Heat Therapy: A simple cold or warm compress over a tender area can help during a flare up. 
• Activity Moderation: Setting boundaries with friends, family, and work is important in managing fibromyalgia. Pain may be minimal one day, prompting over-exertion that can lead to a flare up later on. Moderation is key in avoiding triggering activities.

Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia

While conventional therapies can offer relief for some, they are not always effective and can even pose a risk if used long term. Pregabalin, for example, is often prescribed to alleviate severe pain for fibromyalgia patients. Studies have shown that long-term use of this drug is not only associated with unpleasant side effects, such as swelling and weight gain, but may also markedly damage the liver.   

Likewise, the anti-depressants typically prescribed for fibromyalgia fall into a class known as Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), which can be difficult to wean off of should the patient wish to discontinue them. They are also associated with certain side effects that may not be well tolerated by some individuals.  

Anti-seizure medications, like gabapentin, can affect the balance and lead to falls. This is especially dangerous in the elderly, who are already at increased risk of fractures. 

Medical Marijuana For Fibromyalgia

Suffice to say, alternative therapies are warranted in the treatment of fibromyalgia. 

One promising therapy is medical cannabis, which has already demonstrated efficacy in the realms of both chronic pain and mental health. Medical marijuana is also approved for the treatment of epilepsy, a seizure disorder..  

Unsurprisingly, medical marijuana is now being studied as an effective means of treating fibromyalgia, especially in those who do not respond adequately to traditional therapies. One study showed that even a very small dose (100 mg or 0.003 oz) administered daily found significant improvement in both “physical and mental health state.” 

Ketamine For Fibromyalgia

Ketamine is another therapy that has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating a wide range of physical and mental health concerns, including chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis, which is often a comorbid condition with fibromyalgia (see above). A review of the current literature showed the safety and efficacy of ketamine for fibromyalgia relief, at least in the short term.   

Medical Marijuana in Destin, Florida

Managing fibromyalgia involves a comprehensive approach that combines medical treatment with self-care and alternative therapies, when necessary. If you are suffering from chronic pain related to fibromyalgia or another diagnosis, please contact the professionals at The Crane Center. We are Destin’s top ketamine and medical marijuana clinic, offering creative approaches to help those who have been unable to find relief from their symptoms. Text or email us today and let us help you start feeling better.