Fibromyalgia syndrome overwhelmingly affects women more than men and is reported to be as much as 9 times more common in middle aged women (between ages 30 and 50) than in men. (Abraham)
Fibromyalgia can be characterized as a functional somatic syndrome which includes other disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic muscular headaches. There is no known one cause of these functional somatic syndromes. Instead there have been many theories and nutrient deficiencies linked to fibromyalgia. Some of these links and deficiencies include:
- The Gate Theory of Pain: This theory implies an increased sensitivity due to overexcitation of parts of the nervous system. Mechanical treatment techniques can be used to “close the pain gate” which include spinal mobilization/manipulation, massage, and physical rehabilitation/exercise. These provide input to the nervous system which essentially helps to crowd out the pain message traveling to the brain.
- Malic Acid & Magnesium deficiency: In 1992 researchers Abraham and Flechas proposed that fibromyalgia is caused by a deficiency of substances needed for ATP synthesis. ATP is necessary to keep the pain fiber nerves (aka nociceptors) from achieving activation (and thus causing pain). Evaluation of malic acid and magnesium levels as well as possible supplementation at therapeutic dosages can be an effective strategy in helping fibromyalgia patients.
- Serotonin deficiency: In 2004, researchers Borut Banic and colleagues presented research published in the medical journal Neurology, indicating there is significant evidence suggesting fibromyalgia is the consequence of reduced levels of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin has also been linked to symptoms of depression. Traditional medical treatments utilize selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ie, prozac, paxil, zoloft, etc). Unfortuneatly,