Fibromyalgia is a common diagnosis in recent times. It means muscle and fibrous tissue pain. It usually strikes active young adults in their prime. Studies show chiropractic treatment is superior to drugs and physical therapies in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a common diagnosis in recent times. It means muscle and fibrous tissue pain. It usually strikes active young adults in their prime. They become sore all over, stiff, and many spots become quite tender. They will fatigue easily and take a long time to recover.

Current research points to a faulty immune reaction to a virus, probably influenza A. Damage is found in the energy production centers in the cells called the mitochondria. This is where the oxygen meets the fuel and is burned for energy. Muscles have a lot of these combustion chambers, and they feel the problem quickly. They fall behind in clearing off wastes and cannot make enough energy to repair and recover.

Magnesium supplements are very helpful. Magnesium citrate is well absorbed. Magnesium oxide is not as good - that is used as a laxative in the form of Milk of Magnesia, because it stays in the bowel ! Formulas which add malic acid or its salt malate work even better. Malic acid is from apples, and works with magnesium to increase energy for healing.

The most severe cases will respond to injection of sore trigger points in the muscles and connective tissue. I use homeopathic preparations from Germany. The sore spots are where nerves go into the muscle bellies, which are also known as acupuncture points. Studies show chiropractic treatment is superior to drugs and physical therapies in fibromyalgia. The area of focus is the sympathetic nerve bundles, which control blood flow, flow of fluid in the spinal cord, and pain reflexes.

Antioxidants are very important to stabilize the membranes where energy is being formed. Grapeseed extract is excellent, at about 100 to 200 mg a day. Some like it in the form of red wine, but please, only in moderation. Green tea is also a powerful source, as a beverage or in capsule form. This one is good in large quantities. The mineral selenium is a good protector, in doses up to 200 micrograms a day.