Fibromyalgia is condition that causes chronic pain and tenderness in the tendons, joints, and muscles. Any area of the body can experience generalized aches, especially areas of the occipital region, shoulders, neck, low back, and thighs. Fibromyalgia is more common in women young and middle-aged. However, men, children, and adolescents still may experience it, although less common. Associate symptoms related to fibromyalgia are fatigue, poor sleep, poor concentration, irritability, depression, anxiety, headaches, frequent mood changes, and abdominal pain.
Depending on your specific signs and symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia acupuncture may be a useful adjunct therapy. An acupuncture treatment will evaluate your lifestyle and health history. Chinese medicine focuses on the entire scope of health vs. a few symptoms. After a thorough evaluation, specific acupuncture points are selected and needles are left in anywhere from 20-60 minutes. Each treatment is individualized to meet the needs of the patient. Although some may find the thought of needles frightening, they are hair-thin and generally painless.
Acupuncture Physical Examination for Fibromyalgia
During the physical examination it is important to identify the most tender areas by gentle palpation of several body regions including; neck, shoulder, arm, back, leg, and thighs. Treatment is based on your specific Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) patterns. Within TCM patterns, there are general symptoms that correlate with a set of acupuncture points that will be tailored to meet your specific needs. Acupuncture can improve overall wellness as well addressing some of the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia including:
Depression
Anxiety
Fatigue
Stiffness
Digestion Issues
Headaches
Insomnia
Night Sweats
Back Pain
Research suggests that acupuncture can produce changes in the brain and the body by stimulating nerve fibers that send signals to the brain. The body then releases hormones that reduce or block pain signals. A study published by the Mayo Clinic suggests acupuncture can relieve fatigue and anxiety for up to seven months after the treatment. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) people with chronic pain often to turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to the NIH in a 2007 survey an estimated 3.1 million Americans reported the use of acupuncture within the past year. Musculoskeletal complaints result for 7 out of 10 conditions for which people use acupuncture. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association Acupuncture and Acupressure can be very beneficial.