While there isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia, there are many treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms of the debilitating condition. Patients suffer with pain, lack of energy, sleep disorders, joint pain, muscle pain and more when they have fibromyalgia. Many doctors prescribe medications that are designed to help control the flare ups and provide some pain relief.
Medications may include corticosteroids, NSAIDS and even good old fashioned acetaminophen. Many people find great relief from such medications, others however, may find that these treatments aren’t working for them at all.
The truth is, there are as many treatments as there are individuals. Fibromyalgia and magnesium treatments are one alternative therapy that many people are trying and with good results.
Magnesium, a supplement which helps to support well over 300 of the body’s functions, is a necessary element found in the body. Many people don’t even realize that they are lacking in the element of magnesium. According to recent studies however, many have found that if they have low levels of this element in their body, they suffer from fibromyalgia.
Magnesium is measured out in the part of the blood that is referred to as serum. This is the clear part of your blood. If there are low levels of magnesium, the patient may be suffering from headaches, irritability, fatigue, anxiety and depression not to mention lowered physical abilities.
A person who is suffering from low levels of magnesium may not even realize that they are suffering. They may have had their symptoms come on so slowly that they really didn’t notice them at all. They may be suffering from a few minor ailments such stomach issues and headaches. They may have several of the pressure point pain and tender areas in their bodies.
Magnesium can help to reduce muscle cramps and improve physical well-being. It may decrease irritability and it may also improve how a person feels overall. Often patients who are given magnesium treatments are also given amitriptyline alongside of the magnesium. This is an anti-depressant.
When patients take the combination of the two they often report a huge decrease in their pain levels. They also tend to sleep better, be less irritable and have lowered anxiety levels. Their fatigue also tends to go away with this treatment protocol.
Many patients reported improved functioning overall when they tried the above mentioned treatment and doctors reported that such patients were functioning better as well.
The above mentioned patients also enjoyed reduced tenderness in the muscles and when they took the magnesium prior to bed they tended to sleep better. This was a huge bonus to patients who were struggling with pain and sleep disorders.
Several studies have shown that women who suffer from fibromyalgia may respond well to magnesium treatments. The magnesium levels in their bodies were very low to begin with and may have been a determining factor in their condition.
Many people just think they are feeling run down when in fact they are struggling with something as simple as low magnesium levels. Quick treatment with supplements and eating the right foods may help these people to find relief and be well on their way to recovery.
One study analyzed hair samples from a controlled group of patients. This group included 166 women. Of those 166 women, 44 had fibromyalgia. The women who had fibromyalgia had significantly less amounts of magnesium than the remainder of the women.
The study then treated the women with fibromyalgia with 300 mg per day of magnesium citrate. They did this for 8 weeks and interestingly the women reported fewer tender points and their other symptoms were fewer as well. This information alongside the study was huge for finding treatments that work for treating fibromyalgia.
Another great source of magnesium is in green leafy vegetables. It can also be found in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and cereals that are 100 wheat bran. However, it is important to note that the foods (other than the cereal) must be eaten raw to have any benefits. When the foods are cooked the health benefits are lost.
The supplements were given to women in a dosage of 280 to 300 mg each day. The supplements were taken with meals. However, it is important to note that if the patient is suffering from any type of kidney ailment or on any other medication, a doctor should be consulted prior to taking any magnesium. It can interact with other medications including those that are used for treating high blood pressure and even antibiotics.
Magnesium also works to help soothe the nerves and relax tender muscles as well as joints. It’s great for anyone who is suffering from chronic pain and it can also help to calm overactive nervous systems and reduce the sensitivity to any over stimulating stimuli.
Magnesium is also known to be a great mood enhancer and improve cognitive function by promoting the release of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. This neurotransmitter helps to regulate moods as well.
When it comes to fibromyalgia and pain, many patients are ready to try any possible treatment that will work. Often doctors will go through a variety of treatments in order to find the one that works best for an individual patient.
Fibromyalgia is different in each person and the treatments will vary from person to person. What works well for one patient may not work at all for another person. Often doctors will have to run several tests and check for various levels of chemicals and elements in a person’s body before they can accurately treat fibromyalgia.
The discovery of magnesium as a treatment for fibromyalgia has done a lot for patients. By taking up to 300 mg per day with meals these patients are at long last finding some relief for their symptoms and pain. When combined with the amitriptyline, it seems to work even better at improving function in fibromyalgia patients.
Further reading:
http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/fibromyalgia/articles/the_7_best_supplements_for_fibromyalgia.aspx
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