Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood problems. It’s considered a central pain syndrome, meaning it involves changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.
Pain, fatigue and localised tenderness can impact daily living, making even simple tasks challenging. The condition is often associated with fibromyalgia pain or tender points – specific areas of the body where even the slightest pressure causes discomfort or pain.
Key Features of Fibromyalgia
Symptoms:
- Widespread pain: A dull ache lasting for at least three months, typically affecting both sides of the body and above and below the waist.
- Fatigue: People often wake up tired, even after long periods of sleep. Sleep may be disrupted by pain or conditions like restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea.
- Cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”): Trouble focusing, concentrating, and remembering.
- Other symptoms may include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Anxiety and depression
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Sensitivity to temperature, lights, or sounds
Causes & Risk Factors:
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors are believed to play a role:
- Genetics: It tends to run in families.
- Infections or illnesses: Can trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
- Physical or emotional trauma: Such as car accidents or PTSD.
- Gender: More common in women than men.
- Stress and poor sleep: Can exacerbate symptoms.
Treatment:
There’s no cure, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of:
- Medications:
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen, some NSAIDs)
- Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, duloxetine)
- Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., pregabalin, gabapentin)
- Lifestyle and self-care:
- Exercise (low-impact like walking, swimming, yoga)
- Stress management (mindfulness, meditation)
- Healthy sleep habits
- Diet: Some people benefit from eliminating processed foods, sugar, or gluten, though no single diet works for everyone.
Acupuncture
The practice of acupuncture is considered a holistic and natural fibromyalgia treatment, it can benefit individuals offering pain relief, help to regulate sleep patterns and improve overall wellbeing. The points used in Acupuncture may help to alleviate localised muscle tension, reduce stress and promote overall balance.
The research into the effectiveness of Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia
An analysis conducted by M. Di Carlo et al. (2023) concluded that acupuncture led to significant improvement in 44.2% of fibromyalgia patients refractory to conventional medication at the end of an eight-week treatment period, with 20.8% of patients still experiencing improvement three months later (Di Carlo et al., 2023).
A 2023 study by Rosa Maria Moreira et al. examined systemic electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture on fibromyalgia patients, finding a positive impact on quality of life, though pain intensity remained unchanged (Moreira et al., 2023).
Another study by Gustavo Urbanetto Baelz and colleagues in the same year reported a 16% reduction in pain and a 21% improvement in health status among women with fibromyalgia following acupuncture treatment (Baelz et al., 2023).
Whilst more research needs to be conducted in this area. It it promising that acupuncture could be used as an alternative therapy in pain management, enhancing quality of life and sustaining relief from some symptoms for fibromyalgia patients.
Acupuncture is not a cure, but it can be a useful part of a holistic treatment plan for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. If you’re curious about trying it, it’s generally safe and worth exploring—especially if conventional treatments haven’t brought enough relief.
All patients who suffer from a variety of symptoms should seek advice from their GP and explore with their specialist how acupuncture could be integrated into their health plan.