Can Acupuncture Treat Fibromyalgia?

Recently, a patient of Princeton Monroe Acupuncture asked about acupuncture treatment for fibromyalgia.  Patients with fibromyalgia suffer from musculoskeletal pain in addition to fatigue and mood issues (depression, anxiety, etc.).  The majority of researchers believe the disorder is caused by a deficiency in how the brain processes pain.  This deficiency may result in an increased sensitivity to pain signals, therefor a lower bodily threshold.

Though there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, treatment can help control the resulting symptoms.  Analgesics, anti seizure medications and exercise can be used to reduce pain and ensure proper sleep.  Anti depressants and therapy can help address the emotional side effects and frustration often caused by fibromyalgia.

However, the majority of fibromyalgia patients are using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, to relieve their symptoms.  Researchers have found that stimulation with acupuncture needles can help decrease the sensitivity of  pain neurotransmitters in the brain.  Acupuncture can also be used to increase the body’s production of natural pain killers.  Finally, acupuncture can relieve fatigue and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients for up to seven months after the treatment.

Acupuncture can address both the underlying cause and resulting symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Those diagnosed with fibromyalgia should consider adding acupuncture into their existing regimen for a holistic and potentially more effective treatment.