Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
If you have fibromyalgia, controlling pain, fatigue, and memory problems is probably one of your top priorities. Researchers still don’t know very much about this condition, but some believe it affects the way your brain processes pain signals. If you have been struggling with symptoms, acupuncture for fibromyalgia can provide relief without the side effects of prescription medications.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Women are much more likely than men to develop this condition. In fact, they are ten times more likely to have fibromyalgia.
Some people report feeling the same type of pain associated with tendinitis or bursitis. The difference between fibromyalgia and these two conditions is that fibromyalgia affects the entire body. Tendinitis and bursitis are localized, which means they only affect one part of the body.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- Severe fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Numbness in the limbs
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Chronic headaches
- Stiffness
Because the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are so similar to the ones caused by other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose this syndrome. You may need blood tests to rule out high blood sugar, thyroid problems, and blood disorders before you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Treating Fibromyalgia with Acupuncture
The American Pain Society has endorsed acupuncture as a treatment for fibromyalgia, provided the treatment is administered by a qualified acupuncturist. We have two licensed acupuncturists and an integrative medicine specialist on our team, giving you access to some of the most skilled practitioners in North Carolina.
Several studies have shown acupuncture for fibromyalgia improves pain relief significantly, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Relief may last as long as a few weeks after your acupuncture treatment, allowing you to resume your activities without having to take harmful medications. Acupuncture also complements Western medical treatments, giving you relief from pain and easing the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture Treatments
During an acupuncture treatment, tiny needles are inserted into strategic points based on your symptoms. The needles are so small that they produce very little discomfort, if any. In some cases, the needles are stimulated with electricity or heat to achieve a desired result. These needles are left in place for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. In addition to acupuncture for fibromyalgia, we also provide herbal medicine treatment, lifestyle recommendations, and other complementary and alternative therapies.
Initial Evaluation
During your initial evaluation, you will talk to one of our practitioners about your symptoms and medical history. This thorough evaluation ensures your treatment plan is customized to your individual needs. What works for one person with fibromyalgia may not work for another person with the same condition, so we do not use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Easing Pain and Fatigue
If the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia are keeping you from living a full, active life, schedule an evaluation with one of our practitioners. We will develop a plan for easing your symptoms and restoring your body with acupuncture and other treatments.