Best Supplement For Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical disorder characterized by widespread pain, stiffness, tenderness of muscles and allodynia, a state of heightened and painful response to pressure. No one knows exactly what causes fibromyalgia. Anyone can be affected although it is most prevalent in middle-aged women and the average age of onset is between the ages of 35 and 55. It is estimated to affect 2-4% of the population, with a female to male incidence ratio of about 9:1.

The disorder is often comorbid with psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress-related disorders. Also, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are at higher risk for developing the disease. To date, there is no definitive treatment for fibromyalgia, but medications and other treatment regimen can help manage the symptoms.

Though fibromyalgia is one of the most common illnesses that affect muscles, its cause remains unknown. The painful tissues include those located on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs. These spots are tender to touch but they are not accompanied by tissue inflammation. Hence, in spite of potentially disabling body pain, patients do not develop any form of deformity. Fibromyalgia does not inflict damage to vital body organs.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The universal symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic, widespread pain, malaise and increased sensitivity to many different sensory stimuli and an unusually low pain threshold. Fibromyalgia pain can be aggravated by changes in weather, noise and emotional stress.  Fatigue is noted in approximately 90% of patients. This may be associated with abnormal sleep patterns usually observed among patients. Consequently, patients wake up in the morning without feeling refreshed and fully rested.

In more than half of patients with fibromyalgia, mental and emotional disturbances are present. These include anxiety, depression, irritability, forgetfulness, mood changes and poor concentration. Other symptoms may include migraine, numbness or tingling of the skin, bowel disturbances, weakness in the limbs, neuralgia, muscle twitching, prolonged muscle spasms, palpitations, irritable bladder and joint stiffness. Some patients also report difficulty with swallowing, and cognitive dysfunction known as ‘brain fog’ which may be characterized by diminished attention span, impaired concentration, impairments in short-term and long-term memory and inability to multi-task.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

As with many other idiopathic syndromes, there is no cure or standard treatment protocol for fibromyalgia, and treatment is normally aimed at symptom management. Advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and individualized forms of treatment have led to significant improvements in managing the disorder. Current treatment approaches include prescription medication, patient education, behavioral intervention, stress reduction, regular exercise, alternative and complementary medicine. Recent studies have proven that the best outcome for each patient comes from an integrated treatment plan that incorporates the different approaches. This has been shown to be effective in easing pain and other fibromyalgia-related symptoms.

Over the years, the most effective drugs in the treatment of fibromyalgia have been the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These are taken at bedtime and appear to reduce fatigue, alleviate muscle pain and spasm, and promote restorative sleep. Scientists believe that TCAs work by interfering with serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Other medications include anti-seizure drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and dopamine agonists.

Other forms of treatment include local injections of analgesics or cortisone into the tender areas, use of muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, biofeedback and acupuncture.

Mangosteen Help for Fibromyalgia

It was only recently that the scientific and medical communities have reached a consensus about the causes of fibromyalgia.  The symptoms of the disease are not fatal but they are varied so medical professionals have to resort to trial and error to determine which medications work. The problem with this practice is that the drugs used have potentially harmful side effects. At the end of the day, fibromyalgia patients need a form of treatment that works without compromising their health.

Studies have revealed that fibromyalgia sufferers may have excessive free radical activity and low antioxidant levels in their bodies. Therefore, taking dietary supplements that are rich in antioxidants could be a rational choice. Mangosteen supplements are peerless in terms of their anti-oxidant properties, thanks to the powerful xanthones which could alleviate the different symptoms of fibromyalgia. Perhaps the most important issue to address is the pain associated with the disease as this can prove to be debilitating at times. Scientific studies have shown that mangosteen contains COX-2 inhibitors that are stronger than prescription drugs, but without any nasty side effects. COX-2 is an enzyme that is responsible for pain and inflammation. The COX-2 inhibitors in mangosteen can effectively ease the pain associated with fibromyalgia. By relieving the pain, mangosteen can also lift feelings of depression that is usually associated with pain. It is simply an excellent natural alternative to treat such a painful condition.

Another benefit provided by mangosteen is a boost in energy level, which is something that fibromyalgia patients are lacking. Mangosteen, with all its potent nutrients can substantially increase energy level so patients remain sharp as a tack all day long. By incorporating mangosteen to the diet, patients will soon realize that they are on their way to easing the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Progress is gradual but it is steady and with daily intake patients will surely achieve the results that they have always longed for.