Hyperbaric Oxygen & FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia Support in Edmonton |
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Background:Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain with diffuse tender points as well as significant fatigue. The precise pathophysiology of FM remains elusive. FM may be mediated by:
Hyperbaric can address each one of these areas - It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, promotes neuroplasticity and impacts mitochondrial functioning. Fibromyalgia Symptoms:
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Human Studies
A randomized clinical trial from Israel with 18 patients with TBI related Fibromyalgia. 60, 90 minute sessions at a pressure of 2 ATA compared to pharmacologic treatment. "HBOT can improve pain symptoms, quality of life, emotional and social function of patients suffering from FM triggered by TBI."
A significant reduction in pain intensity post-HBOT compared to the medication group. Fibromyalgia related symptoms and pain questionnaires demonstrated significant improvements. The beneficial clinical effect is correlated with increased brain activity in specific regions. A randomized clinical trial from Toronto with 18 patients with Fibromyalgia. 40, 90 minute sessions at a pressure of 2 ATA. "[HBOT] is associated with improved global functioning, reduced symptoms of anxiety and
Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total and all subscales were improved both from baseline to post HBO. Importantly, the effect seen were sustained at 3-month follow-up assessment. An active control, crossover clinical trial, again from Israel with 60 females with Fibromyalgia. 40, 90 minute sessions at a pressure of 2 ATA. "HBOT in both groups led to significant amelioration of all FM symptoms, with significant improvement in life quality." Analysis of SPECT imaging revealed rectification of abnormal brain activity. The authors concluded: The study provides evidence that HBOT can improve the symptoms and life quality of FM patients. HBOT can induce neuroplasticity and rectify abnormal brain activity in pain related areas. |
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IV TherapyWe thought we'd highlight key IV treatments we're seen helpful: IV Myers Cocktail & IV NAD+. The use of intravenous therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia was initially popularized by Dr. Alan Gaby. A published case report within a monograph about IV vitamin therapy discussed possible results that can be seen. The fibromyalgia patient had an immediate and robust response to the Myers Cocktail. "The author has given the Myers’ to approximately 30 patients with fibromyalgia; half The results our Naturopathic Doctors have seen mirror the experience of Dr. Gaby in our Edmonton patients. Massey (2007) conducted a pilot clinical trial, where 7 participants with therapy resistant FM were given the Myers Cocktail IV once per week for 8 weeks. All participants reported decreased pain levels, decreased fatigue, and increased activities of daily living. Participants noted increased energy levels within 24-48 hours of the initial infusion. At the end of the study, all participants reported increased energy and activities of daily living as well as a 60% reduction in pain and an 80% decrease in fatigue. Ali (2009) had 34 patients with fibromyalgia receive the Myers Cocktail weekly for 8 weeks. At 8 weeks, the Myers IV group experienced significantly improved tender points, pain, depression, and quality of life. The treatment effects of IVMT persisted at 4 weeks postintervention for tender points, pain, and quality of life, while placebo effects persisted only for tender points. Based off of the concept that impaired mitochondrial activation is etiologic in fibromyalgia our clinic started to use intravenous NAD in approximately 2018. Our first patient had an immediate and robust response with the regards to her muscular pain and the use of IV NAD+. As such, we've seen some patients respond extremely favorably from the NAD+, and we strongly consider its use in fibromyalgia, especially if a lackluster response is seen from using the Myers cocktail IV on its own. Questions?
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