Last week, we talked about autoimmune diseases and many of their causes, including emotional origins.
On this occasion, we will talk about another type of disease, often wrongly called psychosomatic, which, although they have an emotional and psychological component, also present very varied signs and symptoms and are difficult to diagnose for all health professionals, making it a complicated and frustrating experience for both the patient and the professional.
On the one hand, the patient’s pain seems to be insatiable, and on the other, the professional looking to give relief to his patient ends up losing patience and therapeutic options for him.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, memory and anxiety with depressive symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but several factors have been identified that may contribute to its development:
- Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition, as fibromyalgia tends to run in families.
- Infections: Some infections can trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
- Physical or emotional trauma: Stressful or traumatic events can be a trigger.
- Alterations in the nervous system: It has been observed that people with fibromyalgia have abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system.
Signs and Symptoms
Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:
- Generalized pain: Persistent pain throughout the body, which can be described as a dull or stabbing ache.
- Fatigue: Feeling of extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can aggravate fatigue.
- Cognitive difficulties: Problems with memory and concentration, often referred to as “fibro-fog.”
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the joints and muscles, especially in the morning.
- Emotional symptoms: Anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Emotional and psychosomatic origin
The emotional origin of fibromyalgia is a matter of debate. Some studies suggest that emotional stress and trauma may play a significant role in the development of the disease. Unresolved emotions, chronic stress, and anxiety can contribute to pain perception and exacerbation of symptoms.
The psychosomatic origin refers to the emotional, environmental and psychological events that generate triggers for the development of the disease.
Some factors that influence this are:
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can affect the nervous system and pain response. People who experience high levels of stress may have an increased sensitivity to pain.
- Anxiety and Depression: Many people with fibromyalgia also experience anxiety disorders and depression. These conditions can intensify pain perception and contribute to fatigue and other symptoms.
- Coping Mechanisms: People who have not developed healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotions may be more susceptible to developing fibromyalgia.
- Connection between body and mind: The way a person perceives and responds to pain can be influenced by their emotional state. Anxiety and stress can amplify the experience of pain.
Natural treatment
There are several natural treatment options that can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms:
Supplementation:
- Magnesium: It can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with chronic pain.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: They may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Phytotherapy:
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger: May help reduce inflammation and pain.
Just remember not to combine turmeric with ginger and citrus fruits as they inhibit the action of curcumin (the active compound in turmeric).
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy, being connected to both physical ailments and their emotional and mental origin, can help this type of patient first to assimilate the traumas or emotional pain that preceded the development of their disease, then to improve the symptoms of generalized acute pain, to improve the quality of sleep and quality of life by making the pain crises spaced out and even remitted. Here we can mention medicines such as Arnica Montana, Magnesia Phosphorica, Kali Phosphoricum, Hypericum, etc.
Ozone therapy: Ozone therapy helps regulate inflammatory processes in the body, which helps regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines and thus regulate pain and inflammation.
Manual and body therapies:
Acupuncture: It can help relieve pain and improve overall well-being.
Massage: They can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
Yoga and Tai Chi: These practices can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Lifestyle Changes:
Regular exercise: Low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or biking, can be beneficial.
Anti-inflammatory diet: a diet rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, sulfur, omega-3 fatty acids, carotenes and vitamin C help regulate chronic inflammation and improve the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive function.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach to its management.
Many times family members want to help the family member who suffers from the disease, on other occasions they think that patients lie or invent symptoms to isolate themselves or not live with others, in the best of cases it is the therapist or doctor who informs them about the disease.
However, there is still not enough information, support groups for family members and people who suffer from fibromyalgia, but also health professionals who see the person who suffers from the disease as a biopsychosocial entity who developed the disease as a way of somatizing or expressing bodily situations or experiences that their mouth could not express.
If you suspect this or another health situation, please contact us. We will find a treatment for you that will help heal those wounds of the past and improve these symptoms of the present.
