Fibromyalgia (F.M.) is a condition characterized by widespread pain and heightened pain response to pressure. Individuals with F.M. syndrome often experience headaches, anxiety, depression, bowel and bladder problems, cognitive decline, cold extremities, impaired immune response, and chemical sensitivities. Over 10 million Americans suffer from F.M., and most are women between the ages of 25 and 45 years old.
In 1990 The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) first proposed the current criteria for defining fibromyalgia. The criteria include a history of widespread pain lasting more than three months and the presence of at least 11 out of 18 tender points.
The problem is that these are symptoms, and the more the treating doctor focuses on symptoms, the less chance the patient has to achieve improved health and wellness long-term.
"After just two visits with Dr. Gorla, I was greatly improved. I am a strong believer in acupuncture because of my quick and profound results. I went from constant pain to be 95% pain-free with his acupuncture treatments. I can now do my normal activities where I couldn't before see Dr. Gorla. Dr. Gorla has also helped me with headaches, back and leg pain, acid reflux, and muscle aches. I will keep seeing Dr. Gorla to maintain my improvements!"
-Mary I
What actually causes Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Research suggests that F.M. is often caused by, or the result of:
- Immune System Dysregulation
- Emotional/Mental/Physical Stress
- Impaired Thyroid Function
- Trauma or Injury
- Hypothalamus- Pituitary- Adrenal (H-P-A) Axis Dysfunction (hormone-producing glands)
- Brain Chemistry Imbalances (low serotonin states)
- Adrenal Gland Dysfunction
- Chronic Infections (viral, bacterial, and/or mycoplasma)
- Endocrine Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
As one can see from this list, treating and defeating F.M. requires a doctor that is going to really listen to the patient’s health history, run comprehensive labs, and provide accurate treatment. If these three key steps are not taken, often fibromyalgia patients will not recoup their health and often end up overmedicated for symptoms. Sadly, it is relatively common for F.M. patients to suffer from drug side effects that mimic fibromyalgia!
A Brutal Cycle
Human physiology has many inter-relationships. This is to say, for example, if a fibromyalgia patient has ongoing sleep deprivation due to pain, this will cause more hormone imbalances which in turn makes other symptoms worse! This is why it’s crucial for the treating doctor must review and test, when appropriate, any of the previous ten potential causes.
Unfortunately, this is rarely done in the pharmaceutical and insurance-based model, leaving the patient to continue to suffer!
Having helped scores of fibromyalgia patients over the years, I’ve learned of several areas that must be corrected before the person can recoup their health:
- Hormonal
- Nutritional
- Immunological
- Neurochemical (brain)
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR COURTESY CONSULT!
"I was referred to Dr. Gorla for ongoing fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hormone issues, and weight gain. My previous doctors put me on numerous pain drugs that are highly addictive, and I did not want to become a drug addict. The results of Dr. Gorla's wellness plan have been tremendous. I have great energy, no longer suffer from chronic body pain, and I've lost 28 pounds! My care and results have been life-changing!
-PJ
