Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood swings, affects three to six million people in the U.S. Among the most common treatments are antidepressants and painkillers, both of which have dangerous side effects and can actually exacerbate the condition. However, according to a Mayo Clinic study, Acupuncture is successful at reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia so patients can function well without drugs.
The study, conducted by Dr. David P. Martin, M.D., PhD and published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, involved 50 patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Half the participants were given Acupuncture, and the other half were not.
The participants’ symptoms were assessed using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory. These were conducted prior to treatment, immediately after treatment, and at one month and seven months after treatment.
The Acupuncture group was given a total of six treatments, one every two to four days over a period of two to three weeks.
The most dramatic improvements were seen one month after treatment and included significant reduction of fatigue, anxiety and pain.
The results were compared to those obtained with antidepressants and painkillers and Acupuncture was found to be as effective as, or more effective than, drugs.
People with fibromyalgia are at risk for a host of other diseases and conditions, including serious digestive dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia and many others. Not only are these conditions serious problems in themselves, they can also exacerbate the fibromyalgia.
Taking drugs to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia also introduces a host of other complications and side effects.
Acupuncture can not only help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, it can also eliminate the need for dangerous drugs, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of even more serious conditions