Is fibromyalgia reversible with acupuncture? Yes, for some patients.

Newport Beach Acupuncture Fibromyalgia

We provide high quality whole-person healthcare 

Living with fibromyalgia can have a range of side effects and consequences that impact various aspects of a person’s life. Some of the common side effects and challenges associated with fibromyalgia include:

  1. Chronic Pain: The hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain that is often described as dull, aching, or burning. This chronic pain can be debilitating and may fluctuate in intensity, affecting daily activities, mobility, and quality of life.
  2. Fatigue: Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience chronic fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep. Fatigue can be overwhelming and may interfere with the ability to perform daily tasks, concentrate, and engage in social activities.
  3. Sleep Disturbances: Fibromyalgia is often associated with sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of sleep disturbances and symptom exacerbation.
  4. Cognitive Dysfunction: Fibromyalgia can cause cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as “fibro fog.” Symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, word-finding difficulties, and impaired executive function. Fibro fog can interfere with work, school, and daily activities, leading to frustration and reduced productivity.
  5. Mood Disorders: Fibromyalgia is commonly associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mood disorders, further impacting emotional well-being and quality of life.
  6. Physical Deconditioning: Chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can lead to physical deconditioning, muscle weakness, and reduced endurance. Physical deconditioning can exacerbate symptoms, impair mobility, and increase the risk of injury.
  7. Social Isolation: Fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, can make it challenging for individuals to participate in social activities and maintain social connections. Social isolation and withdrawal can contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
  8. Impact on Work and Productivity: Fibromyalgia can significantly impact work and productivity, leading to absenteeism, presenteeism (being present at work but not fully functional), and difficulty meeting job demands. Individuals with fibromyalgia may struggle to maintain employment or may require accommodations to manage their symptoms in the workplace.
  9. Financial Strain: The financial burden of fibromyalgia can be substantial, including medical expenses, costs associated with treatments and medications, and lost income due to disability or reduced work hours. Financial strain can contribute to stress and negatively impact overall well-being.
  10. Chronic Illness Management: Managing fibromyalgia often requires ongoing medical care, lifestyle modifications, and self-management strategies. The complexity of managing chronic illness can be overwhelming and may require significant time, effort, and resources.

It’s important for individuals with fibromyalgia to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their unique symptoms and needs at improving symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life.

Acupuncture may offer relief for some individuals with fibromyalgia by addressing various symptoms and underlying mechanisms associated with the condition. While research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for fibromyalgia is ongoing and results are mixed, some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that acupuncture may provide benefits for certain individuals. Here are some ways acupuncture may potentially help with fibromyalgia:

  1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture is believed to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, leading to the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. By modulating pain signals and reducing pain perception, acupuncture may help alleviate the widespread musculoskeletal pain associated with fibromyalgia.
  2. Reduction of Inflammation: Some research suggests that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances. This can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is thought to contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.
  3. Improvement of Sleep Quality: Acupuncture has been shown to promote relaxation and regulate circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep quality in some individuals. Better sleep quality can help alleviate fatigue and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
  4. Stress Reduction: Acupuncture has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counteract the body’s stress response. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, acupuncture may help individuals with fibromyalgia manage stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms.
  5. Modulation of Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture may influence the release and balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in pain modulation, mood regulation, and sleep-wake cycles. By modulating these neurotransmitters, acupuncture may help alleviate pain, improve mood, and regulate sleep in individuals with fibromyalgia.
  6. Enhancement of Overall Well-Being: Acupuncture is often viewed as a holistic therapy which may alter the physical, emotional and mental well-being of patients who have adequate treatments. By addressing physical, emotional distress, acupuncture may help individuals with fibromyalgia feel better, which leads to being able to function in life without the heaviness of the condition weighting them down.  They need a lot of acupuncture to find relief.  Dr. Mehvar,OMD, LAc. has resolved many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.  Dr. Pourhassani, DACM, LAc does not treat fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture treatment should be administered by a qualified practitioner if they have been deemed an appropriate candidate for treatment, the acupuncturist will tailor the treatment to the individual’s symptoms and progress is expected every 4 weeks, with treatments provided twice a week until symptoms resolve. Once symptoms resolve patients will be seen once a month, or more if there is a flair up.