Fibromyalgia:
A Holistic Approach to Pain Relief and Improved Energy
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties (often referred to as “fibro fog”). At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, Dr. Tiffani Fries offers a functional medicine approach to manage fibromyalgia symptoms, improve energy levels, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Understanding Fibromyalgia
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a combination of factors, including:
Central sensitization:
Amplified pain signaling in the brain and spinal cord.
Genetic predisposition:
Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing fibromyalgia.
Physical or emotional trauma:
Trauma can sometimes trigger the onset of fibromyalgia.
Infections:
Certain infections may play a role in some cases.
Sleep disturbances:
Poor sleep quality is common in fibromyalgia and can worsen pain and fatigue.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
- Widespread pain and tenderness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or unrefreshing sleep)
- Cognitive difficulties (memory problems, difficulty concentrating)
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Anxiety and depression
The Salt Lake Functional Medicine Approach to Fibromyalgia
Dr. Fries, DC takes a comprehensive and individualized approach to managing fibromyalgia. She focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as:
Hormonal imbalances:
Assessing and addressing imbalances in thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and sex hormones.
Nutrient deficiencies:
Identifying and correcting deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Gut dysbiosis:
Restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Mitochondrial dysfunction:
Supporting the mitochondria, the energy-producing units of cells.
Chronic inflammation:
Reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Sleep disturbances:
Improving sleep quality and addressing underlying sleep disorders.
Personalized Support Plans:
Based on a thorough evaluation and advanced testing (if needed), Dr. Fries, DC develops personalized treatment plans that may include:
Dietary modifications:
Implementing an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet tailored to your specific needs.
Targeted supplementation:
Using specific supplements to address nutrient deficiencies, reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and balance hormones.
Lifestyle recommendations:
Incorporating gentle exercise, stress-reduction techniques (yoga, meditation), and sleep hygiene optimization.
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN):
In some cases, LDN may be considered to help modulate pain signaling and reduce inflammation.
Managing Pain and Improving Quality of Life
At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, we understand the challenges of living with fibromyalgia. We’re committed to providing compassionate care and support to help you manage your pain, improve your energy levels, and enhance your overall quality of life. By addressing the root causes of your condition and empowering you with the right tools, we believe you can experience significant symptom improvement and a greater sense of well-being.
