Fibromyalgia (FM), also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a complex and debilitating condition for which there is no known cure. FM affects between 2-4 percent of the population, and is most commonly seen in women. The specific cause of FM is unknown, and there currently exists no diagnostic test or universally effective treatment. With so little known about the underlying cause of the disorder, treatment for FM generally focuses on managing its symptoms.
However, new research offers hope for FM sufferers. Studies point to oxidative stress and disturbances to the mitochondria, tiny organelles where the cells produce energy, as potential underlying causes of MF symptoms and dysfunction. Scientists are optimistic that a coenzyme called NAD+ may be key in repairing mitochondria and DNA, and mitigating the symptoms of FM.
Some Facts About Fibromyalgia
While we don’t know a whole lot about the exact cause of FM, ongoing studies are churning up information that helps us better understand the disorder.
Here are some things we do know:
- FM can cause significant disability for periods lasting from 6 months to several years.
- FM is not caused by systemic inflammation, although swelling can be a symptom.
- FM is not an autoimmune disorder.
- The nervous system plays a significant role in FM.
- Diagnosis of FM was once based on the number of the patient’s tender points, but it is now based solely on reported symptoms.
- Currently, fibromyalgia has no cure.
- Healthy lifestyle behaviors may reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Although we have no diagnostic test for fibromyalgia, sometimes lab tests and imaging are used to rule out other potential health issues with similar symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
For the most part, diagnosis of FM is based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Symptoms can vary among patients in type and intensity, making it a challenge for health care providers to accurately diagnose FM.
Common symptoms of FM include:
- Widespread pain in muscles and joints.
- Pain and stiffness in the jaw.
- Fatigue and pain in the facial muscles.
- Headaches.
- Stiff achy joints upon waking.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Disrupted sleep patterns.
- Numbness and tingling in feet and hands.
- Painful menstrual cycles.
- Restless leg syndrome.
- Mental fog.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Weight gain.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Pelvic pain.
- Vision problems.
- Skin problems.
- Depression.
With such a broad spectrum of symptoms, FM can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed. While FM can appear at any age, it is most commonly reported by patients in their mid-40s. If you think you have FM, it is best to find an experienced health care provider who works with FM patients.
While there is no cure for FM, certain medications can sometimes reduce symptoms. Self-care measures like exercise, improved sleep habits and healthy nutrition may also help FM patients feel better. Dehydration can worsen symptoms, so drinking plenty of water may also help.
Triggers for Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups
For most patients, FM symptoms vacillate between full-blow flare-ups and calmer stretches with less pronounced pain. Flare-ups are temporary increases in the number of FM symptoms or their intensity. Patients usually report increased pain and fatigue, although other symptoms may intensify as well.
Scientists have identified certain factors that may trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up, including:
- Cold damp weather and a drop in barometric pressure are reported to be a leading cause of FM flareups.
- Illness or injury can trigger a flare-up.
- A sudden increase in physical activity can cause a flare-up. While exercise can make you feel better, you should increase the intensity and duration gradually.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can lead to a flare-up of symptoms.
- Mental, emotional and physical stress can cause flare-ups.
- Disruptions in sleep patterns or not getting enough sleep can cause flare-ups, and disrupted sleep is also a symptom.
- Changes in medical treatment, like a change in medication, can result in a flare-up.
- Travel often disrupts lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, environmental conditions and activity levels, which can bring on a flare-up.
Unfortunately, many of the things that trigger flare-ups are beyond your control. Journaling your flare-ups and the conditions that surround them may help you identify triggers, so you can make efforts to avoid them.
NAD+ Fibromyalgia Treatment
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. The compound is made up of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains an adenine base and the other contains nicotinamide. NAD+ is a precursor to NADH, a compound involved in energy production, DNA repair and the body’s cellular immune defensive system. Cellular levels of NAD+ diminish as we age, speeding up the aging process.
When delivered by IV infusion, NAD+ has multiple positive effects on the human body, including:
- Reduced physical and mental fatigue.
- Increased physical performance and energy production.
- Improved immune function.
- Enhanced mood.
- Increase in muscle protein synthesis.
- Improved overall health.
Find out more about NAD Plus Therapy.
Early experiments with mice have shown remarkable improvements in cellular function and reduction of a broad range of neurodegenerative symptoms.
A recent study involving 73 women with FM symptoms over the course of 8 weeks showed promise for oral supplementation of NADH, the chemical compound formed from NAD+. The treatment group showed significant reductions in fatigue symptoms and significant positive changes in mitochondrial function.
Fibromyalgia and NAD+ IV Therapy
While oral supplements are available, IV infusion therapy provides a potent and superior approach to boosting NAD+ levels. Oral supplements rely on the digestive tract for breakdown and absorption. Oftentimes, pills and tablets are poorly absorbed, and sometimes they even pass right through your system without ever breaking down for absorption.
IV infusion therapy delivers NAD+ and other essential nutrients directly to your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive tract and rapidly delivering the coenzyme to deficient cells throughout your body. Repeated IV therapy sessions can have long-term effects on reducing FM flareups and symptoms.
Fibromyalgia, NAD+ and Amino Acid IV Therapy
A multi-day IV treatment program that includes the delivery of NAD+ along with other nutrients can help restore your body’s neurochemical balance. Sensory neurons are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain, and in some instances they can become hypersensitive, in effect exaggerating your pain.
Intravenous delivery of NAD+ and certain amino acids have been shown to reduce neurological symptoms and restore chemical balance. The amino acids taurine and carnitine are found to be exceptionally helpful, along with the powerful antioxidant glutathione, which protects cells from toxins and free radicals.
Fibromyalgia IV Therapy in NYC
If you suffer from fibromyalgia and live in New York, help is just around the corner at Advanced Cryo NYC in fashionable SoHo. We are a premier provider of NAD+ IV therapy to treat fibromyalgia and other disorders involving mitochondrial dysfunction.
Our professional staff will treat you with TLC as they set up your NAD+ IV drip. Then sit back and relax in our spa-like clinic while healing NAD+ is infused into your bloodstream and carried to cells throughout your body.
To set up your NAD+ IV therapy appointment, use the convenient form below, or call our clinic today for more information.
Resource:
Castro-Marrero, Jesús, et al. “Does oral coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation improve fatigue and biochemical parameters in chronic fatigue syndrome?.” (2015): 679-685.
