Fibromyalgia is a common condition, that lacks a gold standard treatment. Studies have shown that medications are often minimally effective, and that simple interventions like exercise may be of more benefit. Tremendous confusion surrounds the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, for both doctors and patients.
The three major underlying “triggers” of fibromyalgia include stress, inflammation, and small fiber peripheral neuropathy. In our clinical experience, as well as the literature, a significant percentage of fibromyalgia patients have been exposed to horrific circumstances, and the long lasting effects of this stress in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are important to not only recognize, but also to use as a tool in the aim of helping the Fibromyalgia patient improve.