Managing Fibromyalgia with PEMF
BY JONATHAN BOWEN
Chronic Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms
Join stiffness and muscle cramps can be experienced through the body
Brain Fog and difficulty thinking increase with Fibromyalgia
The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition which causes chronic pain and an enhanced sensitivity to pressure. The Latin word “fibro” refers the fibrous tissue, and is combined with the Greek word “myo” which refers to the “muscles”; and the Greek word “algos” which refers to Pain. Therefore it means pain in the muscle and connective tissues.
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Symptoms:
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Sufferers of fibromyalgia may experience some of the following symptoms:
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Chronic fatigue is perhaps the most common symptom of fibromyalgia and manifests itself in the feeling of having one’s arms and legs weighed down. Every task seems to require great energy leaving the sufferer feeling drained.
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Joint stiffness and muscle cramps, stiffness and weakness throughout the body is common. This pain manifests itself in deep aching, throbbing, sharp pain or intense burning in the muscles. The more a group of muscles is used the more pain is experienced. Severe regional pain is also experienced. This is especially common in the morning. Fibromyalgia can also lead to involuntary muscle twitching.
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Difficulty sleeping is common including an inability to fall asleep as well as constant “waking up” which drastically reduces the restoration during sleep and leaves the individual exhausted following sleep.
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Bladder and bowel issues and other digestive disorders affect approximately 40-70% of fibromyalgia patients. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas and bloating, irritable bowel, and nausea. Acid reflux, slowed digestion, and difficulty swallowing are also commonly experienced.
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Numbness and tingling (neuropathy) along with itchy burning skin, including hives and a burning pattern similar to sunburn is often experienced, along with muscle twitches (myoclonic twitches).
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Vision problems have also been associated with fibromyalgia.
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Brain fog or difficulty thinking (cognitive dysfunction) including difficulty concentrating, inability to multitask, inability to retaining information (short and long term memory loss), impaired speech issues, (such as finding the right words), are common and increase with the severity of pain.
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Headaches and migraines are common in 50-70% of fibromyalgia sufferers. The headaches are usually severe and occur at least twice per week, often manifesting as migraines. The pain is partly due to trigger points in the shoulder, neck and head muscles.
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Balance Problems are common in people with fibromyalgia, including walking problems and an increased chance of falling along with a great loss of confidence in stability.
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The condition can also lead to depression, anxiety, and is associated with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The cause of fibromyalgia has yet to be discovered, but it is thought to develop from genetic, neurobiological, environmental and psychological factors. It is believed that conditions such a viral or bacterial infection, or events such as accident, surgery, or other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or hypothyroidism can trigger fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgic pain comes from a chemical imbalance which produces inflammation of the nervous system that interferes with pain processing in the brain.
It is believed that abnormalities in dopamine levels may be responsible for some symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Dopamine inhibits movement of muscles that are not needed but also works as a natural analgesia (pain blocker). A lack of dopamine will result in a hypersensitivity to pain.
Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by a physical exam of pressure points around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions. (see diagram).
Fibromyalgia is treated by medications that have serious side effects
Traditional Pharmacological Treatment
Traditional treatment of fibromyalgia is limited to treating the symptoms with prescription medication, behavioural intervention and exercise. Common medications for treating fibromyalgia include pregabalin and duloxetine.
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Pregabalin produces significant side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness, blurred vision, increased appetite and weight gain, euphoria, confusion, vivid dreams, irritability, attention changes, abnormal coordination, memory impairment, tremors, vertigo, constipation, vomiting, flatulence, abnormal waking etc., many of which are the symptoms that require treatment in the first place. An overdose in pregabalin can result in involuntary twitching (myoclonus), drowsiness (somnolence), a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute (tachycardia), and a dehydration of the cells (hypertonicity).
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Duloxetine produces side effects such as hypersensitivity, vision disorders (glaucoma), nausea, sleepiness (somnolence), inability to sleep (insomnia), dizziness, and headaches, sexual dysfunction, as well as a suicidal risk.
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Other treatments include human growth hormones, sodium oxybate, and muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine and tizanide.
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Other medications included dopamine medications such as pramipexole and ropinirole which have side effects of headaches, body aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, sedation and somnolence, decreased appetitive, dizziness, fainting, hallucinations, twitching, tiredness and weakness, and impulse control disorders such as compulsive gambling.
Fibromyalgia Treatment Using PEMF
Curatron PEMF systems treats the symptoms of fibromyalgia without the complicated side effects of medication. The Curatron PC and 3D have built-in settings for Fibromyalgia.
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Chronic Pain Management: The body handles pain by producing endorphins (endogenous morphine) in the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. Endorphins block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. PEMF energy medicine stimulates the production of natural endorphins and therefore is very effective in dealing with pain, especially chronic pain without the side effects of invasive surgery or pharmaceuticals. The natural production of endorphins assists with general pain throughout the body in muscles and joints. Curatron PEMF devices have built in settings for pain therapy, complex regional pain, and many neuralgic conditions.
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Improved Sleep: Natural human growth hormones and Melatonin are produced during the sleep cycle. These hormones are known to be key factors in anti-aging. The natural hormones created by our own bodies are safe and lack the side effects. Pulsed magnetic fields stimulate the pineal gland to produce Melatonin which is the most important hormone for sleep, anti-aging, and is also a powerful antioxidant. PEMF also stimulates the pituitary gland to produce the human growth hormone (HGH), which incites growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals. It is during the sleep cycle that the body heals, repairs damage and regenerates cells. If the body does not heal during the sleep cycle, sickness will increase leading to disease, depression and other disorders. The Curatron PC and 3D have built-in settings for sedation, relaxation, and sleep disturbances.
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Depression: PEMF has been found to be helpful across a wide range of forms of depression by stimulating the neurons to vibrate at the frequency of the earth’s circadian rhythms, and also stimulates electrical activity in the brain, changing the neuronal networks and thereby altering the mood reducing depression and anxiety. Energy medicine is non-addictive. The Curatron 3D has built-in settings for depression with use of the butterfly coil.
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Neurological Issues: The brain is the control center for the central nervous system. All neurons are electrically excitable, maintaining voltage gradients across their membranes. If a disruption in neuron voltage is experienced, severe neurological issues can manifest themselves. PEMF assists neurological disorders because it stimulates neurons and returns brain cells to normal functioning frequencies. Curatron PEMF devices have built in settings for neuropathic pain, various types of neuralgia including face, muscular, intercostal, migrainous, thigh, trigeminus and brachial neuralgia.
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Chronic Fatigue. Most cell processes use the same energy source, the rechargeable energy carrier, adenosine triphosphate or ATP. When energy is expended, these spent fuel cells need to be recharged. This process requires the infusion of energy, which comes from the food we eat. The energy produced during the ATP bio-electrical process empowers the body’s components to perform the function for which they were designed, such as respiration, circulation, movement, digestion, reproduction, and all organ functions. PEMF energy medicine enhances the work of charging the batteries. It stimulates all the components involved in delivering the oxygen and nutrients for energy (ATP) production. PEMF enhances the body’s delivery systems including circulation and hydration. It increases oxygen absorption by energizing the cellular pumps, which boost the absorption of vital nutrients, and the expulsion of waste toxins from the metabolic process. The energized cells have an increased charge (TMP), which maximizes the aerobic respiration (with oxygen) of the body for optimum energy production (ATP). Curatron PEMF systems have built in programs for vitalization and wellness.
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Headaches and Migraines: PEMF is specifically helpful with for the treatment of migraines and headaches. According to R. Sandyk , (International Journal of Neurosci, 1992), PEMF stimulates the pineal gland which has a direct effect on migraine and cluster headaches. PEMF is proven to assist in migraine headache relief as is recorded by Sherman R. et.al., Orthopedic Surgery Service, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA.:
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“The effect of exposure to pulsing electromagnetic fields on migraine activity was evaluated by having 42 subjects (34 women and 8 men), who met the International Headache Society’s criteria for migraine, participate in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. During the first month of follow-up, 73% of those receiving actual exposure, reported decreased headaches (45% substantial decrease, 14% excellent decrease) compared to half of those receiving the placebo (15% worse, 20% good, 0% excellent). Ten of the 22 subjects who had actual exposure received 2 additional weeks of actual exposure, after their initial 1-month follow-up. All showed decreased headache activity (50% substantial, 38% excellent). Eight of the subjects in the placebo group elected to receive 2 weeks of actual exposure after the initial 1-month follow-up with 75% showing decreased headache activity (38% substantial, 38% excellent). In conclusion, exposure to pulsing electromagnetic fields for at least 3 weeks is an effective, short-term intervention for migraine.”
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Curatron PEMF systems have built-in program settings for dealing with migraine headaches and migranous neuralgia.
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Bladder and bowel issues and other digestive disorders are the result of damaged cells and nerves in the bladder, bowel and surrounding organs and nerves. All cells require ADP (adeonosine diphosphate, energy storage in cells) to function properly. A decreased level of ADP will result in organ failure. PEMF stimulates the production of ADP in all cells, allowing them to repair and function at optimum capacity. The Curatron PC and 3D have preprogrammed settings for internal injuries, irritable bowel syndrome, pain therapy, spastic colon, stomach relaxation and other related issues.
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Numbness and tingling (neuropathy) are a result of nerve damage. PEMF is has a profound effect on neuroplasticity, and helps the brain repair damaged pathways and find new ways of transmitting (see neuroplasticity under Parkinson’s). Nerves are also cells which require repair and replacement, like any other cell in the body. PEMF stimulates optimum cell repair and replacement throughout the body. Curatron PEMF devices have built in settings for a series of neurological conditions including neuritis and neuropathic pain.
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Vision problems. Eyesight is dependent on the neurotransmissions through the ocular nerves to the brain. The eyes and the nerves carrying messages to and from the brain are made of up cells which require repair and replacement. PEMF stimulates optimum cell repair throughout the body including the eyes and the related nerves. The Curatron PC and 3D have pre-programmed settings for macular regeneration and retinitis (inflammation of retina in the eye).
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Brain fog or difficulty thinking (cognitive dysfunction) are treated with PEMF by stimulating the neurons within the brain to function more effectively. The brain is an organ made up of cells which require ADP to function, just like the rest of the body. Curatron PEMF systems stimulate the production of ADP and the flow of oxygenated blood that can effectively feed the cells to help them function at optimum performance. PEMF also stimulates neuroplasticity, whereby the brain re-wires itself when damage occurs (see associated article).
Proven Track Record with Fibromyalgia:
Curatron PEMF systems have a proven track record treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia without the complicated side effects of medication.
Testimony from Curatron owners indicates great success. Dr. Jennifer B. of the USA states the following:
“I have the new 3-D system as well as the 2000 PC for my pain clinic. The system is great for treating the whole body but with a stronger treatment than I was able to do in the past. Works well for Lyme disease, arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia and other illness and injuries that affect the whole body.”
Dr. Robert J. S., also from the USA states the following:
“I have been using the Curatron professional system for almost 3 years now. I have had excellent results with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients. I believe there is a cumulative positive effect on the immune system from clinical observation.”
Dr. Barry David Millar, M.D. writes
“PEMF has been widely used successfully for pain relief, arthritis, sports injuries, osteoporosis, backache, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuralgia, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), fibromyalgia, fracture healing, pseudo arthrosis, rheumatic pain, tendinitis, lower back pain, wound healing and many other medical conditions including resolution of hemorrhoids and erectile dysfunction.”
Studies by the University of Western Ontario reported the following in 2007:
“Exposure to a specific pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been shown to produce analgesic (antinociceptive) effects in many organisms. In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial, patients with either chronic generalized pain from fibromyalgia (FM) or chronic localized musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain were exposed to PEMF… during twice-daily 40 min treatments over seven days. The effect of this PEMF on pain reduction was recorded using a visual analogue scale. A differential effect of PEMF over sham treatment was noticed in patients with Fibromyalgia…. PEMF may be a novel, safe and effective therapeutic tool for use in at least certain subsets of patients with chronic, nonmalignant pain…”
A study in the Clinical Journal of Pain concluded the following in 2009:
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“Low-frequency PEMF therapy might improve function, pain, fatigue, and global status in fibromyalgia patients.”
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Studies by the Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care in London Ontario found the following in its conclusion:
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“… initial support for the use of PEMF exposure in reducing pain in chronic pain populations and warrants continued investigation into the use of PEMF exposure for short term pain relief.”
