CAM and Fibromyalgia: At a Glance
People with chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia often turn to some form of CAM. This article provides basic information on fibromyalgia and "what the science says" about the effectiveness of CAM practices that many people with fibromyalgia use. If you are considering a CAM therapy for fibromyalgia, this information can help you talk to your health care provider about it.
About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well as "tender points" on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs, which hurt when slight pressure (about 9 pounds) is applied.
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People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as:
- Trouble sleeping
- Morning stiffness
- Headaches
- Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog")
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
Women with fibromyalgia may also have painful menstrual periods. Fibromyalgia may also be associated with depression.
The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but problems with the nervous system could be involved. It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects as many as 1 in 50 Americans. Most people with fibromyalgia are women, and most are diagnosed during middle age. However, men and children also can have the disorder.
CAM Practices Used for Fibromyalgia
Conventional therapies for fibromyalgia are limited, and research shows that about 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia use some form of CAM. These practices include:
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Chiropractic care
- Hypnosis
- Magnesium supplements
- Magnet therapy
- Massage therapy
- SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)
- Tai chi.
What the Science Says About CAM and Fibromyalgia
According to reviewers who have assessed the research on CAM and fibromyalgia, much of the research is still preliminary, and evidence of effectiveness for the various therapies used is limited.
- Research on acupuncture—stimulation of anatomical points with thin metallic needles—for fibromyalgia has produced mixed results. One review article notes that three studies found some evidence to support the use of electroacupuncture (in which the needles are pulsed with electric current). However, the effects of electroacupuncture in these studies were mostly short lived, and two studies of traditional acupuncture had negative results.
- Some researchers believe that low levels of magnesium may contribute to fibromyalgia. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that magnesium supplements relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Two small studies had conflicting results.
- A review of the research on massage therapy for fibromyalgia notes only modest, preliminary support. Two studies had some positive findings, but two others found either no benefits or only short-term improvements.
- Supplements containing the amino acid derivative SAMe are used for a variety of conditions. Although several small studies of SAMe for fibromyalgia have had mixed results, there is some evidence of a benefit. Reviewers conclude that more research is needed.
- Finally, according to reviewers, research evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of other CAM treatments—biofeedback, chiropractic care, hypnosis, and magnet therapy—used for fibromyalgia.
NCCAM Research on Fibromyalgia
NCCAM funds clinical trials that look at CAM for fibromyalgia. Recent projects include studies of:
- The effects of tai chi on fibromyalgia patients' musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep quality, psychological distress, physical performance, and health status
- Brain-imaging techniques for determining whether acupuncture relieves pain due to fibromyalgia
- The effectiveness of a form of electroencephalograph (EEG) biofeedback in treating fibromyalgia.
If You Are Considering CAM for Fibromyalgia
- Talk to your health care providers. Tell them about the therapy you are considering and ask any questions you may have. They may know about the therapy and be able to advise you on its safety, use, and likely effectiveness in relieving your fibromyalgia symptoms.
- If you are considering a practitioner-provided CAM therapy such as acupuncture, check with your insurer to see if the services will be covered, and ask a trusted source (such as your fibromyalgia doctor or a nearby hospital or medical school) to recommend a practitioner. Although acupuncture treatment is generally safe, complications can result if needles are not adequately sterilized or if the treatment is not properly delivered.
- If you are considering dietary supplements, keep in mind that they can act in the same way as drugs. They can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if used in large amounts, and some may interact with medications you may take. The health care providers you see about your fibromyalgia can advise you.
- Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
This article was adapted from a new fact sheet, CAM and Fibromyalgia: At a Glance, available (including references) at nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/fibromyalgia.htm or from the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
