Let's take a look at some of the mechanisms of Acupuncture that may help Fibromyalgia (FM). A chronic condition marked by widespread pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue and sleep challenges, it deeply affects daily function and quality of life.
Fibromyalgia is NOT INFLAMMATORY nor an autoimmune disease. This means it doesn't cause inflammation, swelling, or damage to muscles and joints. Hence, why it doesn't respond to steroid injections. Instead, it's a disorder of pain processing in the central nervous system.
There’s no single cure, and treatment usually focuses on reducing pain and improving daily function, things that scientific evidence suggests Acupuncture is good at.
What Does the Evidence Say About Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia?
Not much is linked between Acupuncture and fibromyalgia directly - it really needs more research. The lack of studies could reflect funding issues or lack of priority as fibromyalgia is a complex condition to treat medically like endometriosis or chronic fatigue.
Evidence Based Acupuncture and The Acupuncture Evidence project, however, reports that acupuncture has a positive effect for other painful conditions such as OA of the knee, neck pain, early shoulder impingement, shoulder pain or low back pain.
This is highly relevant to those suffering fibromyalgia, where widespread pain is the main issue and often in the neck, shoulders and back.
How Acupuncture does work - its Mechanisms:
Even though fibromyalgia is a complex condition without a single cause, several evidence based mechanisms supported by research might explain how acupuncture could ease symptoms:
Reduce Chronic Pain:
Acupuncture influences neuroplasticity. This is how the brain maps pain, helping to reorganise how you perceive pain.
Release Neurotransmitters
This is a good thing! Examples include dopamine and endorphins that help us feel good, sleep better and how the brain perceives pain.
Nervous System Regulation, specifically the Parasympathetic NS:
Evidence shows acupuncture affects neural pathways from sensory nerves to the spinal cord and brain.The Sympathetic NS is the body's 'rest and digest' mode, supporting better sleep where tissue recovery and repair happen.
Relax soft tissue and improve circulation:
Needling may increase blood flow to painful muscles, encouraging them to and the myofascia to soften and release.
Complementary to Other Therapies:
Consider using Acupuncture alongside exercise, medications, or other therapies. Some evidence suggests it may enhance the overall effect of these treatments on pain and stiffness.
A Balanced View
Fibromyalgia isn’t specifically listed as a high-evidence condition in the Acupuncture Evidence Project. The scientific evidence is still developing.
However, the safety profile for acupuncture is generally good compared with many long-term drug options.
- It's not an inflammatory disease, therefore will not respond to steroids.
Research suggests that acupuncture may help reduce pain and stiffness and could be a useful part of a broader treatment approach.
If you're thinking about trying acupuncture for fibromyalgia, speak to your doctor. Let them know your desire to manage symptoms better alongside medical care.
