Evidence for beneficial effect of alternative medicine in fibromylagia
There is paucity of medications to relieve the suffering of chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome etc. Patients continue to resort to therapeutic interventions for fibromyalgia that may or may not be effective. Complimentary and alternative medicines form a big part. But are they effective?
De Silva and colleagues from School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, critically examined the evidence related to beneficial effects of regarding complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in fibromyalgia. The study was published in the journal Rheumatology.
Study
These investigators performed a systematic review of the randomized controlled trials of fibromyalgia comparing complimentary and alternative medicine therapies with treatments or placebo. Methodologic quality of all studies included in analysis was assessed as moderate.
Results
Three studies in this critical analysis involved the use of homeopathic care. All three studies demonstrated improvement in pain.
Nutritional supplements of benefit
Nutritional supplements lacking benefit
- Soy
Some data this yr since publication of above review
Yoga and exercise
A randomized controlled trial by Carson and colleagues from Oregan Health and Sciences University found a 8-week yoga program to be of benefit.
Another randomized controlled trial reported that moderate to high intensity nordic walking improves functional acpacity of patients without improving pain.
A randomized controlled trial from Wang and colleagues and published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that Tai Chi results in improvements in Fibromylagia Impact Questionaire as well as quality of life.
Read about Dr. Minocha's book Natural Stomach Care
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
A systemetic review examined 25 randomized controlled trials evaluating the role of traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture for fibromyalgia. Overall 10 trials merited examination as part of meta-analysis. The investigators concluded that TCM therapies are of benefit for treatment of fibromylagia.
Click to read about acupuncture
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Bernardy and colleagues performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in fibromyalgia and published their results in the Journal of Rheumatology. The investigators concluded that CBT improves coping with pain and reduces depressed mood and health care seeking behavior.
Do you or someone you know have chronic pain disorder like fibromyalgia? Have you tried any of the alternative medicines? Please share your experience.
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Thank you for your comparison of all complimentary therapies for people suffering of fybromyalgia.
Posted by: Eva Paglialonga | May 31, 2011 at 07:56 PM