After working with fibromyalgia patients for over ten years, I realized that fibromyalgia is caused by multiple layers of dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is actually a multiple system breakdown, and more importantly, no two fibromyalgia patients are exactly the same. For that reason, there will never be a single pill to cure fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia differs from common illnesses such as, for example heart disease because it is not limited to one organ. To illustrate, having a clogged artery means that the condition is revolved around one organ, the heart. On the contrary, fibromyalgia is the result of the body being overloaded by several underlying issues eventually leading to a breakdown or a complete strain to function.

Fibromyalgia is well illustrated by the story of the straw that broke the camel’s back. We all know that a camel is a strong animal which can carry heavy loads. So, a man started loading his camel down with heavy bags, clothing, silver and even gold for a long trip. Finally, he put straw on the camel’s back so she could eat along the way.  At the moment when the last piece of straw was put on the camel’s back, the camel collapsed. The question is, was it the final straw that broke the camel’s back or was it the heavy burden he was already carrying?

Let me explain how this is related to the fibromyalgia patient through one common example. A typical American, as well as individuals from other western countries, probably does not get adequate nutrition. His or her diet is filled with additives and preservatives, growth hormones and antibiotics, and simply doesn’t contain the nourishment the body needs to enjoy good health. As a consequence, the body is struggling under that load, labeled as layers one, two and three.

Gradually, those layers cause dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system, and as a result, the environment of the gut is changed. The gut is like the hub of a wheel related to every other area of the body. To understand the importance of the gut, we should consider the following:

•    90% of serotonin is made in a healthy gut.  Serotonin is not only the happy neurotransmitter, but also the controlling neurotransmitter that signals other neurotransmitters.

•    At least 70% of the immune system is located in the gastrointestinal system

•    Essential B vitamins are manufactured in a healthy gut

•    Inactive thyroid hormones are converted to the active form in a healthy gut and liver

Gradually, the gut lining becomes leaky.  As a result, larger than normal molecules and waste products slip from the gut into the blood.  Consequently, the immune system attacks these larger than normal molecules, which, in turn, causes systemic or system-wide inflammation.  The inflammation causes stiff and sore muscles and joints, aches and pains, brain fog and fatigue, and even autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Hashimoto’s, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. As the environment of the gastrointestinal system changes, it becomes susceptible to parasites, yeast overgrowth, viruses, autoimmune diseases and pathogenic bacteria. Not everyone is exactly the same. However, it is certain that everyone has multiple layers of dysfunction.

Moreover, we live in very toxic environments, our bodies are under attack from different chemicals on a daily basis. According to some data reports, we are exposed to 80,000 different chemicals per week. The human body is under constant assault. Your body has to deal with chemicals you clean with and chemicals you breathe in. The paint on your walls, the glue on your carpet, the chemicals in your deodorant and cologne, your hair products, your makeup, your dry cleaning and even your cookware, they all contain chemicals.

There are so many different triggers – which one is straw that broke the camel’s back?            

One patient of mine reported that it started after an automobile accident, while another broke down after a divorce.  Some of them do not remember a specific event, but they know the exact day when they seem to have fallen apart. On the other hand, some patients noticed a gradual decline with no specific start date.

As you can see, there are similarities and differences between fibromyalgia patients. Nevertheless, it is crucial to underline the fact that each of them is suffering under a multi-system breakdown. Moreover, the way to recovery is not always the same but we must lighten the physiological load. The lighter the load, the greater the opportunity for the body to do what it does best, which is to heal itself.

However, before lightening the load, we need to understand what is the load is for every single patient. For that reason, the first thing I do with a new fibromyalgia patient is to have an in-depth consultation and review of medical history. Like the layers of an onion, healing requires peeling off the multiple layers of dysfunction. Over time, the result is relief from fibromyalgia and the restoration of health and wellness.

Dr Mark Dailey is offering a free "Freedom From Fibromyalgia" Consultation. To learn more click the link below.

Freedom From Fibromyalgia Consultation