HBOT Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain disorder. Symptoms include widespread or localized muscle and joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Most people with fibromyalgia experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, headache, anxiety, and memory problems. Some also report high sensitivity to noises, lights, smells, and temperature changes. Female sufferers of fibromyalgia outnumber males by about 9 to 1. It is the second most common illness presented to rheumatologists, led only by arthritis. Researchers estimate that 75 percent of fibromyalgia cases go unreported. Fibromyalgia has no known cause. Researchers have observed abnormalities of central nervous system processes and imbalances of brain chemicals and growth hormone. People with fibromyalgia may have three times the normal concentration of Substance P, a spinal fluid chemical that amplifies pain signals. Many patients attribute the onset of fibromyalgia to a particular injury, illness, or traumatic event. The condition does not progress and does not damage bones, joints, or tissues. Doctors aren’t sure why some people get fibromyalgia. Many things could cause the body’s pain signals to go awry. Plus, different people report different things that seemed to trigger their condition. You can even have more than one cause. They can include:

• Genetics. Because fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that may make you more susceptible to developing the disorder.
• Infections. Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
• Physical or emotional trauma. Fibromyalgia can sometimes be triggered by a physical trauma, such as a car accident. Psychological stress may also trigger the condition.

HBOT is known to stimulate significant anti-inflammatory effects in certain conditions and pathologies. Studies now show that HBOT may improve the symptoms and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. This is done by inducing neuro-plasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, and rectifying abnormal brain activity in the pain related areas. HBOT achieves this by decreasing the activity of hyperactive regions and increasing the activity in the underactive region in the brain. HBOT increases oxygen concentration, which in turn affects the brain metabolism and supporting cells of the nervous system, reforming abnormal brain activity. More than a decade ago, scientists discovered that HBOT produces a significant reduction in the number and threshold of tender points. HBOT decreases the level of pain relief medication, sometimes removing the need at all. Patients that choose HBOT for fibromyalgia can expect an improvement in the quality of life and general wellbeing.