Fibromyalgia is another neuro immune disease which although sharing many of the features of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is probably a distinct disease. It is characterised by pain and muscular tenderness as well as fatigue.
In common with CFS, there is chronic overactivity of the immune system and the consequent oxidative stress and inflammation that accompanies this. Over production of free radicals by the immune system, leads to damage to the energy producing mitochondria in the cells.
There is commonly vitamin D deficiency which increases pain sensitivity and osteoporosis.
Treatment of fibromyalgia concentrates on four areas :

1. Reducing oxidative stress with anti oxidants
2. Reducing inflammation by ensuring omega balance
3. Reducing auto immunity in the gut with diet
4. Correcting any nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D

Ongoing research into neuro immune disease is something that we at The Essential Health Clinic are very excited to be involved with. A new institiute concentrating on Neuro Immune Disease is due to open in 2008 at the University of Nevada in the United States. We have been in contact with the founder of this Institute and will be in constant touch with the cutting edge research that is planned there.

Some patients with fibromyalgia also have significant emotional problems and blockage of the normal expression of emotion can lead to tension and muscular pain. This can also be addressed in The Essential Health Clinic by counselling and Mickel Therapy. This is a talking therapy designed by a GP David Mickel specifically for CFS and FM.