Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood medical condition. Some of the symptoms are widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness. This syndrome primarily affects women, and it’s estimated to involve about 2-4% of the global population. Despite its prevalence, fibromyalgia still raises many questions and uncertainties regarding its causes and effective treatments. Currently, fibromyalgia has not been included in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA) and is not yet recognized as a disabling chronic condition in Italy. However, there are active programs in various regions for implementing diagnostic and therapeutic care pathways.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include
- widespread musculoskeletal pain,
- muscle stiffness,
- chronic fatigue,
- sleep disturbances, and
- difficulty concentrating (‘brain fog‘).
Patients may experience sensitivity and pain even with light pressure on the skin, known as hyperalgesia. Other symptoms may include headaches, joint pain, tingling in the hands and feet, as well as gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating condition that requires careful management and a multidisciplinary approach to improve patients’ quality of life.
What are the therapies in use?
When signs and symptoms don’t improve after trying non-pharmacological strategies, such as education and physical activity, it may be necessary to resort to medication. All guidelines agree that in managing fibromyalgia treatment strategies, pharmacological therapy should be considered within a multidisciplinary approach. In fact, professionals may recommend anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, and minor opioids. However, doctors suggest them only in some cases. These medications help manage symptoms but come with varying degrees of side effects.
Exploring Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia
In recent years, one of the therapeutic innovations that has garnered significant interest is the modulation of the endocannabinoid system. This has led to increasing discussions about cannabinoids for pain therapy, which operate through a mechanism different from NSAIDs. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of intercellular communication that modulates inflammation and pain perception. Among the most well-known compounds are those derived from Cannabis sativa, including cannabidiol (CBD) and beta-caryophyllene. The latter compound, in particular, is also a component of Clove Oil, which historically was a remedy to treat tooth pain. Beta-caryophyllene is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This makes it a potential remedy for neuropathic pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Preclinical studies have highlighted how beta-caryophyllene acts on receptors in the nervous system responsible for pain perception. Specifically, it appears to have an affinity for the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Clinical research is still in its preliminary stages, but the results obtained so far are promising. Studies on animals have demonstrated a significant analgesic effect of beta-caryophyllene in conditions of chronic pain. However, further studies on humans are necessary to confirm these results and evaluate the compound’s efficacy in the context of fibromyalgia.
Our supplement
Algistat complex is the TGD food supplement, with an high-concentration Clove Essential Oil with beta-caryophyllene and eugenol, along with DHA. It has shown promising results in our preclinical studies. DHA, belonging to the omega-3 fatty acid class. There are famous for their protective effect on the nervous system. This three-element synergy has proven highly promising, and we are continuing our research journey to offer alternative remedies that can provide valuable support for health.
