Originally published October 3 2014
Osteomalacia and hypothyroid myopathy are often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia
by Kali Sinclair
(NaturalNews) Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease affecting around 5 million Americans. The two primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are muscle pain and fatigue. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances, "brain fog," irritability, and anxiety or depression. Nearly one third of those suffering from fibromyalgia suffer from depression.
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made through symptoms alone; there is no lab test to confirm or deny the diagnosis. Doctors treat the disease with medications and recommend mild exercise, a good diet, and stress reduction.
If you have been diagnosed with this disease and thorough lab work was not completed, there is a possibility that you have been misdiagnosed. You may have osteomalacia or hypothyroidism.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. The body is unable to "...deposit calcium into the collagen jello-like matrix in the bone. As a result, the covering on the bone which contains pain sensing nerves is easily deformed resulting in throbbing aching bone pain. Patients with osteomalacia often complain of achiness in their muscles and bones. These non-specific aches and pains in the bones and muscles are often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome," writes Dr. Michael Holick, one of the world's foremost authorities on vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight and/or vitamin D supplementation quickly resolves the symptoms.
It is difficult for many Americans to get enough exposure to sunlight if they live in the northern half of the country. In addition, many of us work inside all day and do not spend any significant time in the sun. If this is the case, Vitamin D supplementation is essential. Depression is often alleviated through vitamin D therapy, either through light boxes or supplementation, so a diagnosis of fibromyalgia with depression may be an indicator of a vitamin D deficiency. If you do not have ostemalacia, you still may benefit from vitamin D supplements because vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, and fibromyalgia is an auto-immune disease ( the immune system is not functioning correctly). (Consider B complex and magnesium as well).
Hypothyroid myopathy
Hypothyroid myopathy can also cause severe joint and muscle pain that may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia if thyroid tests were not performed. An easy home test involves taking your temperature as soon as you wake in the morning for 3-5 days. Before you get out of bed, eat, or drink anything, take your temperature. If you are going to use a mercury thermometer, shake it down the night before. You want to move as little as possible because movement heats up the body. If your temperature was less than 97 three days in a row, there is no need to continue checking it. If it averages 97.6 or less for 5 days, or 97 for 3 days, this is an indicator for testing and treatment. Naturopathic supplements are available for hypothyroidism if you choose to avoid pharmaceuticals.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease--a painful debilitating disease. Though there are many dietary and lifestyle changes that may be incorporated into your arsenal to regain your health, first make sure your diagnosis is accurate. Regardless of which "disease" you are dealing with, be sure you are not deficient in vitamin D. Eat a healthy diet without additives, flavoring, preservatives or artificial colors. Never ingest GMOs. Make sure 80% of your diet consists of fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of pure water (preferably spring water). Get your lymph moving. Lower your stress, and get good rest. There are many paths you can take to heal the body. All of them start with excellent nutrition.
If you would like to find out more about Vitamin D, see the first source. Check out the second source for natural remedies for fibromyalgia. And for more on the thyroid see, Thyroid Disease Epidemic - How is Yours Doing?
Sources:
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com
http://www.healingthebody.ca
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_D
http://truthwiki.org/B_vitamins
About the author:
Allene Edwards first became interested in alternative medicine and holistic treatment modalities when she successfully used diet therapy to manage her children�s ADHD. Later when she became chronically ill with an auto-immune disease that multiple doctors could not identify, much less cure, she successfully treated both the symptoms and the cause through naturopathic treatment and nutrition. She is the Managing Editor of Organic Lifestyle Magzine and a regular contributor.
Allene Edwards first became interested in alternative medicine and holistic treatment modalities when she successfully used diet therapy to manage her children�s ADHD. Later when she became chronically ill with an auto-immune disease that multiple doctors could not identify, much less cure, she successfully treated both the symptoms and the cause through naturopathic treatment and nutrition. She is the Managing Editor of Organic Lifestyle Magzine and a regular contributor.
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