Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Problems

Fibromyalgia is a form of generalized muscular pain and fatigue that affects approximately 3.7 million Americans. The name, Fibromyalgia, means pain in the muscles and the fibrous connective tissues (the ligaments and tendons). Fibromyalgia lacks laboratory abnormalities; instead, the diagnosis depends mostly on a person’s report or complaints and feelings. Pain is the most prominent symptom of Fibromyalgia. It generally occurs throughout the body although it may start in one region, such as the neck and shoulders, and spread to other areas over a period of time.

Most people with Fibromyalgia experience moderate or severe fatigue with a lack of energy, decreased exercise endurance, or the kind of exhaustion that results from the flu or lack of sleep. Sometimes the fatigue is more of a problem that the pain. Headaches, especially muscular (tension headaches) and migraine headaches, are common in Fibromyalgia. Abdominal pain, bloating, alternating constipation, bladder spasms, and irritability may cause urinary urgency or frequency. Your skin and blood circulation can be sensitive to temperature changes, resulting in temporary changes in skin color.

Fibromyalgia is a very complex network of neurological, immune system, hormonal, and inflammatory issues. In a previous issue I discussed the neurological component of Fibromyalgia. In this edition I would like to explore the thyroid’s relationship and its influence as an underlying factor in many cases of fibromyalgia.

There is a considerable amount of scientific evidence that suggest FMS is a condition of abnormally slow metabolism. The clinical features of Fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism are very similar. A number of studies verify that hypothyroidism is the most common underlying disorder. The incidence of hypothyroidism may be as high 5x greater than in the general population.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function
· fatigue
· weight gain
· hair loss
· constipation
· low libido
· cold hands and feet
· depression
· insomnia
· heart palpitations
Clearly, the thyroid must be investigated and managed appropriately when dealing with the fibromyalgia patient. Unfortunately, most of the patients I see taking thyroid replacement hormone still are suffering from many of the symptoms of low thyroid function. In his new book “Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Test Are Normal?” Dr. Datis Kharrazian explains why. This book is highly recommended for anyone suffering from hypothyroidism (or believes that they may be) and the doctors who care for them. There are six basic patterns of thyroid dysfunction identified and only one will respond favorably to hormone replacement therapy (and not all of these). A complete thyroid panel (i.e. more than TSH and T4) is necessary to determine the mechanism of thyroid dysfunction and the appropriate intervention. In our office, we use specific all natural protocols based on Dr. Kharrazian’s seminars and book with great success.

The successful treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive multi faceted approach that looks at ALL the causes and contributing factors. In our office, we incorporate neurologically based therapies, diet, lifestyle, stress management and appropriate supplementation based on specific lab testing to help many chronic conditions.

To discover whether this approach may be right for you please call our office at (814)238-0232 to schedule a comprehensive Case Review.

Breakthrough in Allergy Relief

We are the only office in central Pennsylvania to offer allergy and sensitivity symptom relief using the FDA cleared, U.S. patented Bax 3000. www.allergyfreeyoucanbe.com

This new technology may be the answer to finally eliminating your allergies or other sensitivities. We are proud to introduce the BAX 3000, a fully automated and computerized device that combines principles of Eastern Medicine with a modern day understanding of the nervous system's role in physical wellness.

Utilizing a unique Substance Specific Stress-Reduction Strategy, The BAX 3000 teaches the body to maintain normal function during exposure to environmental (and other) stressors.

THIS IS A UNIQUE, SCIENCE BASED APPROACH TO SYMPTOM ELIMINATION

The effects of stress, and stress relief, on health is not theoretical.as the body of evidence clearly and overwhelmingly demonstrates this link. The BAX 3000 approach to wellness is rooted in these 4 statements, each proven factual by objective, published research:

1) Stress causes or exacerbates most health related conditions.

2) A general reduction of stress levels can significantly decrease symptoms of many conditions.

3) The brain creates associations between stressful events and substances.

4) If these associations can be broken, by introducing a positive stimulus in conjunction with the specific stress inducing substance... symptoms can be eliminated.

To schedule your Allergy Survey and BAX analysis call our office at (814)238-0232.

Gluten Sensitivity and Intolerance

There is an increasing amount of interest and information on the subject of gluten (a protein found in wheat and some other grains) sensitivity and a gluten free lifestyle. With this comes a good deal of misinformation and confusion.

The most well known (but still very poorly diagnosed) and extreme gluten sensitivity is Celiac Disease, a gluten triggered autoimmune attack on the small intestine. Celiac disease is confirmed by a biopsy of the small intestine revealing tissue destruction, but it isn’t that clear cut. Gluten sensitivity can, and does, exist without obvious damage to the intestines. I have actually had patients who suspected they might have gluten sensitivities ask their primary doctor about it only to be dismissed because they didn’t have obvious gastrointestinal symptoms. Celiac and gluten sensitivity can manifest a wide array of non- GI symptoms including: osteoporosis, osteopenia, central and peripheral nervous system disorders, anemias, weight loss or gain, tooth enamel defects, dementia, autism, Aspergers, ADHD, schizophrenia, infertility and early menopause, depression, vitamin K deficiency, dermatitis, organ disorders and fatigue.

There also seems to be some disagreement over which testing method to use to confirm a gluten sensitivity. Many doctors rely on blood testing; however, I feel that stool testing is more sensitive and accurate. Antibodies produced as the result of gluten sensitivity are mainly secreted into the intestine rather than the blood, analyzing stool turns up many more positive tests than blood tests. It is only when the immune reaction has been present for long periods of time and/or the process is far advanced that antibodies are produced in quantities sufficient to leak into the blood.

One thing is for certain, the number of people and with gluten sensitivities is on the rise. Research studies suggest that this is not just due to increased awareness and better screening. Modern wheat is very different from the wheat eaten by our ancestors. As a result of hybridization, wheat today has much higher levels of gluten proteins.

In chronically ill patients, gluten sensitivities must be considered. If indicated, removing wheat from these patients diets can have profound effects on their health. One study using MRI revealed a reversing of plaquing of the brain (as seen in Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis) in wheat sensitive individuals following a year of being wheat free.

Living gluten free is not easy but there is an ever expanding availability of these foods and products. Grocery stores, restaurants, and even amusement parks and major league stadiums are offering gluten free options. There are also some excellent books on the subject that are very helpful making the transition to a gluten free lifestyle.

Join the State College Support Group for their bi-monthly meeting Wednesday August 26th 2009 7:00pm at Mt Nittany Medical Center, Room 3. Share recipes and learn about living gluten free.

Dr Diehl's Recent Radio Interview

Listen to my recent radio interview for Health News in which we discuss our approach to chronic health problems.

http://2ndcousininterviews.s3.amazonaws.com/1-01_Dr_Diehl_Interview.mp3

Please listen and share with others. I hope you enjoy it.

Have a great day

Dr. Diehl

Life Changing Chiropractic Care

A colleaugue of mine also trained by Doctor Michael L Johnson recently posted this amazing Brain Based Therapy success story to youtube. I had to share it with all of you. This is powerful.
Please watch and share with others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGAyTKyBj20

Kids Need Chiropractic

A lot of people know that chiropractic works great for back pain, neck pain and headaches. Most people don't know the benefit infants and children get from gentle, specific chiropractic care. My son Cash has been under chiropractic care since the day he was born and, as a father, I know he has benefitted tremendously. I can't imagine him growing up without it. Cash has never had an ear infection and never taken medication of any kind in his life (There are and there may be times when medications are necessary but overall as a society we are grossly overmedicated). Chiropractic is about restoring and maintaining the integrity of the nervous system. This is crucial during these early years of development.

I take care of many seriously unhealthy people suffering from chronic health problems. It has taken YEARS for their spines, nervous systems and overall function to degrade to this point. I am very grateful for the opportunity to help them but it is also very sad that we wait to this point to make our health a priority. Health is a continuum. Our choices and lifestyle today will have an effect on us and our family for years to come. Chiropractic helps grow healthier children and adults.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is a great technique to address disc problems of the neck and low back, spinal stenosis, failed back surgery and other problems. What makes our approach unique is that we also address the cerebellum (The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain. It controls balance, coordinated movement and the muscles along the spine. If the cerebellum is not firing properly, these muscles will spasm, vertebral joints will lock up and spinal discs will bulge and degenerate.) and core stability and strength using the ATM2. This multi-pronged approach greatly improves our success with chronic neck and back pain sufferers.

To schedule a Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Qualification Consultation please call our office at (814)238-0232.

ATM2 Active Therapeutic Movement

The ATM2 is a great tool for eleminating painful movement patterns, improving posture, increasing range of motion and improving performance. Many professional athletes (especially golfers) like Ernie Els us the ATM2 as part of their training and rehabilation. If you or anyone you know could benefit from the ATM2, please let us know and we'll schedule a free trial.

Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all. I hope that everyone had a nice holiday season and is looking forward to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009.

One of my major goals for 2009 is to do a better job of educating my friends and practice members about their health and well being. I hope to do a lot of writing and speaking this year. So please stay tuned over the coming months. We are going to talk about a number of different health problems that you may not have known we could help you with, as well as the tools and strategies we use to do so.

I look forward to helping each of you reach your health goals this year.