Treating Fibromyalgia with Omega 3 Supplements;

Fibromyalgia is a nonspecific disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Although fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatologic disorder, relatively little is known about the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia ,  a disorder of widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue and its diagnosis is generally one of exclusion as there are no laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are often chronic and fluctuate in severity. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made by clinical observations and typical diagnostic criteria which include:

A) Pain of at least three months in duration

B) Pain in the upper and lower, and right and left sides of the body and

C) Pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points (see diagram for the location of the nine paired tender points that comprise the 1990 American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia). 

Other characteristic features of fibromyalgia include: fatigue, stiffness, parathesias, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, Raynaud’s like symptoms, depression, and anxiety.

The initial management of fibromyalgia includes education about symptoms, low impact exercise, physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Physicians often recommend that fibromyalgia patients should maintain a healthy diet low in fat and high in fiber, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, fish and vegetables.  

Medications such as antidepressants and anti-inflammatory agents can be helpful for those individuals who do not respond to non-pharmacologic interventions. However, if medications are employed it is important to avoid medications with side effects that may worsen the fibromyalgia symptoms (such as sedation, weight gain, and so on).

Alternative treatments are often utilized in fibromyalgia given their ease of tolerability and potential benefit in underlying symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that diets high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids may be of particular benefit to those suffering from fibromyalgia. 

In fact, recent research suggests individuals with fibromyalgia are under increased oxidative stress and antioxidants, such as omega-3 fish oils, may be useful in the treatment of this disorder.  Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be competitive inhibitors of cylooxygenase and ameliorate the effects of oxygen free radical attack on the polyunsaturated components of cellular membranes. 

In addition, decreased concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids have been correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. In one open, non-controlled, non-blinded study, 12 fibromyalgia patients were given 4.5 g of fish oil daily for 4 weeks the results showed marked improvement in pain, fatigue, depression, and tender point counts.

Omega-3 fatty acids, haves been clinically proven shown to relieve pain from other musculoskeletal disorders and therefore, may hold promise as a helpful treatment for fibromyalgia as well.  Omega 3 has been shown in placebo-controlled clinical trials to reduce the number of tender joints, reduce joint pain, and reduce morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  These life-improving benefits were accomplished with far fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and celecoxib (Celebrex).

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fat that the body obtains from food.  Omega 3's are known as essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are important and necessary for good health.  These healthy fatty acids can be found in certain fish, dark green leafy vegetables, and some oils. Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reduce blood pressure. Omega 3's may also reduce the risks and symptoms of diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, some cancers, and mental decline.