Understanding fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition in which the central nervous system processes pain differently. Pain signals are amplified, and people become more sensitive to pressure, touch and sometimes light, noise or temperature. The exact cause is not known. Genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma are all thought to play a part, and it is more commonly diagnosed in women.

Beyond pain, people with fibromyalgia often have fatigue, poor sleep, trouble thinking clearly (often called "fibro fog"), and low mood or anxiety. It often overlaps with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and jaw pain.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom is widespread pain affecting muscles, ligaments and tendons across the body. It can vary in intensity from day to day and often comes with stiffness and tender spots in particular areas.

Other common symptoms include:

• Fatigue that can be overwhelming and doesn't lift with rest
• Sleep problems, including insomnia and sleep that doesn't feel refreshing
• Cognitive symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, memory lapses and slower decision-making
• Mood changes, including depression and anxiety
• Headaches, digestive upset and sensitivity to temperature

Poor sleep and fatigue feed into each other and make pain harder to cope with, which is why sleep is often a focus of treatment.

Is fibromyalgia dangerous?

It is not life-threatening, but it has knock-on effects. Pain and fatigue often mean less activity, which over time can bring weight gain, muscle weakness and a higher risk of heart and circulation problems. Poor sleep slows recovery and makes mood harder to manage. Many people also feel isolated or not believed, so a care team that takes the condition seriously matters.

Can acupuncture and herbs help fibromyalgia?

There is no single treatment. Most people manage it with a mix of medical care, gentle regular exercise, sleep support, stress management and therapies that help them cope with pain. Acupuncture and herbs can be part of that mix.

Acupuncture

In acupuncture, thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points to influence how the nervous system handles pain and to help the body settle. Some research suggests acupuncture may help some people with fibromyalgia with pain, fatigue and sleep quality, though results are mixed and vary from person to person.

Because people with fibromyalgia are often sensitive to touch, Dalibor usually starts gently, with fewer needles and light stimulation, and builds from there based on how you respond.

Herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine may be added to support the pattern behind your symptoms, for example poor sleep, low energy or digestive upset. In TCM, fibromyalgia is often associated with patterns such as Liver qi stagnation and Spleen deficiency. These are traditional patterns, not Western diagnoses. Formulas are chosen for the individual, and because herbs can interact with medications, Dalibor needs to know everything you take.

Sleep and daily habits

We also look at sleep, pacing activity, and gentle movement such as walking, swimming or tai chi. For more on sleep specifically, see our article on acupuncture for insomnia.

What happens at a first visit?

At your first visit Dalibor asks about your diagnosis, where and when you hurt, your sleep, energy, digestion, mood and medications. He does a TCM assessment, including pulse diagnosis, then explains the plan and the cost before treatment. Your first visit is an initial examination ($110, about 60 minutes) followed by your first acupuncture treatment ($120).

Acupuncture with sterile, single-use needles is generally low-risk. Please tell us about any medications and whether you are pregnant. Keep your doctor informed; acupuncture works alongside your medical care.

Next steps

Fibromyalgia needs a patient, step-by-step approach. To read more about how we work, see acupuncture in Mississauga. The clinic is at 1550 Enterprise Rd, about 20 minutes from Etobicoke, with free parking. You can book a first visit online.

Common questions

Will acupuncture make a fibromyalgia flare worse?

People with fibromyalgia can be sensitive to touch, so Dalibor usually starts gently, with fewer needles and light stimulation, and adjusts based on how you respond.

Can I keep my fibromyalgia medication?

Yes. Keep taking what your doctor prescribed. Acupuncture and herbs are used alongside it. Any change to medication should be made with your doctor.

How often would I come in?

Many people start weekly and then space sessions out as they learn what helps. Dalibor reviews this with you after the first few visits.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Acupuncture works alongside the care you get from your family doctor. If your symptoms are new, severe or getting worse, see your doctor first.