These Patients May See Improvement with Better Nutrition

Patients with the painful chronic muscular disorder fibromyalgia may soon get some relief if the findings of a new study are put to good use. Fibromyalgia is categorized by pain and tenderness in the body; the condition can even appear in conjunction with secondary conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and migraine headaches.

The new study, titled "Fibromyalgia and Nutrition: Therapeutic Possibilities," was recently published in the journal Biomed Pharmacother and linked adapting good nutrition habits to improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms.

The study found that patients who increased their intake of vitamins, minerals and amino acids such as magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin D and selenium noticed reduced fibromyalgia pain. Researchers surmise this connection is due to the connection between the body’s metabolism and muscle function. Dr. Alexandra George is a neuromuscular dentist in Wexford, Pennsylvania. She treats many patients with TMJ disorder. She says fibromyalgia and TMJ disorder often go hand in hand.

"You do see some patients with both fibromyalgia and TMJ disorder," says George. "So I’m hopeful that suggesting upping the intake of foods with these vitamins can help all TMJ disorder patients."

Both George and the study caution, however, that taking the wrong vitamins and minerals can often be dangerous to fibromyalgia patients, because some vitamins have been found to cause musculoskeletal pain.

"It's important to speak to your doctor before taking any new vitamin supplements or drastically changing your diet," George says. "It’s especially important because taking too much or taking the wrong supplements could make your symptoms worse instead of better."