Fibromyalgia is a disease in the musculoskeletal system characterized by intense muscular pain that is accompanied by mood swings, memory issues, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Furthermore, it heavily affects the way the brain processes pain signals. The disorder often begins after a trauma in the head region takes place, severe emotional stress, or a neurological infection. Other incidents such as physical trauma and surgery can also trigger this ailment.
Fibromyalgia Primary Symptoms
- Dryness in eyes and mouth
- Irritable bowel movements
- Headaches
- Depression and anxiety
- Inflammation of hands and feet
- Rigidity
- Permanent pain that gets worse as the weather changes
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment
According to several studies, women between the ages of 20 to 60 have higher chances of acquiring this disease than men. Most of these patients do not know that they have fibromyalgia as it does not have distinct symptoms. If left untreated, symptoms may get worse and may cause more cognitive impairments.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that can directly explain fibromyalgia. Some experts do not even consider it a real disorder. Moreover, it is difficult to diagnose through laboratory examinations, x-rays, or blood tests. It requires a pure clinical examination in order to identify whether the symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia or not.
As of now, there is no known treatment for fibromyalgia. However, there are several ways in alleviating the pain brought about by the symptoms. These include engaging in aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening techniques, and flexibility exercises.
How Hyperbaric Chambers Can Help in Treating Fibromyalgia
Hyperbaric Chambers are a non-invasive therapy treatment that can help in easing the pain and minimizing the symptoms brought about by fibromyalgia. During Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, the patient is placed in an oxygen-pressurized chamber for about an hour. The chamber has high levels of oxygen maintained in pressure higher than the normal atmospheric pressure.
Since being exposed to high levels of oxygen promotes healthy blood circulation, hyperbaric chamber therapy is proven to be effective in treating muscle inflammation and pain. Furthermore, it is non-invasive so it does not obstruct any other parts of the patient’s system since they are not given any type of drug.
Several studies have shown significant results in the effectiveness of hyperbaric chambers in minimizing the pain experienced by fibromyalgia patients. Through this therapy, it can minimize a pain point of 17.5 to 5 in cases where the patient’s body has reacted positively to the treatment. This result is achieved after the first session, but it becomes more evident after the 15th session.
Hyperbaric oxygen minimizes inflammation in a more effective way than the anti-inflammatory effects of exercising. Thus, hyperbaric therapy for fibromyalgia treatment is a highly recommended treatment option.