John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

This week we continue to discuss problems affecting muscles. Last week we discussed the side effects from statin medications and today focus on Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Fibromyalgia. Both PRR and FM are autoimmune diseases that result in muscle pain – but that where the similarities stop.

PMR mostly affects those over 60 and the most common symptoms are stiffness and pain, especially around the neck and shoulders. The stiffness and pain is generally worse in the morning. A complication with PMR can be statin therapy. Last week we saw that statins can cause muscle pain and general fatigue – and this can exacerbate or mimic PMR. This is why I always add high dose CoQ10 to anyone with PMR who is on statins.

The major medical therapy for PMR is the corticosteroid prednisone. The initial effects of this are very rapid with most people describing the effects as miraculous. Nutritional therapy is designed to complement the effects of the prednisone by helping reduce immune system-generated inflammatory chemicals. We add a wide range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds to assist energy production and to lower inflammation. Most people notice the benefits of this therapy within a few months which can help people to reduce medications more quickly. A nasty feature of PMR is the often crushing fatigue – and an increase in energy is often the first benefit people feel.

FM is a lot more complex. There are relatively few medical treatments but the most common are tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, taken in the evening to treat both pain and insomnia. FM is more difficult to treat with nutritional therapy because it is not a simple inflammatory problem. I have found that intensive multi-antioxidant therapy including CoQ10, OPC, Resveratrol and many others can really help. I always add broad spectrum vitamin and minerals, and high doses of MSM and magnesium, before bed to help with muscle function. Curiously, as with PMR, those with FM often notice an improvement in energy before any reduction in pain.

If you have persistent muscle pain it is really important to go to your doctor for a proper diagnosis. If either PMR or FM or some other muscle disease is diagnosed you can take comfort that nutritional therapy can be very effective. Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John phone 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz