Complex Chronic Conditions Q & A

 

What are Chronic complex conditions?

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Chronic complex conditions — such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, mold-related illness, and chronic Lyme — are typically challenging because they can be hard to diagnose and hard to treat.

 

The diagnosis is often one of exclusion, meaning that nothing else has been found. The treatment usually involves just treating the symptoms.

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The Functional Medicine doctors at Five Stones look for the causes of these types of conditions, and can then determine the best individualized, integrative treatment approach to correct the underlying imbalances. That usually involves using a variety of therapies, including medications, nutritional supplements, lifestyle treatments, and stress management techniques.

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What is fibromyalgia?

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder associated with widespread muscle pain and areas of tenderness. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be debilitating and include:

• Extreme chronic fatigue

• Anxiety

• Headaches

• Depression

• Tender points

• Poor sleep quality

• An inability to focus
   

There are many theories as to the cause of fibromyalgia, and there are particular treatment programs that have been shown to reduce the symptoms significantly. There are factors thought to contribute to the development of this condition, including:

• Trauma

• Genetics

• Infections

• Stress

• Nutritional Deficiencies
   

Fibromyalgia is often a component of other conditions, and an integrative approach can help alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition.

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What is irritable bowel syndrome?

 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by altered bowel function, typically with either constipation or diarrhea. The symptoms can include:

• Bloating and gas

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Cramping and abdominal pain
   

IBS is often manageable with lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, supplementation, and stress management. There are a variety of causes of IBS, and some of the contributing factors can include:

 

• Infections

• Inflammation of the intestines

• Intestinal muscle contractions

• Changes in the gut bacteria, or microflora
   

Certain food, stress, and hormones can also play a role in exacerbating your IBS symptoms or inducing a flare.

The health professionals at the Five Stones Healing Arts & Wellness Center provide a range of treatments for chronic complex conditions. Call the office today.