Q: I had fibromyalgia syndrome (FS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and irritable bowel disease (IBD) for 12 years and suffered more than anyone should. My cure was getting an infected root canal fixed by a dentist that knew what an infection like mine can do to a person’s health.
One day after getting the dental work done, the pain started going away. After five days, I could run five miles with no pain at all.
The sad part is that everyone else with fibromyalgia could be cured just like me if they had the proper dental care. Dentists are prone to leaving infections going on in a person’s mouth since no one is telling them what harm they are doing. If you could take five people with fibromyalgia to a knowledgeable dentist, I know all five would be cured and you would be a hero to the world.
A: Fibromyalgia is defined as pain and tenderness of a person’s joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. Pain can vary in intensity from a deep ache to something more extreme. The condition has been linked with chronic fatigue, depression, memory problems, paresthesias of the extremities, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. The exact cause remains somewhat elusive but there are known stressors such as physical or emotional trauma or infections, that may trigger fibromyalgia. It is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50.
Symptoms are defined by soft tissue tender points in the back of the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, hips, elbows, knees, and virtually every area of the body. The pain may exacerbate with movement or exercise. In order for an individual to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, he or she must have a history of at least three months of pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific areas located on the neck, shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back, buttocks, thighs, arms, and knees.
Diagnosis is often made by exclusion of other possible conditions with similar symptoms since there is no laboratory or X-ray testing to confirm or rule it out. Because it may dovetail with other medical issues, it may even be necessary for a patient to see more than one physician in order to achieve the correct diagnosis.
Treatment is geared toward reducing the level of pain and other symptoms present. It may begin with physical therapy, an appropriate exercise program, and learning methods of stress relief. Some individuals might even be helped by chiropractic manipulation, Tai Chi, learning better sleep techniques, reducing the amount of caffeine in one’s diet, eliminating foods and drinks with high fructose corn syrup, and more. When these maneuvers fail, a physician might even choose to order a muscle relaxant, sleep aid, or antidepressant.
Now, on to infection. Bacteria can be harbored in the soft tissue around our teeth and it is well known that bad teeth can cause infection to spread throughout the body. When that bacteria is released into the bloodstream during such procedures as a root canal or cleaning, the immune system becomes stimulated sufficiently to cause the discomfort and stress factor that follow. For example, our upper molars are close to our sinuses and routinely cause problems in that area. A simple way around this may be to prescribe antibiotics prior to the procedure in an attempt to control the bacteria present, however this isn’t always done for a variety of reasons. While unconfirmed, more people than I care to count have complained of fibromyalgia-like pain because of dental issues. When the dental problems are under control, the pain virtually ceases. That’s difficult to deny. However, I have not found research that has described this direct link between chronic dental disease and subsequent dental treatment with improvement of fibromyalgia. While proper dental hygiene is vital, including treatment of oral infections, I don’t feel that these are the sole cause of fibromyalgia and therefore, cannot say this will work for all sufferers.
So, thank you for your words of wisdom. Hopefully your letter will help many others.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Fibromyalgia” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Gott’s Medical Report, PO box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
