Neuromodulation and Electro Dry Needling Therapy for Fibromyalgia

For decades, fibromyalgia has been a mystery disease for which scientists were unable to identify the root cause. But in recent years, research has given us greater understanding of the condition and its origins. We now know that fibromyalgia is a neuromuscular disorder caused by hyper-sensitized nerves that increase the excitability of central neurons and suppress mechanisms that inhibit pain.

In many cases, chronic pain prevents fibromyalgia patients from participating in common everyday activities, leading to socio-psycho repercussions that diminish their quality of life. Now, new therapeutic approaches and advanced technologies give fresh hope to fibromyalgia sufferers.

Learn about two new technologies, electro dry needling and neuromodulation, and how they are changing the game in fibromyalgia treatment and transforming the lives of fibromyalgia patients.

A Few Facts about Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a noninflammatory pain disorder characterized by chronic widespread muscle pain, fatigue, intestinal disorders, mood swings and disrupted sleep. The condition is thought to be caused by central hyper-sensitization in the locomotor system, affecting neural circuits that govern the perception, transmission and processing of pain.

Research on fibromyalgia has revealed several common threads in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder:

• Fibromyalgia is more prevalent in women than in men by a ratio of 9:1, according to data published by the National Library of Medicine.
• According to a study by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), women with fibromyalgia are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, while men with the same symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed with a medical condition.
• Fibromyalgia patients tend to be overweight or obese, with female patients having a significantly higher BMI than males, and reporting more widespread pain.
• One study of 22,568 fibromyalgia patients found that male fibromyalgia patients had a significantly greater number of comorbidities compared to female patients.
• Female patients are more likely to be prescribed steroids, antidepressants, anxiolytics and barbiturates to treat fibromyalgia symptoms, while males are more likely to be prescribed gabapentin, a drug that treats neurological disorders like seizures and restless leg syndrome, and nerve pain from shingles.

Despite the differences in prevalence, diagnosis and treatment approaches between male and female patients, both men and women suffer from fibromyalgia and can benefit from alternative therapies.

Electro Dry Needling for Fibromyalgia

The capacity of muscle fibers to contract and relax is governed by electrical signals transmitted from the central nervous system to motor neurons. However, when over-stressed, fibers within a motor unit can become “stuck” in contractile mode, creating painful trigger points that interfere with movement.

Dry needling is a procedure where thin non-medicated monofilament needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points. The needles stimulate a twitch response within the tightly contracted fibers, causing them to relax and immediately relieving pain. When performed under ultrasound guidance, dry needling becomes more accurate and effective, eliminating guesswork and reducing patient discomfort.

Electro stimulation via dry needling takes the procedure one step further by attaching the needles to an electrical stimulation system. A pulse of electricity is then delivered to the trigger points through the needles, enhancing the twitch response, relieving pain and restoring the muscle fibers to their normal length and function.

A recent meta-analysis of fibromyalgia patients found dry needling to be effective in reducing pain perception and fatigue, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life in terms of physical, mental and emotional health.

Research on fibromyalgia has revealed several common threads in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder:

• Reduced pain
• Improved mobility
• Reduced fatigue
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved quality of life

Neuromodulation for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia patients often report pain symptoms that do not correlate with diagnostic results. This is due to a disconnect between the brain and the body, caused by a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Neuromodulation is a new type of therapy that uses the body’s own electrical pathways to manipulate the autonomic nervous system and restore functional neural pathways.
Neuromodulation works by delivering patented intelligent microcurrents through low impedance areas of the body.

During neuromodulation therapy, a biphasic low frequency current is introduced into the patient’s electrical circuit in a series of intermittent and cyclical stimuli, via semi-electrodes attached at the distal nerve endings of the hands and feet. The electrical stimulus travels through the patient’s autonomic neural pathways, calming over-sensitized nerves and restoring optimal neural signaling to the brain.

Patients can expect to see a dramatic reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms after a neuromodulation session. Frequent ongoing sessions can help to manage fibromyalgia and mitigate symptoms, so patients can engage in normal activities that enhance their quality of life.

Get Neuromodulation and Electro Dry Needling for Fibromyalgia in NYC

For most fibromyalgia patients, managing the condition is a lifelong battle. Side effects from medications can further diminish your health, creating a downward spiral of failed interventions. By contrast, regular treatment using advanced technologies and alternative therapies can dramatically reduce your symptoms, giving you a new lease on life as you enjoy your favorite activities with family and friends.

At NYDNRehab, our holistic and personalized approach to patient care sets us apart from run-of-the-mill treatment centers. Our advanced technologies are rarely found in private clinics, and our staff’s expertise and credentials in alternative therapeutic methods is second to none.

If you are sick and tired of living with fibromyalgia symptoms, contact NYDNRehab today, and see what a difference advanced fibromyalgia treatment makes in your overall quality of life.