When a disease is idiopathic or has no definite cause, treatment is very difficult. The symptoms may be varied and these can be very confusing. One such condition is neurofibromyalgia. If you are diagnosed with neurofibromyalgia, you must go to a doctor who is capable and willing to help you with your symptoms. You could go straight to a neurologist for proper treatment.

There are numerous theories as to what really causes neurofibromyalgia. This is why so many medical professionals, researchers, and symptom specialists work hand-in-hand to boil everything down to the real cause. Neurofibromyalgia is still vaguely understood but here are some of the facts that you could discuss with your doctor:

1. Causes

With the tireless efforts of those in the science, health, and medical fields, some causes of neurofibromyalgia were established: stress, depression, insomnia, high toxicity, deficiencies, abnormal serotonin levels, and dopamine disorders. In fighting stress, you need enough levels of cortisol. When neurofibromyalgia strikes you, your cortisol levels are very low, that is why people with this condition experience sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety. Long-term depression brings about neurofibromyalgia as well. Insomnia sets in when the patient has chronic fatigue. As you know, the body has to recuperate for the next day’s activities but if you cannot do this, your body is bound to be sore. Melatonin is produced by serotonin and if you have neurofibromyalgia, your body doesn’t have the ability to get enough rest. High levels of toxins are present in the food that a person ingests. Some of the food items with the highest levels of toxicity are meat and milk. Nutrient deficiencies also cause neurofibromyalgia. If you lack melatonin, serotonin, magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium, you are bound to have this condition. When your serotonin levels are abnormal, your cognition and sleep won’t be regulated, leading to neurofibromyalgia. Dopamine disorder or dysfunction is a condition wherein the brain loses its basic functioning like body movement and coordination. If you have low dopamine levels, you will have generalized body pain, stiffness, tremors, difficulty of moving, and impaired cognition.

2. Relation to stress

Stress is associated with neurofibromyalgia. It is a fact that everyday, you would have to deal with stress and manage it. If  you do this well, you will be able to maintain your good health. When you have neurofibromyalgia and experience stress, then the more your symptoms manifest. You should curb your stress levels to deal with neurofibromyalgia much better. You have to learn how to eliminate stress in your life. Some of the ways to do this are getting things done the simple way; having a schedule and sticking to it; avoiding people and situations that stress you out; surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good; not changing things that you know you can’t do anything about; getting rid of negative emotions; talking to people about your problems or venting out; and solving dilemmas calmly. Neurofibromyalgia is not the only condition that springs out when you can’t handle the stress. But if you are already diagnosed with this disease, then you should learn how to eliminate stress in your life.

3. Trigger points

There are several trigger points that bring about neurofibromyalgia. These are parts of your body where you experience pain whenever pressure is applied on them. They are very difficult to locate but a theory says that the lack of oxygen in that particular area of the body brings about pain. This is why many doctors prescribe antioxidants for the patient. One of the best ways to treat the trigger points is with mangosteen, which is rich in xanthones (a powerful anti-oxidant. You could either have it in puree or juice form. Acupuncture accompanied by massage is another way of treating the trigger points of neurofibromyalgia. This should be done with regular exercise, supplementation, and a healthy diet.

4. Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of neurofibromyalgia are generalized body pain, headaches, fatigue, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and pain during menstruation. You could conquer or manage the pain by getting enough sleep, cognitive therapy, eating more green vegetables, massage, yoga, regular exercise, relaxing, managing stress, and meditation.

Neurofibromyalgia can be treated correctly if the proper treatment plan is executed correctly. This is one condition that you can prevent or control. Just make sure that you cooperate well with your doctor. Take every step seriously and be persistent with really changing your type of lifestyle. No matter how intense the medications are, if you don’t support them with proper diet and exercise, then recovery will be slow.