Oxygen Therapy May Help Reduce Fibro Pain

Burning pain, pins and needles like a tingling sensation like someone is hitting you repeatedly with a meat mallet. These are the descriptions of fibromyalgia symptoms. While living with fibromyalgia can be stressful, oxygen therapy can be a long-term solution for even the most severe cases of fibromyalgia.

Recent research points to some promising new treatments. Several studies show that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reduce fibromyalgia pain. That’s good news for the nearly 4 million adults in the United States who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Doctors know what causes fibro to appear (mental stress, infection, physical injury, surgery). But they are still trying to determine what causes the disease to persist and why some people are more likely to suffer from fibrosis than others.

Scientists know that women are more affected by fibro than men. They also know that if you are not lucky enough to struggle with fibro, you can experience anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

There is currently no definitive test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, doctors usually determine the condition based on your symptoms, physical exam, and other factors that may make you more susceptible to the disease.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia. Several medications are approved to treat the condition. You can use over-the-counter antibiotics to help control the condition. If you want an alternative to fibro treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be worth trying.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is nothing new. It was first used in 1660 when English physician Nathaniel Henshaw suggested that the device could cure a variety of ailments, from respiratory diseases to digestive problems, by ventilating the air in a small room. By the 19th century, hyperbaric chambers became popular among the Parisian elite, who believed that compressed air could improve circulation, reduce pain, and improve overall health. However, it was not until the 20th century that oxygen therapy became more widespread and accepted for many conditions, including fibrosis.

You can receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in select hospitals and clinics in the United States that specialize in pain management. No matter where you seek treatment, you can expect to be treated in one of two types of hyperbaric chambers. The first option is a chamber designed just for you. Another option is to create a chamber that can treat many people at once. The treatment effects of both methods are the same.

Most hyperbaric oxygen treatments last about two hours. You may need several treatments to relieve your pain. Your medical team can decide on a treatment plan that fits your individual needs.

During the treatment, you will be exposed to pressures two to three times atmospheric pressure. The extra altitude may make your ears feel like they want to “pop.” Some people feel absolutely nothing during the treatment and may fall asleep for part or all of the session.

How does oxygen therapy help with fibro?

Researchers are still investigating the effects of hyperbaric chamber therapy on fibromyalgia. It works by increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain and tissues to facilitate healing. Fibromyalgia doesn’t directly affect your joints or muscles. But it can affect how your nerves interpret pain and send disturbing signals to your brain.

If your fibro symptoms are caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI), HBOT will often relieve your symptoms. Researchers from Assaf Harofi Medical Center and Tel Aviv University’s Sagor Hyperbaric Medicine and Research Center made discoveries in studies of these patients. They learned that HBOT induces neuroplasticity, which helps restore normal brain function in fiber optic nerve patients.

Do you need a prescription for oxygen therapy?

Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, you can only receive treatment with a valid prescription from your doctor. Similarly, only medical-grade facilities can deliver medication.

Shouldn’t some people use oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers can provide good results, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands. It is important to only receive this treatment from a certified center so that you can monitor for side effects during treatment. Warning signs your body may send that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be good for you include:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Muscle twitching (face and hands).
• Nausea
• Throat irritation
  Additionally, certain illnesses and other conditions prevent some people from receiving proper treatment in an oxygen chamber. It’s best to avoid HBOT if you have lung disease or have had recent ear surgery or an injury.

How much does hyperbaric oxygen therapy cost?

Most insurance companies won’t pay for oxygen therapy for fibromyalgia because it isn’t FDA-approved to treat the condition. The FDA has only approved hyperbaric chamber therapy for 14 conditions.

The amount you’ll pay out of pocket depends on the number of treatments you need and where you get them. Some cases require 30 to 60 sessions, costing thousands of dollars total.

How long can you stay in the oxygen chamber?

The length of time you stay in the oxygen chamber depends on your individual treatment plan. Some people may need only 5 minutes, while others may need two hours. The time you receive HBOT depends on the reason you are receiving treatment.

HBOT is the recommended treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning because it can reverse the damage carbon monoxide causes to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. A patient may need three simultaneous treatment sessions within a 24-hour period for their condition to be effectively treated.

People with fibromyalgia may need 20 90-minute sessions over three weeks to get relief from symptoms. HBOT maintenance classes are often offered to help patients manage treatment.

What else can you do to relieve fibro pain?

If your fibro pain is manifesting as muscle pain, some remedies may help. Premiere’s Pain Relief Spray provides powerful, temporary relief. The natural ingredients can be used up to four times a day for long-term relief.

Sometimes fibroids can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, which can lead to headaches. Headache ReLeaf Roll-On works instantly by rubbing it on the bridge of your nose, forehead or temples. It’s safe to reapply as often as needed.