Dr. Christopher H. Roberts is a Fibromyalgia doctor based in Joplin, Missouri who takes a holistic functional medicine approach to preventing and treating complex chronic conditions. To learn more about our clinic or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online, in person or by calling 417-622-0911. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fibromyalgia, aka fibrositis or fibro, is a disorder mainly affecting women and is comprised of a cluster of symptoms. It closely mimics chronic inflammation, including widespread chronic body pain, fatigue, and neuropathy - a tingling or burning sensation. It is also known to result in gastrointestinal (GI) and cognitive dysfunction, and disrupt mood and sleep-wake cycles to name a few. Needless to say, fibromyalgia can be overwhelming for those living with it. Many who live with the condition frequently find themselves pulling away from activities that bring enjoyment, not because they want to, but because they aren't able to tolerate the stimulation. Small things such as temperature changes, or feeling bedsheets brush against the skin can take an OK day to a bad one in the blink of an eye. These hypersensitivity episodes can leave one questioning, "is there something else going on?"

Possible triggers for fibromyalgia include a history of surgery, infection, physical or emotional trauma, and of course, the catchall, genetics. That said, there may be more to fibromyalgia than being born with a pair of X chromosomes, unlucky medical history and questionable genetics that can't be outrun, especially when considering fibromyalgia symptoms are so similar to chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is known to be responsible for many conditions, ranging from diabetes and heart disease (light bulb-genetic link!) to inflammatory bowel syndrome. Chronic inflammation also results in longstanding body pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, GI complications, and weight challenges. By now, you're likely having an "aha!" moment. You guessed it; fibromyalgia is an inflammatory condition! So, what now?

Getting to the Root Cause:
Functional medicine can support those living with fibromyalgia by addressing and treating inflammation trigger(s) versus masking symptoms with traditional medications that may lead to one feeling even more blah. A condition known as leaky gut is the number one usual suspect for systemic inflammation and the reason most people with chronic inflammation conditions struggle with feeling well.

The functional medicine approach to fibromyalgia is to correct widespread inflammation by addressing poor nutrition and nutritional deficiencies. By employing a low fat, low glycemic diet, and introducing high fiber, flavonoids, and micro and heart-protective nutrients, systemic inflammation can decrease dramatically. When inflammation leaves the body, symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are markedly reduced, and depending on the severity of one's condition, symptoms may resolve altogether. Additionally, a boost in overall health is also experienced, given the various bio-systems inflammation impacts.

Dr. Roberts will determine the best treatment plan to help treat your fibromyalgia, and, more importantly, address its root cause. Contact our Joplin Fibromyalgia clinic today to begin the healing process!