– Dr. Conan Shaw, Pittsburgh Nutritionist

Fibromyalgia is the most common name given to a chronic widespread pain syndrome with heightened and painful response to pressure. The pain presentation can be coupled with debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbance, and joint stiffness. Some patients may also report difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder abnormalities, numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction.

To begin peeling back the layers and correcting the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a nutritionist will first look at all of the possibilities that can contribute to such a cumbersome condition. Most patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia have more than one functional problem contributing to the overall symptom presentation. Fortunately, Dr. Shaw specializes in working with the functional changes in your body to correct the cause of the symptoms and remove the presence of a chronic pain syndrome.

In working with a Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist you will hear the word “functional” quite a bit. What we are referring to is that not all problems show up in your blood work, and there may be a more subtle change in your system that is not bad enough to raise the red flags for your medical doctor. Correcting fibromyalgia with nutrition is a perfect example:

There are many sources of challenges to the body that can manifest as fibromyalgia. Unresolved viruses, un-diagnosed Lyme disease, toxic metal syndrome, mineral mal-absorption, underlying fungal infections, depression, mood related disorders, serotonin or dopamine imbalances, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, post traumatic shock, combined chemical sensitivities, functional thyroid problems, mold exposure, seasonal allergies and chronic stress levels are just a few of the potential causes that can combine and contribute to a debilitating pain syndrome. In Pittsburgh, it is amazing how many challenges there are in our immediate environment that can be corrected by working with an experienced Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist.

With all of the possibilities on the table that can contribute to a Fibromyalgia presentation, the patient must understand that the correction of this condition is supported by a long term relationship with your practitioner. Constant changes and modification of the working diagnosis, underlying conditions and treatment plan are the only way to get ahead of the pain presentation. The patient should also be aware that correction is possible.

It is important to note that when your medical history and health related goals are explored, your consultations are held directly with Dr. Shaw, not an untrained individual, a staff member, a questionnaire or a computer program. You will not be signing up for a “program” and paying money up front for services not yet rendered. Your health care journey in our office is unique to your specific needs.

Dr. Shaw looks forward to working with you to identify the source of your chronic pain patterns.