Fibromyalgia Medicine Information

Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain condition that affects 3.3% of the Canadian population. It is difficult to treat as there is no one "magic bullet" like using penicillin for infections. Successful management identifies and addresses the 4 key root causes: Structural - Biochemical - Psychoemotional - Neurological. Emerging effective therapies in each area include STRUCTURAL treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma prolotherapy for weakened ligaments, Botox for muscle imbalances. BIOCHEMICAL optimization through Functional Medicine (correcting nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and enhancing detoxification) and Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapies (including growth hormone). PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL mood, cognitive improvement with EEG biofeedback (neurotherapy), cognitive-behavioral therapy, spiritual counselling. Neuropathic pain (NEUROLOGICAL) control with IMS acupuncture, neuropathic pain medications (pregabalin, duloxetine, tramadol, pharmaceutical cannabinoids such as nabilone, sativex spray) . To do this, an interdisciplinary team approach is required ... combining the best of conventional medicine with science-based complementary therapies. See Dec 2011 newslink on low back pain treatment: LowBackPainNews

For Dr. Ko's Women's Hospital grand medical rounds lecture on pharmaceutical cannabinoids for pain (given on Oct 20 2010), see webcast link to http://alex2.sunnybrook.ca/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=f759b104ae744933a068878203bd6135

** Effective March 2012, Consultations for FMS/ CFS with Dr. Ko will only be booked at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.  Tel: 416 480-4685. Fax: 416 480-6885.  These OHIP consults will require signed MD referral (to include previous investigations and consultation reports), updated labwork along with completion of a patient questionnaire.