Complex and Chronic Health Concerns

Chronic pain and fatigue are debilitating concerns that can arise from various sources. Among them, Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome) are becoming increasingly prevalent in our society. Those who experience chronic pain and fatigue often find their daily lives severely impacted. If you’ve ever dealt with these symptoms, you know how all-encompassing they can be. They make it challenging to carry out everyday activities, work, and spend quality time with loved ones.

CONCERNS

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Long Covid
Multiple Sclerosis
Lupus
Celiac Disease
Intestinal Bowel Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Naturopathic Approach

Naturopathic Doctors (ND) adhere to the bio-psycho-social model of medicine. This means that, before devising a treatment plan, NDs take into account your biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors. Essentially, NDs offer precision care that is highly individualized based on the best available evidence, the ND’s judgment, the patient’s needs, wants, and environment.

Often, patients with chronic conditions are on a combination of medications. Your ND will conduct a thorough check for drug-herb interactions before making any supplement or botanical recommendations. Additionally, it’s crucial to proceed with caution as this patient population is highly sensitive. It’s important to implement Naturopathic recommendations slowly and carefully.

The initial phase of the plan involves a comprehensive assessment. Our ND will meticulously review your complete health history, past medical history, family history, and diet and lifestyle. By the end of the first visit, you will receive tailored lifestyle modifications, supplement recommendations, and possibly orders for blood work, functional testing, and validated questionnaires.

Testing

Basic Blood Work
Comprehensive Nutrient Testing
Comprehensive Digestive Testing
Specialized Functional Testing
A Widespread Pain Index Questionnaire
And Other Tests Depending On The Patient’s Specific Concerns

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How It Works

Treatments

Dietary Modifications

Environmental Changes

Pacing

Supplements

Botanicals

Stress Reduction

Sleep Optimization

Physical Activity

Collaborative Care

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I always tired and in pain? I was never like this before.

The human body is both resilient and delicate simultaneously. There are many potential causes for these concerns, and thus, a comprehensive intake and potentially lab testing will be necessary to determine the root cause.

How much benefit can I expect to see?

Every individual responds differently to each treatment. This holds true whether you consult a Medical Doctor or a Naturopathic Doctor. Our treatments are based on the best available evidence, which may include clinical trials or anecdotal evidence. After a complete assessment, your ND will provide you with treatment recommendations along with the expected benefits.

What is Pacing?

Pacing offers an alternative to the repeated cycles of pushing and crashing. It involves creating a plan to live your life in a calculated manner. Pacing requires patients to monitor their exertion levels and take necessary breaks to avoid depleting all energy reserves. While it may be challenging, pacing can significantly improve quality of life.

How is Fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Often, other conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, spondyloarthritis, inflammatory myopathy, systemic inflammatory arthropathies, hypothyroidism, and other conditions are ruled out first. A validated questionnaire called the Widespread Pain Index is used in diagnosing fibromyalgia.

What supplements can I take for fatigue and pain?

Fortunately, the natural world offers many options to consider. However, it’s crucial to consult your ND as supplements and botanicals can interact with medications. Additionally, ensuring you take an adequate dose is essential for achieving therapeutic benefits.

Is there a relationship between complex health problems and gut health?

The digestive tract, including the stomach and intestines, plays a pivotal role in regulating systemic inflammation. In our experience, healing the gut can significantly decrease many signs of inflammation, including but not limited to pain and fatigue.

Why do you emphasize lifestyle changes so much?

I firmly believe that lifestyle can be both medicine and poison. Our lifestyles, including diet, stress management, exercise, sleep, and social connectedness, have the power to either heal or worsen our overall health and well-being. These lifestyle pillars form the foundation of wellness. Interestingly, guidelines in conventional medicine also recommend lifestyle changes as the first treatment option.

Do I have to continue seeing you for these concerns forever?

Our goal is to ensure you don’t have to see us indefinitely. If you did, we wouldn’t be doing our job. Initially, your appointments will be more frequent, but they will gradually spread out over time. It usually takes 4-5 appointments to see a significant difference.