THE EFFECTS OF LOW LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY, DIET, EXERCISE AND MEDITATION AS COMBINATION TREATMENT MODALITIES FOR TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA

Objective Fibromyalgia is a systematic, “holistic” disease that impairs those it attacks at virtually all levels, including physically, mentally, and emotional. The goal of this study is to help determine any possible benefits or effects of Low level light therapy [LLLT] in combination with traditional treatments in reducing the widespread pain associated with fibromyalgia as described by the 1990 criteria classification as set by the American College of Rheumatology [ACR]. Fibromyalgia is thereby described as widespread musculoskeletal pain with 11–18 tender points. Other signs and symptoms may include, but not limited to fatigue, morning stiffness, disordered sleep and “fibro fog”. Studies show positive results on the use of LLLT in dental procedures, tendon ruptures and muscle fatigue, resulting in reduced pain. It is also theorized that LLLT helps reduce pain related to musculoskeletal and myofascial pain as it relates to Fibromyalgia. Methods Fifteen participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia via ACR criterion underwent combined treatment that included: Low level laser therapy, an alkaline‐rich diet, evening meditation, and 20 minutes of aerobic and strength exercises daily. Subjects were then administered 20‐minute Low Level Light Therapy sessions for six additional weeks. Each subject had palpatory examinations as described by the 1990 criteria classifications as set by the ACR to determine areas of widespread points of tenderness throughout the study to assist in determining the possible sites and effectiveness of LLLT administration. The palpatory examinations for points of tenderness were conducted before and throughout the sessions of LLLT treatment. Pain analog scales were used to assess the subjects' severity of pain at the start of each session. Diagrams of the 18 tender points as illustrated by the 1990 ACR classification criteria were completed by the participant before, during, and after the LLLT therapy was administered. The participants also consumed an alkaline‐rich diet throughout the study, and the first morning urine pH was reported daily to monitor dietary compliance. Furthermore, the subjects were engaged in exercise program and nightly meditation throughout the study. Results Results of the combined therapy show that the number of affected tender points diminished following LLLT throughout the study regardless of age; pain decreased linearly as time passed during treatment, sleep improved relative to time after time ‐ patients reported sleeping for longer periods of time as their pain intensity index decreased. The results of this study indicated that LLLT may be an effective adjunct to conventional treatments for fibromyalgia. Support or Funding Information Supported by Institutional Resoures of USAT Montserrat and the Einstein Institute, NPB, FL This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .