Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. For those affected, daily life can be a challenge, prompting a search for effective management strategies. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a topic of interest, with research exploring its potential to relieve the persistent symptoms of this disorder. This has led many to question what the treatment involves and whether it could offer an improvement in their quality of life.
Defining Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. The patient is placed inside a specially designed chamber where the air pressure is increased to a level higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This combination of pressure and high oxygen concentration allows the lungs to gather significantly more oxygen than is possible under normal conditions. This oxygen-rich blood is then circulated throughout the body, reaching tissues and organs more effectively.
This therapy has well-established applications in the medical field. It is a standard treatment for decompression sickness, a hazard of scuba diving, and for carbon monoxide poisoning. HBOT is also routinely used to treat non-healing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation-damaged tissues. In these cases, the elevated oxygen levels help to fight infection, reduce swelling, and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, promoting the body’s natural healing processes. Therapy is administered in either a monoplace chamber for a single person or a multiplace chamber that can accommodate several patients at once.
How HBOT May Alleviate Fibromyalgia
The interest in HBOT for fibromyalgia stems from theories about the condition’s underlying causes. One theory suggests that fibromyalgia involves abnormal brain activity in the regions that process pain, and it is thought that HBOT may help correct these abnormalities. Brain imaging studies have shown that after a course of HBOT, there can be a reduction in the hyperactivity seen in pain-processing areas and an increase in activity in pathways that inhibit pain signals.
This process is linked to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. The increased oxygen delivered during HBOT is believed to stimulate these changes, helping to restore more normal brain function.
Another proposed mechanism involves addressing a state of hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, in certain body tissues. By saturating the body with oxygen, HBOT may improve cellular function and energy production, potentially easing widespread pain and fatigue. The therapy may also influence inflammatory processes, as HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects that could reduce chronic discomfort. It is also thought to stimulate the production of collagen and the formation of new blood vessels, which can aid in tissue repair.
The Fibromyalgia HBOT Regimen
A treatment course for fibromyalgia involves a series of sessions administered over several weeks. Patients attend sessions five days a week, with the total number of treatments often ranging from 40 to 60, depending on the individual’s response. Each session lasts for about 90 minutes. This structured regimen is designed to maximize the physiological effects of the increased oxygen.
Inside the chamber, the pressure is increased to between 2.0 and 2.5 times normal atmospheric pressure. During the treatment, the patient breathes 100% oxygen through a mask or a hood system. The experience inside the chamber is passive; patients can rest, listen to music, or watch movies. The main physical sensation is a feeling of fullness in the ears as the pressure changes, which can be managed by swallowing or yawning.
Scientific Evidence for HBOT in Fibromyalgia
Clinical studies have provided evidence that HBOT can lead to improvements in a wide range of fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies have reported reductions in pain scores, a decrease in the number of tender points, and improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, and cognitive function. One notable study showed that two out of five participants who received HBOT no longer met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia after the treatment course. In the same study, the improvement in pain threshold tests was higher in the HBOT group compared to a group receiving standard pharmacological treatments. Brain imaging scans conducted before and after treatment have also shown that HBOT can induce changes in brain activity.
While these results are promising, it is important to consider the current state of the evidence. Many of the studies conducted so far have involved small sample sizes, and more robust, large-scale research is needed to confirm these findings. Therefore, HBOT is still considered an investigational treatment for fibromyalgia in many places.
Key Factors for Fibromyalgia Patients
The treatment is considered safe, but it does carry some potential risks and side effects. The most common issue is barotrauma to the ears or sinuses, caused by the pressure changes. This can be managed with simple techniques, but individuals with pre-existing ear problems may be at higher risk.
There are also certain medical conditions that may prevent a person from being a candidate for HBOT. These contraindications can include some lung diseases, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), or recent ear or chest surgery. It is important for patients to have a thorough medical evaluation to ensure the treatment is appropriate for them. The cost of treatment can also be a significant consideration, as it is not always covered by insurance for fibromyalgia, which is often considered an off-label use. Given these factors, anyone interested in HBOT should have a detailed discussion with their healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and determine if it is a suitable option.