Natural Treatments for Myositis

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by Dr. Craig A. Maxwell

Myositis is a medical term for inflammation of the muscles. Although this condition affects approximately 50,000 Americans, it can be difficult to diagnose. This is because it mimics the symptoms of fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Myositis can occur by itself or in conjunction with other autoimmune and connective tissue disorders.

 

Common Types of Myositis

 

There are four common types of myositis:

 

  • Myositis Ossificans

 

Myositis ossificans often occurs as a result of a sports-related muscle injury. After a contusion or strain, bone begins to grow inside the muscle, resulting in tenderness, muscle weakness, stiff muscles, swelling, and loss of range of motion in the affected muscles.

 

  • Infectious Myositis

 

Infectious myositis develops as a result of infection in a muscle, or muscles. This can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Infectious myositis often requires medication to kill the infection, as well as surgical drainage should an abscess form.

 

  • Autoimmune Myositis

 

Autoimmune myositis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle tissue and destroys it. This can occur after an acute injury or a bout of infection. Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis are two examples autoimmune myositis which are believed to be triggered by an acute injury or infection.

 

  • Drug-Induced Myositis

 

According to research conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine[1.  http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/statin_use_linked_to_rare_autoimmune_muscle_disease_study_finds], statin drugs can cause your immune system to attack its own proteins, often causing myalgia (muscle pain/soreness) and, less often, myositis.

 

Symptoms of Autoimmune Myositis

 

The most common symptoms of autoimmune myositis are:

 

  • Muscle pain and soreness
  • Difficulty standing from a sitting position
  • Trouble reaching arms into the air
  • Swallowing and/or breathing difficulty
  • Persistent dry cough
  • Rash on the knuckles, hands, and around the eyes (dermatomyositis)
  • General fatigue and malaise

 

Natural Treatments for Myositis

 

  1. Removal of Statin Drugs

 

If you’re currently taking a statin drug and are experiencing muscle soreness or pain, talk with your doctor about weaning off the medication. Oftentimes, drug-induced myalgia/myositis will correct itself once the cause has been removed.

 

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Autoimmune Myositis

 

When you’re living with an autoimmune disease, an anti-inflammatory diet is of the utmost importance. Slowly wean off junk food and trade it in for organic produce, nuts, seeds, grass-fed beef, organic poultry, wild-caught fish, eggs, and healthy fats like butter, avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil.

 

In addition, garlic, onions, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper all help provide soothing relief from inflammation.

 

  1. Healing Supplements

 

  • CoQ10

 

According to a study published by The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine[2.  http://www.ccjm.org/content/77/7/435.full], CoQ10 (ubiquinone) can be helpful in treating the symptoms of myositis.

 

Statin drugs lower CoQ10 levels. In my opinion, those taking a statin drug should begin a CoQ10 supplement. If over age 30, take the form of CoQ10 known as ubiquinol. For my patients, I recommend starting with 200 mg. daily.

 

  • Creatine

 

A study conducted in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism[3.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17471547], oral creatine supplements combined with physical therapy improved functional performance without the side effects of corticosteroids and narcotic pain relievers.

 

  • Probiotics

 

The Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study[4.  http://jn.nutrition.org/content/137/3/798S.long] that revealed probiotics modulate the immune response and augment the natural killer activity and T-cell functions of host immune cells. This makes them effective in the treatment of autoimmune disease.

 

Diamond Nutritionals’ Probiotic Formula contains a count of 22 million colony forming units without any additives or preservatives. It is a complete formula that contains lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus paracasei, bifidobacterium lactis, bifidobacterium bifidum, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus rhamnosus, saccharomyces boulardii.

 

  • Herbal Anti-Inflammatory

 

Diamond Nutritionals’ Inflamments Formula is a very popular and widely used natural supplement among among those with myositis and related inflammatory conditions because it offers superior anti-inflammatory benefits without the potentially-dangerous side effects of many prescription drugs.

 

This formula contains a synergistic blend of 4 powerful natural pain-relievers that stabilize your overactive immune system and encourage your body to heal itself.

 

These ingredients are:

 

  • Skullcap Root Extract

 

Skullcap root extract is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits prostaglandin 2, without interfering with normal gastrointestinal function. In addition to providing pain relief, skullcap root extract eases the anxiety and muscle tension associated with chronic pain.

 

  • Bee Propolis Extract

 

Bee propolis extract contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune booster.

 

  • Turmeric Root Extract

 

The pharmacologically active component of turmeric, curcumin, limits the action of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase impeding enzymes in inflammatory pathways. Taken in conjunction with skullcap root and bee propolis, this simple kitchen spice offers a powerhouse of healing pain relief.

Relieve Your Pain Now
Relieve Your Pain Now

 

Note: While some manufacturers use unstandardized turmeric with fluctuating levels of curcumin, natural Inflamments Formula includes 850 milligrams of standardized turmeric, guaranteed to contain 95% curcumin!

 

  • Graminex G-60

Graminex G60 pollen extract is a source of 10 essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, and antioxidants. Laboratory studies have shown that Graminex G60 provides anti-inflammatory properties while relaxing smooth muscles and easing chronic tension and pain.

 

Myositis can have a significant impact on your quality of life if left untreated. The natural treatments mentioned above can help you achieve remission and lasting relief.

 

Avoid Statin Side Effects

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14 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve suffered from myositis for over 15 years and my doctor just put me on statins! I never knew the connection! Thank you for this article. I’m going to talk to him about the cholesterol meds in the morning. *smh* You would think your doctor would know better.

    • Hello Olivia,

      Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you found the article helpful and that you’re going to talk with your doctor about the statins. If you already have chronic muscle pain, they aren’t likely the best choice for you. Please get in touch if there’s anything I can do to help you.

      Please give me a call at 513-741-4404 if I can be of assistance.

      Warmest Regards,

      Dr. Maxwell

  2. Currently my wife has been suffering with a extreme case of Dermatomyositis she is getting IVIG treatments every two weeks and is very itchy and sore 24/7 we are banadging the sores and rash with bactigras and mepiflex bandages . We are both very tired she is also on warfarin for clotting and ahve just seen a clinic for alternative medicine we had a live blood anaylisis done and purchased some supplements that she will try for the next two months and then return for another live blood test. We have bee thinking about trying Canabis Oil. Will this help her with the itching and soreness ??????

    Desperate Husband!!!!!!!

    • Hello,
      I am sorry to hear what you and your wife have been going through. Cannabis oil may be very helpful!
      Be sure to get an OK from you doctor before using it.
      Please keep me posted on your wife’s progress.
      Dr. Maxwell

  3. Mother is suffering from derma myositis. I have her on Undo Oil – Bromelian and Curcumen. It’s helped a little but not completely. She is eating clean and organic but wondering if there is a more streamlined diet she should be following as well as introduce CBD oil and what is the best CBD oil and how much should she take and for how long.

    • Hello,
      Thank you for contacting me. I am glad your mother is eating organic and using Undo oil.
      Please feel free to contact me through our Q & A forum at http://www.AskDrMaxwell.com where you may provide more information about your mother.
      Dr. Maxwell

  4. Dr . maxwell i have Dermamyosits i have pain sumtimes im need to kno what can i get beside taking the pain pills and what can i do about my skin it’s stand in my face on my arm and chest and upper back (schulandria ) just tell me what’s to get and do please

    • Hello Schulandria,
      I am sorry to hear about your dermatomyositis. I understand how frustrating and painful it is. For my patients, I often use Diamond Nutritionals’ natural Inflamments, three twice a day.
      They may be ordered through http://www.AskDrMaxwell.com. They have helped many, and I hope you find them quite helpful as well.
      Warmest Regards,
      Dr. Maxwell

  5. Hi I m suffering from myosotis for last 4 year .i had steroids IVIG immunosuppressive drugs .on the starting all work but now I m getting very tired and some time hard to walk special my leg muscle and back muscle causing me trrouble .Is there any other treatment that can help me. Thanks Ranju Kamal

  6. Hello Dr. Maxwell, I have a sister with Myositis (limb girdle muscular dystrophy) what would you recommend, Thanks?

    • Hello Mr. Bennett,
      Please contact me through our Q & A forum on this website and I will be glad to assist you.
      Dr. Maxwell

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