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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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