Authored by Dr. Sharon Stills, NMD
Living with fibromyalgia can be incredibly challenging, as it brings with it an array of symptoms: chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood issues and more. Despite its prevalence, many women feel isolated in their struggle, unsure of where to turn for help.

In this transcript of my video talk, I delve deeply into fibromyalgia’s symptoms, underlying factors and practical strategies for finding relief — and explain why conventional medicine so often gets it wrong. This insight comes from my extensive experience treating patients with fibromyalgia, and the approaches I have seen provide relief time after time.
Whether you’re living with fibromyalgia, suspect you might have it or know someone affected by it, read on to learn actionable steps to find relief so you can start to live life on your own terms again.
Transcript: Dr. Sharon Stills on fibromyalgia — what is conventional medicine missing?
[Transcript lightly edited for length and clarity.]
Hello, I’m Dr. Sharon Stills.
My goal today is to shed light on fibromyalgia and offer you some tips to help manage it. These are strategies I’ve seen work successfully with my patients, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Fibromyalgia is often described as diffuse muscle pain, but it can also include other symptoms like chronic headaches, sleep disturbances, mood issues such as depression or anxiety, memory problems, and even gastrointestinal distress. It’s a condition that manifests in various ways, making it particularly challenging to manage.
Identifying fibromyalgia
One of the most difficult aspects of fibromyalgia is that it doesn’t show up on traditional diagnostic tests. There’s no blood test, scan or specific marker to confirm fibromyalgia. Instead, it’s diagnosed by exclusion — meaning your doctor will rule out other conditions first. Commonly, this includes testing for thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. This is where conventional medicine so often gets it wrong as short-sighted medical care may opt for a band-aid approach to symptoms, rather than following through on testing to exclude these other issues. It can be a struggle for women to get a proper diagnosis.
Common triggers
Stress is a huge trigger for fibromyalgia. Whether it’s physical stress, like an injury, or emotional stress, it can exacerbate symptoms. Poor sleep is another major factor, as fibromyalgia often involves disrupted sleep patterns. Food sensitivities, particularly to gluten, dairy or sugar, can also play a role in worsening symptoms. Additionally, underlying thyroid issues may contribute to the condition.
Tips for relief
If you’re dealing with fibromyalgia, there are steps you can take to feel better. Here are some strategies that have been effective for my patients:
- Check your thyroid health: Have your thyroid thoroughly tested, not just for TSH levels, but also for free T3, free T4 and thyroid antibodies. Subclinical thyroid imbalances can significantly impact fibromyalgia symptoms. Take our free Thyroid Health quiz to check in on your thyroid.
- Manage stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
- Sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine. Avoid screens an hour before bed and consider natural sleep aids like magnesium or melatonin if needed.
- Explore food sensitivities: Keep a food diary to track symptoms after eating certain foods. Consider eliminating gluten, dairy or processed sugars to see if symptoms improve.
- Therapeutic modalities: Therapies like acupuncture, massage or gentle chiropractic adjustments can provide relief for muscle pain and tension. Hydrotherapy, such as soaking in Epsom salt baths, is another option to consider.
- Support your gut: A healthy gut microbiome is essential. Consider taking a high-quality probiotic to address gastrointestinal symptoms and boost overall health.
7. Exercise carefully: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or tai chi. Overdoing it can worsen symptoms, so listen to your body.
8. Supplements: Supplements like magnesium bisglycinate, Vitamin D, and CoQ10 can support energy production and muscle function. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Final Thoughts
Fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Taking small, consistent steps to address triggers and support your body can lead to significant improvements in how you feel. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are ways to find relief.
Thank you for taking the time to join me today. I hope these tips are helpful and empower you to take charge of your health. Stay well!