Fibromyalgia & chronic pain

Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain

Specialist Naturopath for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain

Lauren Owens is a degree-qualified naturopath specialising in treatment for fibromyalgia, chronic pain and complex health presentations.

Having experienced chronic pain herself, Lauren combines professional training with personal experience to provide individualised, evidence-informed naturopathic care.

She is available online Australia-wide and in-clinic in Lennox Head, NSW.

Read more about Lauren ->

Living with fibromyalgia and any type of chronic pain can feel exhausting, frustrating and often very isolating.

Many people suffer from constant pain, debilitating fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog, yet they struggle to find answers or effective long-term support.

Naturopathic care offers a holistic approach to treating fibromyalgia and pain conditions by looking beyond symptoms and exploring the underlying factors that may be contributing to the pain and nervous system dysfunction.

Do You Experience These Symptoms?

Fibromyalgia can affect people in very different ways. Common symptoms may include:

Widespread muscle pain, tenderness or sensitivity
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Poor or unrefreshing sleep
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Headaches or migraines
Digestive symptoms such as bloating or IBS
Increased sensitivity to stress
Anxiety or low mood
Muscle or joint stiffness

Symptoms can fluctuate over time, with periods of relative stability and times when they become more intense.

You may already have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, or you may be experiencing persistent symptoms without a clear explanation.

Living with ongoing pain and fatigue can affect much more than your physical comfort. It can impact your sleep, energy, mood, relationships, work and ability to do the things you enjoy.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Understanding your individual health picture and the factors that may be influencing your symptoms can be an important first step towards finding a more personalised approach to managing your health.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitisation syndrome whereby pain signals in the nervous system are amplified causing widespread musculoskeletal pain, persistent fatigue, cognitive difficulties and other effects.

The fibro sufferer may experience what are normal physical sensations to someone else as very painful and causing exhaustion. Over time, they can become more sensitised to these normally innocuous everyday assaults, developing increasingly heightened responses. It is almost like their nervous system is stuck in “high alert” mode whereby it is constantly on the lookout for dangers that will cause further pain and fatigue.

While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, research suggests that there are biological and neurological triggers as well as potential genetic susceptibility.

A range of factors may influence the onset and severity of symptoms, and these can vary considerably from person to person.

Factors That May Influence Fibromyalgia Symptoms

These may include:

Nervous system and pain-processing changes
Ongoing or significant physical or emotional stress
Sleep disturbances and poor-quality sleep
Hormonal changes and fluctuations
Previous injuries or long-term pain conditions
Nutritional deficiencies or inadequate nutrient intake
Gut microbiome health and digestive disturbances
Infections – acute or chronic
Metabolic and mitochondrial factors
Genetic susceptibility

Importantly, there is no single cause or treatment approach that applies to everyone with fibromyalgia. Understanding your individual symptoms, health history, lifestyle and the factors that may be influencing your health can help inform a more personalised approach to symptom management.

While there is currently no medical “cure” for fibromyalgia, symptoms can often be managed through a combination of approaches. This may involve medical care, naturopathic care, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, physical therapies, psychological care and more. There is no single approach that works for everyone.

Other Reasons For Chronic Pain

Persistent pain can occur for many different reasons. I also work with people experiencing various chronic pain presentations including: arthritis, headaches and migraines and pain associated with conditions such as endometriosis, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or other complex health issues.

My role is to look at the broader health picture and identify factors that may be contributing to symptom development and severity, whilst working alongside appropriate medical care where appropriate or in conjunction with other modalities.

Could Hypermobility Be Contributing to Your Chronic Pain?

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are increasingly understood to be associated with widespread pain, fatigue, headaches, muscle tension and other symptoms that may overlap with fibromyalgia.

For some people, significant joint hypermobility and instability may have been present for years without being recognised as part of a broader condition. Others may have both fibromyalgia and hEDS/HSD, with several factors contributing to their chronic pain.

If you have a fibromyalgia diagnosis and also experience unusually flexible or unstable joints, frequent sprains or injuries, recurrent subluxations, or a combination of pain, fatigue, migraines and digestive or postural symptoms, it may be worth discussing hypermobility with your GP or physiotherapist. If you are diagnosed with hEDS or HSD, individualised naturopathic care may also be used as supportive care alongside appropriate medical management.

My Naturopathic Approach to Treating Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain

As a naturopath specialising in treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic pain, I take a personalised approach rather than following a standard protocol. I consider your particular symptoms, health history, lifestyle, medications, nutrition, sleep, stress, digestive health and other relevant factors to develop a treatment plan suited to you.

Every person’s experience with fibromyalgia is unique, which is why treatment is tailored to your individual situation. Your personalised treatment plan may include a combination of the following:

Herbal Medicine

Specifically selected herbs can calm the nervous system, provide analgesic benefits, support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, improve sleep and help the body adapt to stress as well as so many other benefits. Herbal medicine can also support digestive function and aid recovery.

Nutritional Medicine

Targeted nutritional support can help address nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to fatigue, poor energy production, hormonal disturbance and muscle pain. Key nutrients support mitochondrial function, nervous system balance, hormone health and overall resilience.

Gut Health Support

Digestive health plays a significant role in immune function, inflammation, mood, nutrient absorption and pain. Many people with fibromyalgia experience digestive symptoms such as bloating or IBS. Supporting gut health and the microbiome can be an important step in improving overall wellbeing.

Nervous System Regulation

Fibromyalgia is closely linked with heightened nervous system sensitivity. Chronic stress, emotional strain and nervous system overload can all worsen symptoms. Treatment commonly includes strategies to help regulate the nervous system and restore a greater sense of calm within the body as well as practices to conserve energy and physical capacity.

Sleep Support

Restorative sleep is essential for healing and recovery. Poor sleep can significantly worsen pain sensitivity, fatigue and cognitive symptoms. Supporting healthy sleep patterns is therefore a key part of managing fibromyalgia.

Personalised Dietary Guidance

Nutrition plays an important role in reducing inflammation and supporting energy levels. Dietary recommendations are tailored to each individual and may include identifying food sensitivities or dietary patterns that could be contributing to symptoms.

Functional Testing for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain

Testing isn’t required for everyone being treated for chronic pain. Where clinically appropriate, testing may be considered to further investigate symptoms, nutritional status or other health factors and to help guide treatment.

Depending on your symptoms and health history, testing recommendations may include:

General pathology testing (often arranged through your GP)
Nutrient testing, such as iron studies, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D
Comprehensive stool testing to assess the gut microbiome and digestive health
Hormonal panels, including sex hormones, adrenal hormones such as cortisol, melatonin, fasting blood glucose & insulin
Organic Acids Testing (OAT) to assess metabolic, detoxification and energy pathways plus mitochondrial function
SIBO breath testing to investigate small intestinal bacterial overgrowth which has association with fibromyalgia
Comprehensive thyroid testing where indicated

My Personal Experience with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is something I understand not only professionally, but personally.

For many years I have experienced ongoing pain associated with scoliosis, migraines and fibromyalgia. I continue to manage my condition.

My fibromyalgia-related symptoms tend to flare in relation to my personal triggers – emotional distress, physical strain or over-exertion, poor sleep, alcohol or too many inflammatory foods.

It was through visiting a naturopath for the first time many years ago that I began to experience improvement in my own symptoms. And it’s what inspired me to study naturopathy myself.

The knowledge I have as a naturopath enables me to implement strategies to manage my own condition.

I know first-hand how a chronic condition like fibromyalgia can impact a person’s life. And I know how powerful naturopathy can be as a modality in the treatment of this condition.

This personal experience is one of the reasons I have chosen to specialise in supporting people living with chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia FAQs

Can a naturopath help with fibromyalgia?

Naturopathy cannot cure fibromyalgia, however it can enable people to better understand and manage their condition to reduce symptom intensity and frequency of flares. Some people may experience remission. Overall, it can help improve quality of life.

Treatment focuses on aspects such as: supporting the nervous system, reducing inflammation, improving sleep quality, restoring nutrient balance and supporting digestive health. A personalised treatment plan aims to improve overall wellbeing.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood. Research suggests it may involve heightened sensitivity within the nervous system, meaning the body processes pain signals differently.

A number of factors may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia, including chronic stress, pre-existing chronic pain, hormonal changes, gut health imbalances, infections, physical or emotional trauma or genetic susceptibility.

Do I need functional testing for fibromyalgia?

Not everyone requires functional testing. However, in some cases testing may be recommended to investigate potential contributing factors such as gut health imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalance or thyroid dysfunction to name a few.

Can I see a naturopath for chronic pain if I don’t have fibromyalgia?

Absolutely. You don’t need to have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia to seek naturopathic support for chronic pain. I work with people experiencing a range of persistent pain conditions, taking a personalised approach to explore factors such as nutrition, gut health, sleep, stress and nervous system health that may be influencing your symptoms. Naturopathic care can also work alongside your existing medical treatment.

How long does naturopathic treatment take?

Every person’s experience with fibromyalgia treatment is different. Because it is a complex condition, treatment typically brings gradual improvements over time as underlying factors are addressed. Some patients will need to move more slowly with their treatment due to sensitivity or overwhelming symptoms.

Many patients begin to notice changes in areas such as sleep, energy or digestion within the first few months of treatment.

Can I work with you if I don’t live near Lennox Head?

Yes. I offer online naturopathic consultations for patients across Australia, allowing you to access support from wherever you are located. Face-to-face appointments are available in Lennox Head, NSW.

What naturopathic treatments are commonly used for fibromyalgia?

Treatment is tailored to each individual and may include herbal medicine, nutritional support, dietary guidance, gut health support, nervous system regulation and lifestyle strategies designed to support recovery and overall wellbeing.

I work according to patients’ preferences when it comes to taking different types of supplements (eg. liquids, powders, capsules etc) or according to dietary preferences and tolerance for lifestyle practises such as exercise.

Can I work with you if I am taking pharmaceuticals?

Absolutely – often my patients have been, or are currently, taking prescribed medication for their symptoms. It is important that you let me know which medications you are taking and if new medications get prescribed during your treatment so that I can check for potential interactions and prescribe safely.

Start Your Path Towards Better Health

If you are living with fibromyalgia or another chronic pain condition and feel ready to explore a more personalised and holistic approach to your health, naturopathic care may be able to support you.

Book a Consultation

Appointments are available:

Online Australia-wide
In-person in Lennox Head, NSW

I offer 15 minute Compatibility Phone Calls so we can have a chat first and I can answer any questions you may have.