It is thought that around 2.5 million people in the UK are living with fibromyalgia. This surprisingly common condition causes widespread pain in the body. It is more prevalent in women than men, and can greatly impact quality of life. IV vitamin therapy is an intervention that has gained popularity in recent years, the most well-known of which is the Myers cocktail. Does Myers cocktail help with fibromyalgia? Possibly!
A Myers cocktail is a popular approach amongst functional medicine practitioners for supporting those with fibromyalgia. Consisting of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C, the Myers cocktail was originally developed by Dr John Myers back in the 1970s. You may have heard of it recently as a result of celebrities having made it popular by using it to support their busy and demanding lifestyles.
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What is fibromyalgia?
People with fibromyalgia commonly experience widespread pain and stiffness, have issues sleeping, and have issues with cognition, also known as ‘fibro fog’. They also commonly report gut issues and low mood, however, symptoms do vary widely between individuals. It’s unclear exactly what causes fibromyalgia but it is thought to be linked to chemical levels in the brain which affect the way the central nervous system processes pain signals.
Often fibromyalgia seems to be triggered by an event, like an infection, accident, or surgery. There isn’t a test for it and so it is very difficult to diagnose and usually involves ruling out all other possibilities before a diagnosis is given.
Sometimes patients are given drugs, but they often come with a myriad of side effects, and not everyone wants to be taking medication for the rest of their life. This is where vitamin drips come in.
Why do vitamins help?
The ingredients in the Myers cocktail are vitamins for healthy functioning of the body’s nerves and muscles, protection against cell damage and oxidative stress, and metabolising food into energy. It’s hailed as the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals for overall health. The Myers cocktail contains:
B complex: Studies have shown B12 can help reduce the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms
Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant helps project against cell damage and oxidative stress, and can be effective for chronic pain relief.
Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is associated with muscle pain and fatigue.
Calcium: People with fibromyalgia generally have lower calcium levels. Low calcium can contribute to muscle contractions and cramping associated with the condition.
We can see from the above that each of its ingredients individually play important roles in the body in relation to the symptoms of fibromyalgia. So it makes sense that they would have a combined effect when delivered in a single Myers cocktail IV drip.
Unfortunately research into fibromyalgia is severely lacking. A few studies looking at the Myers cocktail and fibromyalgia have shown a small impact on the pain associated with the condition, but more larger scale studies are needed. Generally, fibromyalgia is considered a controversial diagnosis because it is not known exactly what causes it and as a result, the research into fibromyalgia is an area that needs much improvement.
Despite this, practitioners who administer IV drips often praise them for their impact on patients. And patients themselves often swear by the Myers cocktail for helping with pain management and the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Getting a Myers cocktail
When opting for any IV vitamin therapy, you should always seek treatment from a doctor-led clinic as they will be best equipped to handle any side effects (yes, as with any medical treatment, it does come with risks). They will also be able to look at your medical history, symptoms, and make sure it is safe for you to have an IV drip.
