Pain Management

Managing Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Naturopathic Approach to Whole-Body Wellness

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder primarily characterized by joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and a range of other systemic symptoms. Though often underdiagnosed, hEDS can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach to managing hEDS, focusing on treating the whole person and addressing underlying issues.

 

What is hEDS?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders affecting collagen, a key protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in the body. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common subtype, marked by joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain, and frequent dislocations or subluxations. In addition to joint-related symptoms, patients with hEDS may experience:

  • Gastrointestinal issues (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome – IBS)

  • Dysautonomia (e.g. postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – POTS)

  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances

  • Easy bruising and poor wound healing

  • Anxiety and mood disorders

The condition can vary widely in its severity, from mild joint hypermobility to disabling chronic pain and multi-systemic issues. Diagnosis of hEDS is primarily clinical, relying on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and established criteria.

 

Conventional Management of hEDS

Conventional treatment of hEDS often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, pain management, and medications to control symptoms. While these interventions can help manage some aspects of the condition, many patients seek additional support to address the chronic and systemic nature of hEDS. This is where naturopathic medicine can offer valuable adjunctive care.

 

Naturopathic Approach to hEDS

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) focus on treating the underlying causes of disease while emphasizing lifestyle changes, natural therapies, and patient education. For hEDS patients, a naturopathic approach includes:

  1. Nutritional Support

    An anti-inflammatory diet incorporating omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce systemic inflammation can be helpful in managing chronic pain associated with hEDS. Other essential nutrients to include are vitamin C (a key co-factor in collagen synthesis) and zinc (important for tissue repair and immune function).

  2. Digestive Health

    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common symptom in patients with hEDS, utilizing probiotics to maintain a balanced gut microbiome, recommending a high fiber diet to support gut motility and identify and eliminating food sensitives can also be beneficial for patients with hEDS to reduce inflammation within the body and alleviate symptoms of IBS.

  3. Movement

    Exercise programs that focus on low-impact activities and emphasize gentle, controlled movements to support muscle recovery and alleviate pain would be ideal for patients with hEDS.

  4. Nervous System Support

    Using mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and/or breathing exercises can support the autonomic regulation and reduce anxiety and pain perception in patients with hEDS. Adaptogenic herbs has also been shown to help modulate the body’s stress response.

  5. Pain Management

    Anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger, turmeric or Boswellia can help reduce inflammation and pain. Acupuncture has also been beneficial for some patients who experience chronic pain from hEDS.

  6. Sleep Optimization

    Sleep disturbances can be common in patients with hEDS. Utilizing herbal supports and nutraceuticals such as passionflower and magnesium can help promote relaxation and improve quality of sleep in hEDS patients.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a complex condition that affects multiple body systems. While conventional management is crucial for stabilizing joints and managing acute symptoms, naturopathic medicine offers a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes, supports overall health, and empowers patients with hEDS to take an active role in their care. Through nutritional support, digestive health optimization, nervous system regulation, pain management and sleep optimization, NDs can help patients with hEDS improve their quality of life and manage symptoms more effectively.

 In health,

Dr. Sami Leung, ND

References:

  1. Castori, M., Morlino, S., Pascolini, G., Blundo, C., & Grammatico, P. (2015). Gastrointestinal and nutritional issues in joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type. American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics169C(1), 54–75. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31431

  2. Chopra, P., Tinkle, B., Hamonet, C., Brock, I., Gompel, A., Bulbena, A., & Francomano, C. (2017). Pain management in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics175(1), 212–219. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31554

  3. Demes, J. S., McNair, B., & Taylor, M. R. G. (2020). Use of complementary therapies for chronic pain management in patients with reported Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorders. American journal of medical genetics. Part A182(11), 2611–2623. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.61837

  4. Do, T., Diamond, S., Green, C., & Warren, M. (2021). Nutritional Implications of Patients with Dysautonomia and Hypermobility Syndromes. Current nutrition reports10(4), 324–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-021-00373-1

  5. Doyle, T. A., & Halverson, C. M. E. (2022). Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A qualitative study. Frontiers in medicine9, 1056438. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.1056438

  6. Guedry, S. E., Langley, B. O., Schaefer, K., & Hanes, D. A. (2024). Integrative medicine for hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS): a feasibility study. Disability and rehabilitation, 1–14. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2314713

  7. Hakim, A. (2004). Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. In M. P. Adam (Eds.) et. al., GeneReviews®. University of Washington, Seattle.

  8. Heds Body System. The Ehlers Danlos Society. (2024, September 12). https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/heds/

  9. Langevin, H. M., Churchill, D. L., Wu, J., Badger, G. J., Yandow, J. A., Fox, J. R., & Krag, M. H. (2002). Evidence of connective tissue involvement in acupuncture. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology16(8), 872–874. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.01-0925fje

  10. Mantle, D., Wilkins, R. M., & Preedy, V. (2005). A novel therapeutic strategy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome based on nutritional supplements. Medical hypotheses64(2), 279–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2004.07.023

  11. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866

  12. Topan, R., Pandya, S., Williams, S., Ruffle, J. K., Zarate-Lopez, N., Aziz, Q., & Fikree, A. (2024). Comprehensive Assessment of Nutrition and Dietary Influences in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-A Cross-Sectional Study. The American journal of gastroenterology119(4), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000002586

  13. Song, B., Yeh, P., Nguyen, D., Ikpeama, U., Epstein, M., & Harrell, J. (2020). Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: An Analysis of the Current Treatment Options. Pain physician23(4), 429–438.

Holistic Migraine Management

Holistic Migraine Management - Online Workshop - Tuesday April 20, 2021 - 7pm

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Headaches can be the product of many problems. They can be related to mechanical issues in the muscles and joints of the neck and head, or they can be related to hormones, stress, diet and many other problems in the body. In this workshop we will explore many causes and treatments for all these headache influencers.

Headaches can sometimes be difficult to manage due to the complexity of all systems that can contribute. It is important when working at improving and eliminating headaches that a thorough plan is developed according to each person’s own dysfunctions and needs.

In this workshop Mackie Physiotherapy will be partnering with Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine and Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew ND to help us understand the components that are out of practice realm of physiotherapy. She will bring an in-depth understanding of physiological systems, total body health, and supplements that can be beneficial in headache treatment.

Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew ND is a well-known Naturopathic Doctor in Saskatoon practising at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine in Stonebridge. She helps many patients with chronic headaches and migraines stop the cycle of pain by uncovering physiological root causes. Hormone imbalances, gut health, stress responses, food intolerances, and nutrient deficiencies can all promote systemic inflammation and chronic pain. During this workshop, Dr. Reid-Ahenakew ND will discuss how to identify these issues in yourself and the different treatment approaches.

What is it about?
This workshop will examine the physiological causes of headaches. Theresa Ziegler will be discussing the musculoskeletal causes; as well, we have a guest speaker, Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew, a Naturopathic Doctor who has special interest in uncovering the root cause of chronic headaches. Both will be discussing the causes, prevention, and management of headaches.

Wet Warming Socks

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This remedy is great for:

  • Supporting the immune system while fighting a cold or flu

  • Decreasing congestion in the sinus, nose, chest and lung

  • Relieving headaches, migraines and general aches and pains

How it works:

The body reacts to the cold socks by increasing blood circulation allowing new immune cells to come to the infected area. This hydrotherapy process supports the body to clear congestion in the upper airways and head. It is best to start the wet sock treatment on the first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row.

What you will need:

  • 1 pair of very thin cotton socks

  • 1 pair of thick wool socks

  • 1 set of sweats or pajamas

  • 1 bowl of ice water

Instructions:

  • Soak the pair of thin socks in the bowl of ice water. then wring the socks out thoroughly so that they do not drip.

  • If feet are warm continue to step 3. If feet are cold, warm feet by placing in warm water or take a hot shower/bath. Dry feet.

  • Place ice-cold wet socks on feet. Then cover with thick wool socks. Put on pajamas and go directly to bed. avoid getting chilled.

  • Wear the socks overnight and in the morning the cotton socks will be dry.

CAUTION:

Do NOT use this remedy if you have asthma, a heart condition, diabetes or other circulatory problems.