Functional medicine is a health care approach that looks at the entire body and its systems to understand the root causes of disease and illness. At Healthy Living Natural Health & Pain Management, our functional medicine diagnostics and treatments in Ocala take a holistic approach to your health and offer little to no adverse side effects.

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What Health Concerns Can Functional Medicine Help in Ocala?

With this more comprehensive understanding, practitioners aim to prevent and better manage conditions while also offering more robust pain management solutions instead of simply masking symptoms. Here are some issues commonly addressed by functional medicine.

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Autoimmune Disorders

The body’s immune system is designed to attack foreign invaders, including infections. In autoimmune disorders, this response goes awry and mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue. Functional medicine uses an all-natural approach to pain management for a range of autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, by helping to regulate the body’s inflammatory response through lifestyle techniques. For example, a practitioner's recommendations may include dietary changes and physical activity.

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Fibromyalgia

With symptoms like widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep and mood issues, fibromyalgia is a difficult condition for the 4 million or more adults experiencing it. Conventional medicine uses techniques such as medications for pain management, but these drugs can be habit-forming and have a host of uncomfortable side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues.

Functional medicine practitioners look at fibromyalgia patients holistically, searching for factors like vitamin deficiencies that could be contributing to the condition. With extensive lab work and an understanding of the patient’s health history and lifestyle, they can often uncover and treat root causes without the need for prescription medications.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of conditions including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that affect the intestines. Patients may experience abdominal pain, constipation, gas, and bloating. In severe cases, the condition may require surgery.

Functional medicine aims to take the least invasive approach by assessing the patient for underlying causes, such as dietary practices. With modifications like gluten-free eating, functional medicine practitioners can help patients better manage their symptoms and avoid unnecessary treatment.

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If you’re seeking an alternative to conventional medicine, turn to Healthy Living Natural Health & Pain Management in Ocala, FL. Led by chiropractor Pedro Orta, DC, this practice offers pain management solutions and holistic functional medicine to help you make health-focused changes that benefit your body for the long term. Find out more about their approach to functional medicine online or schedule an appointment by calling (352) 732-9355.