Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder affecting millions and mostly women. It is physically and emotionally distressing. Those with the condition experience widespread chronic muscle pain. Research has shown that individuals with fibromyalgia could have a lower threshold for pain. This can come from injury, emotional distress, or abnormal substances/chemicals in the brain and spine linked to pain sensitivity. One of the most common treatments is chiropractic medicine.

Common symptoms/conditions individuals report:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Irritable bladder
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraines
• Sleep disorders
• Restless legs syndrome
• TMJ or Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Raynaud’s Syndrome – a rare blood vessel disorder causing the toes and hands to feel cold or numb.

Doctors are still trying to figure out the relationship between these conditions and fibromyalgia.

 

Causes

Doctors have yet to determine the exact cause. However, research is ongoing and beginning to shed light on the condition. Some possible causes include:

• Abnormalities in the endocrine system
• Abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system
• Genetics
• Muscle tissue abnormalities
• Abnormal blood flow

 

 

As research has discovered, many conditions/disorders do not have one cause but rather a several factors that impact the probability of developing the condition.

 

Questions

It has become one of the most common chronic pain conditions. 1 in 50 Americans is dealing with fibromyalgia. The condition can be difficult to diagnose, and because of its chronic nature, it can linger for months and even years. Typically it causes pain throughout the body and creates areas that become tender to the slightest touch. There are both traditional and alternative treatments available.

Traditional approaches to managing the pain:

• Anti-inflammatory’s
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Sleep medications
• Muscle relaxants

Fibromyalgia medications include:

• Lyrica – pregabalin, which is a nerve pain medication
• Cymbalta – duloxetine hydrochloride, which is an antidepressant that can also help manage pain
• Savella – milnacipran HCI, which is an antidepressant and nerve pain medicine

The type of treatment depends on the symptoms. For example, a doctor could prescribe an antidepressant to reduce pain and depression. A therapeutic exercise program could be the answer if stress, anxiety, and trouble sleeping are present. Individuals prefer natural remedies/therapies instead of more medications like vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and meditation.

 

 

Other treatment options include alternative treatments like:

• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Biofeedback therapy to manage stress

A doctor will usually recommend seeing a physical therapist, chiropractor, and possibly psychologist to work on the mental and emotional toll.

Chiropractic medicine benefits

Pain is reduced

The most common issue is constant and consistent pain, affecting the entire body for weeks and even months. Individuals realize that chiropractic helps restore overall health and aids the body to heal itself. Adjustments to the spine bring alignment and balance back to the body. Also incorporated is soft tissue work that can relieve and reduce painful pressure/trigger points and decrease pain in tender spots.

 

The range of motion is increased.

Chiropractic medicine also adjusts the body’s joints and helps loosen them up. This increases the range of motion and allows the individual to move more freely and easily. Depending on how long the individual has been dealing with the condition, it can take a few treatments to achieve optimal results, so it does take a commitment from the individual patient. However, in the long run, it is well worth the time.

 

Sleep is improved

The pain associated with fibromyalgia often affects an individual’s ability to sleep well. Being unable to sleep normally will leave you exhausted, foggy, unable to accomplish things, and irritable to downright angry. A chiropractor’s ability to loosen the body’s joints, massage tender points, and kickstart the body’s self-healing mechanisms means individuals with this condition can enjoy deep sleep and stay asleep.

Complements other therapies

Medicines/treatments/therapies can counteract each other or get mixed up and cause side effects. Chiropractic medicine can be utilized in combination with medications/treatments, either traditional or natural. Individuals diagnosed with this condition should speak to their chiropractors about the different treatments available. Customized treatment programs are created case-by-case and are tailored to the specific needs of that individual. Remember, there is not a one-stop solution.

 

Empowers the individual

Individuals that have to deal with painful, chronic conditions can exhaust themselves with the varying treatment options and can feel as if they have no control over the situation. This causes stress, anxiety, and depression, which works against achieving overall wellness. With chiropractic, individuals are more in charge of their treatment plan, which leads to an optimistic outlook on their recovery. 

Chiropractic medicine treats not only the symptoms of fibromyalgia but attempts to get to the root cause to alleviate the condition or to activate the body’s self-healing response. Patients that commit will see the benefits along with reduced pain, better mobility, and sound sleep.

The best benefit is taking control of the circumstances and playing a vital role in managing an individual’s well-being. Understand that there are options available for fibromyalgia pain management. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, don’t go it alone. Dr. Alex Jimenez is passionate about helping those who are injured or struggling with a condition get relief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

 

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