The Chiropractic approach to Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia: Who is affected?
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition that affects people of all ages, but is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged women. However, it can also occur in men, children, and older adults. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, making it challenging to predict who will develop the condition.
Research suggests that certain factors may increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia, including a family history of the condition, traumatic events or injuries, infections, and certain diseases. Additionally, individuals with other chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or lupus, may also be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary widely from person to person and may include widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, making it essential to seek proper diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and symptoms:
widespread pain
sleep problems
fatigue
psychological distress
morning stiffness
headaches
tingling or numbness in hands and feet
irritable bowel syndrome
sleep disturbances
cognitive problems with thinking and memory
The Medical Approach
The medical approach to managing fibromyalgia focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. This may involve a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications.
Medications
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to help manage pain.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as duloxetine or amitriptyline, may help reduce pain and improve sleep quality.
Anticonvulsants: Medications like pregabalin are sometimes prescribed to help reduce pain signals in the brain.
Therapy
Physical Therapy: Exercise programs tailored to the individual can help improve strength, flexibility, and stamina, while also reducing pain.
Occupational Therapy: Techniques to improve daily activities and reduce strain on the body can be beneficial.
Counseling: Therapy sessions can help individuals cope with the emotional aspects of chronic pain and develop strategies to manage stress.
The Non-medical Approach
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing fibromyalgia:
Regular Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help improve symptoms.
Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels.
Adequate Sleep: Establishing healthy sleep habits can improve overall well-being.
Additionally, acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga have shown to cause changes in blood flow, alter levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, and calm emotional stress.
The Chiropractic Approach
Fibromyalgia, at its root is classified as “overactive nerve” condition. Chiropractors are trained to identify an over-stressed nervous system and offer positive stimulus through chiropractic adjustments to allow the nervous system to balance.
Subluxations and trauma
Subluxations, which refer to slight misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine, can potentially impact the central nervous system and disrupt the communication between the brain and the body. This interference may lead to an abnormal processing of pain signals and a heightened sensitivity to pain, both of which are common features of fibromyalgia. By correcting subluxations through chiropractic adjustments, it is believed that nerve function can be optimized, potentially helping to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.
Additionally, trauma, whether physical or emotional, has been identified as a potential trigger for fibromyalgia in some individuals. Traumatic events can lead to increased muscle tension, altered pain perception, and changes in the body's stress response, all of which may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia symptoms. Chiropractic care aimed at addressing the physical manifestations of trauma, such as muscle tightness and joint dysfunction, may offer relief to individuals dealing with fibromyalgia.
Studies
Authors Tedder, Tedder, and Gorshack reported the complete resolution of a 32-year-old female patient with fibromyalgia, depression, extreme fatigue, and a rapid decline of health. Upon chiropractic evaluation, this patient received eight adjustments, which resulted in the complete resolution of her symptoms.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood issues. Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and nervous system, aiming to alleviate pain and improve overall health. Through manual adjustments, chiropractors can help restore proper alignment, reduce pain, and enhance function in the body. By empowering the body’s natural ability to both stimulate and reduce nerve activity, chiropractic adjustments allow the body to recover, naturally, without the unnecessary side effects.
References:
Fibromyalgia and complementary health approaches. National Center for Compementary and Alternative Medicine. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/complementary-health-approaches-for-chronic-pain-science. Accessed Mar. 26 2024.
Please feel free to reach out to your Raleigh Chiropractor at Adapt Chiropractic if you have any questions or would like to explore how chiropractic care may fit into your overall wellness plan.
