Chiropractic Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic treatment for Fibromyalgia can help relieve chronic pain and ease other symptoms such as stiffness, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, and more. When you are living with Fibromyalgia it can feel like it has taken over your life.  Never knowing what to expect each day is stressful. One day you feel great and ready to take on the world, the next you are too tired to get out of bed and your body is wracked with pain. Chiropractic care can help you get control of your Fibromyalgia and return to living a pain-free life you can enjoy.

Even though Fibromyalgia is the second most common condition affecting the muscles and bones it is often originally misdiagnosed as other more common conditions such as arthritis or inflammation of the joints. One of the main reasons for this is that there is no specific test to diagnose Fibromyalgia so doctors must rule out a host of other conditions first before a proper diagnosis and treatment can even begin.

What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscles, joints, and soft tissue. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known but many researchers believe the problem lies in how the brain and spinal cord receive and process pain signals from the nerves in our bodies. Women are twice as likely to develop Fibromyalgia as men.

Some of the most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are:

• Chronic widespread muscle pain
• Painful and tender trigger points
• Insomnia or restlessness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate or focus

How does a Chiropractor treat Fibromyalgia?

The focus of Chiropractic is whole-body wellness and the relief of pain through proper skeletal and spinal alignment so that the central nervous system can better do its job. Fibromyalgia pain is thought to be caused by a fault in how the central nervous system receives and processes pain signals.  Chiropractic has been shown to be extremely effective in relieving the pain and symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Chiropractic treatment for Fibromyalgia includes:

Chiropractic Adjustments – Adjustments are designed to promote proper alignment and movement of the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to improve body mechanics and help nerve signals travel more easily in the body. Many patients with Fibromyalgia experience relief from neck, back, and leg pain in a few visits, often after the very first treatment. These adjustments also help improve sleep and eliminate fatigue.

Massage Therapy – Massage is the perfect complement to Chiropractic adjustments. Massage therapy also helps to alleviate pain by reducing muscle stiffness, improving circulation, relieving stress, and boosting a patient’s mood.

Cold Laser Therapy – Cold Laser Therapy works similarly to acupuncture but without the needles. The laser is used on specific trigger points of the bottom to stimulate the production of endorphins. Endorphins are our body’s natural pain relievers and can reduce the pain from Fibromyalgia for weeks.

Nutritional Guidance – Proper nutrition is essential to good health. Healthy foods and the elimination of chemical triggers can alleviate many symptoms of illness and restore a better quality of life. A Chiropractor works with their patients to devise a healthy nutrition plan and may recommend supplements specific to the needs of your individual requirements.

Lifestyle Changes – After assessing your condition and devising a treatment plan a Chiropractor will also do a deep dive into your lifestyle and make recommendations for the best type of physical exercise, the frequency of physical activity,  self-care techniques to better manage your stress, and educate patients about new and different mechanical techniques to reduce the physical strain of day-to-day activities that can trigger fibromyalgia pain.

An additional benefit of chiropractic treatment for Fibromyalgia is that Chiropractic is a drug-free non-invasive approach to healing, always. In traditional medicine, doctors may prescribe pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or even antidepressants to handle the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Cymbalta, Savella, and Lyrica are commonly prescribed to patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and all come with a risk of side effects.

There is no known cure for Fibromyalgia, it is a lifetime condition. Many patients would prefer to not rely on pharmaceuticals every day for the rest of their life. Chiropractic is a successful and effective treatment option that can alleviate the pain and help restore the quality of life for those living with Fibromyalgia.