Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Like other autoimmune diseases, its causes are unknown, but doctors believe it could be due to malfunctioning nerve endings or genetic changes. It affects about 2% of the population. Women are three times more likely to develop it than men. The relationship between fibromyalgia and arthritis is unclear. It can be similar to arthritis, which is why many people with the disease also have arthritis. Researchers believe that 60% and 80% of people with fibromyalgia also have some form of arthritis. The most common form of arthritis associated with it is osteoarthritis. However, rheumatoid and ankylosing spondylitis are frequently seen in people with fibromyalgia. Its cure is still unknown, but several options are available to patients. The traditional medical approach to treating it is to treat the symptoms, including pain and fatigue. Medication is often used to provide relief for both. However, other treatment options can be just as effective without the side effects of drugs. These treatments include low-impact exercise, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy., Training can be especially helpful in managing it. Low-impact exercise such as walking provides a great workout with minimal risk of injury.
Even aerobic exercise—often recommended for people with fibromyalgia—can be an alternative to high-impact workouts such as jogging and tennis with less risk of injury. Chiropractic care is the best choice for its relief. Many people with this disorder suffer from pinched nerves in the neck. Chiropractic manipulation is beneficial in treating this issue because it can help to restore normal spinal alignment and remove pressure from the spinal cord. This is especially important for people with fibromyalgia because most nerve impingement is due to bone spurs and other issues. Stress reduction through yoga and meditation has also been shown to help improve its symptoms. Yoga and meditation have been shown to have a direct impact on immune system function by increasing the production of antibodies that fight off viruses and infections. Meditation can even increase the melatonin produced by your brain, a compound that helps your body regulate sleep cycles.
How We Treat Fibromyalgia
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
This is often the first step in treating the condition. The doctor will perform a thorough exam to determine if other states might be causing your symptoms and if several things can help you. If the doctor suspects your symptoms might be related to this disorder, they will order blood tests to rule out other conditions.
Specific Chiropractic Care
A doctor of chiropractic is a doctor of the spine. They are trained to adjust the spine and treat conditions related to the spine. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. Chiropractic care can significantly improve a person’s quality of life when combined with other therapies. It is recommended that patients receive chiropractic care regularly.
Massage Therapy and Soft Tissue Work
Massage therapy and soft tissue work can help relieve pain in all areas of the body, relax tense muscles, and promote the healing process. Massage therapy may be a great option for people suffering from it. It can reduce the stress associated with the disorder and improve blood flow to the muscles, which results in less pain and improved flexibility.
Customized Exercise Plan
A doctor may recommend custom exercises designed to target the muscles causing pain. This could involve taking a medical history, noting your training, and then creating a personalized exercise plan. You must listen to your doctor and take their recommendations seriously.
Acupuncture
Many people combine acupuncture and chiropractic care because they complement each other well. These types of treatments reduce muscle tension and pain. Acupuncture could also reduce stress in the body and decrease blood pressure, which are both common concerns in people with this condition.
Nutritional Supplementation
Several complementary treatments can help improve your quality of life. Vitamin B12 supplement, often combined with women planning to become pregnant, is vital for the normal development of the fetus and the healthy functioning of its nervous system. According to some studies, vitamin B12 supplementation has been shown to improve pain levels and reduce muscle stiffness. In addition to B12 vitamin supplements, multivitamin supplements are also recommended.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a treatment that uses sensors to monitor body processes, such as heart rate and muscle tension. Patients can then practice controlling the monitored functions to improve their health. Studies have shown that biofeedback might help reduce stress and manage pain.
Hydrotherapy
Patients who are most stiff and have difficulty exercising might consider offering hydrotherapy. A hydrotherapy pool allows you to exercise in the pool and target specific muscles. The buoyancy of the water will enable you to relax your body and target specific areas of your body.
Stress Management
Stress can increase pain and stiffness by affecting the nervous system. As such, it is important to learn stress management techniques. A healthy way to learn stress management is through practicing yoga. It is also important that you exercise regularly, which is a great way to help relieve stress.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Pain and Stiffness
it’s not just about pain; it is about chronic pain and other symptoms. After a while, the pain can affect your ability to participate in daily activities. Many people who suffer from it complain of painful areas all over their body, including the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Spasms or “trigger points” under the skin may hurt as well. You may wake up with a sore back or stiff muscles that remain painful throughout the day. The pain can range in severity from mild to extreme and can be constant or intermittent.
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia can make you feel tired. The combination of pain and fatigue can make it hard to function daily. You might have trouble concentrating or sleeping, even though you may be able to sleep soundly before bedtime. Although some people with this condition can work full-time, others have difficulty leaving the house due to pain. When your body remains stiff for a long time, it becomes harder for your muscles and nerves to relax.
Anxiety and Depression
Many people with fibromyalgia experience anxiety and depression. Many things cause this, such as a stressful lifestyle, lack of sleep, and other stress-related situations. It often makes it difficult to deal with your condition.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep disturbances are common in people with fibromyalgia and can disrupt your quality of life. One of the most common symptoms is difficulty going to sleep at night. You may wake up several times during the night, which leaves you exhausted and frustrated.
Cognitive Problems
It can cause cognitive problems, such as short-term memory loss and difficulty concentrating. It can make it hard to do everyday activities and maintain a job. It also makes it challenging to remember medical information.
Headaches
People also experience headaches, which several factors can cause. Migraine headaches, sinus headaches, muscle tension headaches, and tension-type headaches are all common in this condition. They can be very intense and debilitating.
Digestive Issues
When you have the flu or another illness, your digestive tract may not be able to function correctly. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common gastric problems associated with fibromyalgia. It also results from muscle tension. It can also cause bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
IBS & Painful Bladder Syndrome
Because the muscles near the back of your stomach and your sphincter muscle can be so tight, it is hard for them to relax and control bodily functions. This includes managing the flow of urine. If this area becomes irritated, you may experience painful urination, rectal pain, and a feeling that something is stuck in your rectum.
TMJ Disorders
When your jaw and cheeks are very painful, it can affect your bite, which causes pain in the muscles of your head and neck. It is known as TMJ disorder. Many people with the disorder suffer from problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), jaw clenching, and headaches that can be created due to TMJ disorders. Treating this condition as soon as possible is essential to prevent future problems.
FAQs
Can chiropractors help with fibromyalgia?
Chiropractic care for people with fibromyalgia can reduce pain, improve flexibility and muscle strength, and improve the nervous system’s overall function. It can also help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. This can all help to improve the conditions of those with this condition.
What therapy is good for fibromyalgia?
Different types of therapy can help with this disorder. Examples include acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and home exercise programs. Home exercise programs are often done by patients themselves or under the supervision of a physical therapist or another healthcare professional. You can also try looking for a way to control your pain and stiffness. Chiropractors can provide the following therapies: spinal manipulation, cranial velocity therapy, spinal decompression, electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, neural stimulation, biofeedback training, massage therapy, and cold laser therapy.
What is the root cause of fibromyalgia?
According to many experts, the main symptoms can be divided into two major categories: neuropathic and myofascial. Both neuropathic and myofascial are thought to be causes of endorphin deficiency in the body. Endorphins are chemicals that act as natural painkillers in the body. When there is a decreased amount of endorphins, you are more susceptible to pain and stiffness. Another theory behind the root cause is that it is caused by an overactive immune system responding to a person’s past infection or injury. This overreaction causes inflammation that can result in pain. This is referred to as the central hypothesis.
What should you not do if you have fibromyalgia?
If you have the disorder, you should avoid some activities:
- Sitting for long periods
- Lifting weights above your head
- Running or jogging on uneven surfaces
- Heavy lifting
If a nerve is pinched in your neck, avoid turning your head to the left and right too quickly. It can irritate the muscles near the shoulder and cause problems. It would help if you also avoided cold showers, which can cause muscles to spasm. Also, avoid overdoing it and getting frustrated, as this can worsen your pain.
What does fibromyalgia feel like?
Its symptoms can vary from person to person, but they can include the following: chronic and widespread pain, tenderness at specific points in the body, fatigue, tiredness, stiffness, and achiness. The symptoms do not cause a significant disruption in your life but can significantly affect your quality of life. If you have any of these symptoms but feel fatigued for more than 24 hours without exercise or overexertion, seek medical attention immediately.
Should someone with fibromyalgia get a massage?
Massage therapy is recommended for persons who are experiencing the disorder. In addition to treating pain, massage therapy helps release muscle tension and improves blood circulation (more blood gets to the muscles) and flexibility. It also helps relax the muscles, so your joints don’t become overly tight. Massages are also believed to increase the production of endorphins, which help with pain and inflammation. When your muscles are tight, one reason is that they are not getting enough oxygen. Massage therapy also helps get more oxygen to the muscles and thus reduces tension. However, talk to your doctor before you visit a massage therapist to ensure that massage is proper for you.
What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
It is essential to seek treatment if you have fibromyalgia, are pregnant, or suffer from a chronic illness. You may develop chronic pain that leads to other conditions if not treated. Such conditions include osteoarthritis, lupus, depression, heart disease, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Chronic pain can cause your muscles to tighten up even more since they are already in pain. It can further reduce movement and flexibility, making them even more painful.
