“It just hurts all over…”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal
pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These “tender points” refer
to sensitivity that occurs
in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders
and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances,
morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.
Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that cause pain
when pressed.
There are 9 pairs of tender points. Each pair has one point on each side
of the body for a total of 18 points.
The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in
a larger area.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics provides evidence
that chiropractic care may offer some relief for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia
affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing
age, though men, children, and the elderly may also be affected. Currently,
the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms
mimic those of other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose.
The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:
Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for
at least three months.
Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points
when the areas are pressed.
Other
symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or diarrhea, headache,
difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the hands and severe or excessive
fatigue.
Fibromyalgia sufferers reported less joint pain after being placed on
raw-food vegan diets consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts
and seeds.
Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies
suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.
A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated
that more than 60% of the participants who underwent thirty chiropractic
treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement
in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.
Your chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating and
designing a specific care plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Nutrition, exercise and regular chiropractic adjustments have all shown
to play a role in
reducing pain and other symptoms, while improving whole body health.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss fibromyalgia care options with
your chiropractor.
Options for relief.
A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that patients
who participated in aerobic exercises twice per week for one hour over a 12
week period, were twice as likely to report feeling “much better” or “very
much better” than those who did not participate.
Fibromyalgia patients report greater benefits from lifestyle modifications and
chiropractic care than from drug intervention.
THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and
connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints
in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal
function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic
for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal
adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative
methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition
and lifestyle.