Fibromyalgia: A Gentle and Effective Treatment For This Condition

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes stiff muscles and musculoskeletal pain. And, this chronic pain can be debilitating, interfering with a person’s ability to go about their daily chores, work, or enjoy recreational activities. Stress and injuries can trigger fibromyalgia episodes, which may lead to additional problems such as chronic fatigue, bladder problems, or depression.

Conventional medical doctors can offer medications, such as pain medications, in an attempt to help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia when they are aggravated. However, new research is showing that upper cervical alignment is a safe and effective way to relieve fibromyalgia patients and put them on the road to recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because it involves a wide range of common symptoms. The most widely reported symptom of this condition is pain in the form of a dull ache that can be felt deep in the muscle and bone. The pain tends to manifest in specific regions. If the condition advances, it may progress to more of a stabbing or shooting pain. 

People with fibromyalgia also report experiencing stiffness, particularly in the morning, and tingling in the extremities. The pain can also cause headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Fibromyalgia

Medical experts are still uncertain as to what causes fibromyalgia, however, new research shows it may stem from injuries to the head and neck, such as whiplash. Other studies find that there is a correlation between fibromyalgia and cytokine levels in the brain. And, the central nervous system uses cytokines, a type of protein, to help regulate the immune system. 

The upper cervical spine consists of the upper vertebrae that make up the base of the head, neck, and upper back. These vertebrae support the skull and protect the nerves that run between the brain and the central nervous system. 

The neck is an area on the human body vulnerable to injuries from jolts one might sustain during a car accident or sports injury. If a trauma causes the upper cervical spine to become misaligned, it could disrupt the flow of information from the brain. This can have a detrimental impact on the central nervous system.

How Our Fibromyalgia Treatment Works

Realignment of the upper cervical spine can help restore proper nerve functions in the upper cervical spine, allowing the body’s restorative mechanisms to spring into action and heal. Dr. Elizabeth Hoefer is a specialist in treating the upper cervical spine. 

The diagnostic stage involves state-of-the-art 3D x-rays to precisely locate misalignments. Once located, Dr. Hoefer uses the Blair Chiropractic Technique to correct the misalignments. And, this involves using gentle and precise upper cervical adjustments to bring the vertebrae back into alignment, providing a long-term solution to fibromyalgia.

If fibromyalgia is getting in the way of your day-to-day activities and life overall, get in touch with Dr. Hoefer for an appointment. Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.