FIBROMYALGIA

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that is characterized by pain throughout the body, sleep disorders, and chronic fatigue. Fibromyalgia sufferers often become frustrated due to lack of understanding of the condition and thus ineffective treatment options. The clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based exclusively upon symptomatology, meaning that the experience of pain and reported symptoms is still the primary method of diagnosis. As of now, there are no specific tests that are used to detect fibromyalgia, making it an “invisible” condition. Since fibromyalgia is not visible on an MRI, identifiable in a blood test, or measurable objectively, most fibromyalgia treatments are focused on symptom management.

Understanding What The Nerves

Are Doing In Fibromyalgia

Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, we are beginning to get a better idea of what is occurring. People with fibromyalgia seem to have a hypersensitive pain processing system. The CDC calls this abnormal pain processing. Basically, light stimuli, that would not cause pain in a normal individual, can cause excruciating pain in someone suffering from a fibromyalgia “attack”. Even emotional stress can trigger the nerves and brain to feel horrible pain in various areas of the body.

Treatments for Fibromyalgia

There are many treatments for fibromyalgia and a multidisciplinary approach usually offers the best chances to return to a normal life. Due to the hypersensitive nerves, aggressive treatments tend to worsen patient symptoms. There are medications from painkillers to anti-depressives that work for some, however many find that their bodies become accustomed to the medication quickly thus losing its effect. Body work such as slow light stretching, massage, and acupuncture can be remarkably effective in relieving pain. Recently it has been suggested that hormonal problems may also play a role, and there are statistically significant number of fibromyalgia suffers who have thyroid or insulin problems. It is recommended that patient consult an endocrinologist and nutritionist to correct dietary habits or take medication if necessary. Light Exercise is also a necessary component to helping ease the pain of fibromyalgia. Though it can be tough in the beginning because of the pain, light exercise eventually tends to decrease the sensitive nerves and normalize hormones. Exercise is also important for preventing depression. Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from depression, and treating the depression is also an important component for recovery.

Blair Chiropractic and Fibromyalgia

One of the main criteria for diagnosing someone with fibromyalgia is pain in 11 of 18 different areas of the body referred to as trigger points. These trigger points are located mainly around the joints of the neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and wrists. Most of these joints are weightbearing, thus if the spine has shifted out of its normal structural alignment, then it will also shift the way pressure is distributed in these joints. Non-fibromyalgia patients can walk around with a 10-degree tilted hip, a 1-inch difference in leg length, and feel fairly good. People with fibromyalgia can feel immense pain due to a 1mm difference! The Blair Chiropractic Technique is a great option because it not only helps improve structural alignment, but it also helps normalize nerve function. Neurologically speaking the most sensitive area of the spine is the upper cervical region. Dysfunction in this area can contribute to all of the widespread symptoms that afflict people with fibromyalgia. While other methods of chiropractic are also beneficial, the Blair Technique is a favorite because it is gentle allowing the patient’s body to accept the adjustment as opposed to guarding that may occur with more aggressive techniques. People with fibromyalgia tend to be anxious during their first visit to a chiropractor, but they are relieved when the Blair Chiropractor explains there will be no popping or twisting.