While fibroymalgia is a conditio that is still being studied and not recognized by many doctors throughout the U.S., chiropractors do recognize this condition. At Blakely Chiropractic, we have spent many years now studying the affects of fibromyalgia along with treating patients who have come to our office with pain relief services for this condition. It can be very difficult for an individual suffering from fibromyalgia and causes a lot of external and internal pain on a body. Chiropractic care has shown to relieve the stress this condition can cause to help the body fight back and get relief.
For a free consultation, please call us today!
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder which includes muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points throughout the body. It currently affects around 6 million people in the U.S. and for reasons unclear, it affects women at 90% of the known cases. Multiple studies are still trying to learn as to why this affects women more and whether it is a phenomenon of the socialization of women in this culture or if it is a combination of the female reproductive hormones and other genetic disoders.
According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia is defined as "history of pain in all 4 quadrants of the body lasting more than 3 months. Pain in all 4 quadrants means that you have pain in both your right and left sides, as well as below and above the waist areas."
The college also describes fibromyalgia has having 18 characteristic tender ponits on the body. In order to diagnose fibromyalgia, a person must have 11 or more of these tender points along with pain and fatigue.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms Include
Sleep Disturbances
Morning Stiffness
Headaches
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Painful Menstrual Periods
Numbness or Tingling of the Extremities
Restless Legs Syndrome
Temperature Sensitivity
Cognitive and Memory Problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”)
Fibromyalgia is also commonly confused with "Myofascial Pain Syndrome" (myofasciitis). Both fibromyalgia and myofasciitis can cause pain in all 4 quadrants and have similar pain in the tender locations. But these 2 conditions are far different.
Myofasciitis is an inflammatory condition due to overuse or injury to your muscles, whereas Fibromyalgia has a slow and insidious onset, usually beginning in early adulthood.
It is important for a medical professional to diagnose these correctly as they do require different approaches to treatment. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, meaning it could last a long time and in many cases, a lifetime. With that said, it will not due damage to your joints, muscles or internal organs.
While research continues on the fibromyalgia condition and its source, chiropractic care has been show to improve the individuals symptoms and lessen the degree at which they will feel pain and discomfort. Many medical professionals load patients up with medications to try and relieve the symptoms and these medications are very addicting and its common to see individuals who rely on these medications to survive. But don't give up hope! Try chiropractic care, a natural way to relieve pain.
For a free consultation, please call us today!