What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body, muscle pain, and overall weariness. It can also cause fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, and other symptoms. Sometimes Fibromyalgia is called Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS).
Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood and hard to diagnose because its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. There is no definite etiology of fibromyalgia because these symptoms cannot be evaluated by testing and are subjective to the individual. This can make it tough to figure out what’s causing your symptoms and how to treat them. Many people with Fibromyalgia see several different doctors before they get a diagnosis.
Common symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
- Fatigue
- Sleeping difficulties
- Sleeping for extended periods of time without feeling rested
- Headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Inability to focus or problems paying attention
- Pain or dull hurting in the lower abdomen
What causes Fibromyalgia?
The cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. However, researchers believe that Fibromyalgia may be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some research suggests that Fibromyalgia may be caused by abnormalities in the way the nervous system processes pain signals. There is no single test that can diagnose Fibromyalgia. Instead, doctors typically make a diagnosis based on symptoms and a physical exam.
Chiropractic Treatment for Fibromyalgia in Columbia
There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help lessen its symptoms. One excellent treatment option is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on treating musculoskeletal problems, especially those involving the spine. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body. This type of treatment has been proven to control and reduce fibromyalgia-related swelling and discomfort.
Chiropractic care for Fibromyalgia usually involves a combination of spinal adjustments, massage, and exercises. Research shows that this approach can be helpful in reducing pain and improving function. Chiropractic care is also an alternative to prescription drugs or over-the-counter pain medications (OTCs), which are routinely recommended to patients to assist them to manage their pain and swelling.
Common benefits of Chiropractic Care:
- Pain and discomfort are reduced
- inflammation is reduced
- range of motion is improved
- flexibility is improved
- muscular tone and strength are increased.
Chiropractors at The Ridge Chiropractic will conduct a consultation, examination, and if necessary, send you for diagnostic imaging such as an x-ray or MRI to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for your issue. Your chiropractor may choose to co-treat your low back pain with other healthcare specialists such as massage therapists, physical therapists, or other primary care physicians based on the findings of our chiropractic exam and consultation.
