What is Fibromyalgia?

Commonly misdiagnosed, fibromyalgia is the world’s most common musculoskeletal condition. This long-term or chronic disease can be identified with widespread joint and muscle pain, areas of tenderness and/or general fatigue. Since these symptoms cannot be measured through tests and are subjective to the individual, there is no clear cause of fibromyalgia.

The lack of ability to test for fibromyalgia plays a big role in the misdiagnosis of the disease.

Below are some symptoms those with fibromyalgia may also experience:

• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Sleeping for long periods of time without feeling rested
• Headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Inability to focus or difficulty paying attention
• Pain or dull aching in the lower abdomen

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Those with Fibromyalgia?

Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage and relieve swelling and pain caused by fibromyalgia. Routine chiropractic care provides patients with fibromyalgia treatment that’s a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications (OTCs), which are commonly prescribed to patients to help them manage their pain and swelling.

Chiropractors deliver a gentle, non-invasive, non-addictive therapy, known as a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage symptoms caused by fibromyalgia.

Below are some of the health benefits chiropractic care and chiropractic adjustments can provide patients with fibromyalgia:

• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved range of motion
• Improved flexibility
• Increased muscle tone and strength

To see if chiropractic care is right for your condition, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic will perform a consultation, examination and if necessary, refer you out for diagnostic imaging such as x-ray or MRI. Based on the findings of our chiropractic exam and consultation, your doctor of chiropractic may elect to co-treat your fibromyalgia with other healthcare professionals including massage therapists, physical therapists or other primary care physicians.