How Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Fibromyalgia

I actually feel pretty good right away, just because I know what I need and he knows how to take care of my particular injury. So, I’m usually good to go, next day, after I get re-aligned. Without a shadow of a doubt. I like the way he treats his patients, I like the way he treats me and he gets it done for me. I would recommend Dr. Jimenez to anyone. He is incredible. He is awesome. And I think he can pretty much pinpoint a lot of the issues that you may have. – Carlos Hermosillo

The vast majority of people are capable of dealing with a little bit of pain. Some people may often experience the occasional aggravation from overdoing their workout at the gym or perhaps some people have experienced that sudden twinge out of hitting their shins on the mattress, however, most of the time, these symptoms can be easily dismissed through the use of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug and/or medication and they can go about their everyday life again as usual. But when pain is much more widespread throughout the whole body and it starts to be accompanied with fatigue, changes in mood and sleep patterns, these people may be dealing with a more serious health issue: fibromyalgia.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical term utilized to describe a group of symptoms, rather than a single condition. Ordinarily, someone who is experiencing debilitating fatigue, tender areas around their the body, changes in mood or muscular pain, it may be characterized as common symptoms associated with this particular illness. Even though many healthcare professionals are still not sure about what causes fibromyalgia, most believe the pain is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of the human body which activates the fight or flight response. A great deal of individuals experience symptoms after a physically or emotionally traumatic event. Other individuals begin having pain after spells of chronic depression or anxiety although others have symptoms that grow gradually over time. Fibromyalgia has been demonstrated to impact more women than men and in the event that they’ve got a relative with the disease, they are more likely to develop it also.

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Because fibromyalgia is not considered to be a single illness but rather a collection of symptoms and since it’s cause is unknown, there is currently no known cure for fibromyalgia. Instead, healthcare professionals generally focus on improving as well as managing the symptoms, typically by prescribing pain drugs and/or medications. Frequently, in case the sympathetic nervous system does respond to drugs/medications, the pain will subside. Healthcare professionals usually prescribe a combination of pain drugs and/or medications, antidepressants or anti-seizure medication to achieve this sort of regulation and alleviate symptoms. However, this treatment approach only temporarily relieves the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia instead of treating the health issue at its source. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight

Many patients with fibromyalgia seek chiropractic care to help ease neck pain, back pain and leg cramps which are often common symptoms associated with this syndrome. Research studies have also demonstrated that spinal adjustments and manual manipulations can help relieve chronic pain. One research study evaluated the effectiveness of chiropractic care on relieving symptoms related to fibromyalgia. The outcome measures demonstrated a decrease in pain and fatigue as well as an increase in the quality of sleep of the patients. A chiropractor who specializes in patients with fibromyalgia can carefully correct the alignment of the spine, alleviating the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia

Although fibromyalgia cannot be cured, one of the most well-known ways of managing and improving your symptoms is with chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help relieve fibromyalgia pain by carefully correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations. A variety of research studies have also demonstrated that other treatment techniques, such as aerobic exercise together with postural strengthening activities, which not only alleviate widespread pain, but also increase energy levels, improve sleep and elevate mood. Through an appropriate treatment plan, a chiropractor can help balance your own body’s capability to control nerve impulses, thus relieving your fibromyalgia symptoms. Normally, chiropractic care can include the following treatment techniques, besides spinal adjustments and manual manipulations.

Cardiovascular Exercise

One of the best methods to alleviate widespread pain would be by means of low-impact movement. This may include exercises and physical activities, such as walking on a treadmill, water aerobics or other exercises aimed towards improving blood flow, reducing strain and increasing cardiovascular fitness. A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractic, can prescribe an exercise and physical activities program designed to your abilities, in order to help relieve fibromyalgia pain and symptoms.

Muscle Strengthening and Range of Motion

If you are in pain, the human body’s natural tendency is to protect the area, or limit its motion from fear of causing aggravation. This limited mobility can weaken substantial muscle structures and functions which further limit your range of motion and lift your stress  levels. This vicious cycle can only be improved by working to strengthen weakened muscles and reunite range of motion to the area you have been guarding. But how can you do this if you are in pain? A chiropractor will combine special exercises and physical activities together with other treatment approaches in order to help promote a faster recovery as well as decrease the symptoms of pain. A chiropractor will also closely assess the patient to make sure they are performing the right treatments.

Pain Relieving Modalities

A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, comprises a large number of tools aimed toward relieving pain without the need for drugs and/or medications. These may consist of ice, heat, trigger point therapy, stretching, massage, electrical stimulation, or other therapeutic tools that can help limit your pain and retrain your body. With concentrated exercise together with a cardiovascular exercise program, it is very likely to retrain your body without triggering widespread pain. Whether you have a disease which cannot be cured, such as fibromyalgia, it is very likely to get relief in the worst indications throughout alternative treatment options. Contact a healthcare professional to schedule your evaluation and find out how we can get you on the road to recovery. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.

EXTRA IMPORTANT TOPIC: Lower Back Pain Management