Fibromyalgia effects 3-6% of the US population. It is usually diagnosed in your 30s, however symptoms usually start in your late 20s. It is more commonly diagnosed in women, then men (75-90% of people diagnosed are women). 64% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia report childhood trauma. Although it’s most commonly reported in adults, it can be found in children and adolescents.
There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. Many fibromyalgia patients are frustrated by just being offered medications and seek more natural solutions for help in dealing with fibromyalgia. This leads many patients asking, “Can A Chiropractor Help with Fibromyalgia?” The short answer is yes. Many patients report feeling better, with decreased flare-ups, and improved quality of life!
What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. It is considered a central nervous system disorder that amplifies painful sensations and affects how the brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia is much more recognized now than in the past. People who experienced fibromyalgia were often ignored and told their symptoms were “all in their head”. Because fibromyalgia is difficult to treat, patients are often disregarded, leaving them to feel alone and isolated.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Common symptoms include headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression. While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as genetics, infections, physical or emotional trauma, and certain medical conditions may contribute to its development.
Self Care
There are things you can do at home to reduce the pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia tend to report good days and bad days. It’s a good idea to come up with a regular routine and not just wait for the bad days.
Exercise
Finding an exercise that you enjoy is important regardless if you have fibromyalgia or not. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote sleep quality. Aim for an activity that you enjoy (even if it’s just going for a walk) and try to do it 3-5 times per week for 30-45 minutes.
Yoga
Yoga can help to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Many people with fibromyalgia notice decreased muscle stiffness, better posture, and improved sleep.
CBD
CBD can help reduce pain, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep quality. Poor sleep has been linked to increased fibromyalgia symptoms so improved sleep quality can be greatly beneficial.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy (water therapy) has been shown to increase circulation, reduce joint inflammation, and promote relaxation.
Supplementation
Supplements like melatonin for sleep, turmeric for inflammation, magnesium for muscle relaxation can help those with fibromyalgia. Vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids, and Vitamin B-12 have also shown to be effective.
Working with a functional medicine doctor to get a specific supplementation plan for your individual needs is highly encouraged.
Chiropractic Care
Your nervous system is the master controller of your body. How your brain communicates with your body is important for your overall health and wellness. Deviations in your posture and spine (subluxations) can interfere with this vital function. This can lead to dis-ease within the body and represent itself in many different ways, such as fibromyalgia.
Many patients with fibromyalgia have altered spinal alignment and posture. By improving your spinal alignment and posture, your nervous system can function at an optimal level of health, restoring normal function to your body. Those with fibromyalgia can then begin to feel better and function better.
A recent randomized control study showed that improving the neck curve in patients with fibromyalgia had improved posture, decreased symptoms, and improved quality of life after 1 year follow up.
Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a highly-advanced, scientific, and proven chiropractic technique which corrects and restores your spine back to alignment. Unlike regular chiropractic care that mainly focuses on immediate pain relief, Chiropractic BioPhysics goes one step further to also correct the source of the problem. That’s why most patients under CBP care not only report relief from pain and discomfort, but as their posture begins to align, they notice other conditions clearing up as well.