CONDITIONS: FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia diagnoses have been increasing as awareness has risen. Many individuals now feel that they can seek help from the medical field for their issues, although treatments are generally more difficult to understand. Many people who have fibromyalgia also complain about the lack of effectiveness that many treatment options offer. However, chiropractic care has become an increasingly common and successful treatment option for patients with the disease.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is characterized by a laundry list of signs and symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Widespread musculoskeletal pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Sleep loss
• Memory issues
• Mood changes

While the cause is still being investigated, researchers believe that the disorder amplifies pain signals that are sent to the brain. This means that the normal pain sensation of a pinprick to the finger can instead feel like a searing stab wound.

While fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in women, individuals that suffer from headaches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), anxiety, depression, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The disease is also commonly linked to another traumatic injury or surgery. Symptoms may appear instantaneously or gradually increase in severity.

As fibromyalgia research continues, we can expect to see more definitive answers to our questions. Currently, researchers believe that the disorder may be caused by genetics, past infections, physical trauma, or a combination of the three.

• Medications – A suite of medications may be an option for patients. These medications can include pain relievers, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure medications. Pain medications can help to reduce the pain experienced due to fibromyalgia and can offer some comfort. Anti-depressants have been used to help treat or lessen the effects of the disorder on fatigue and sleep habits. Anti-seizure medications help reduce the overall impact of fibromyalgia, and some have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, many medications contain serious side effects and should be used with caution under the direction of medical professionals.
• Counseling – While counseling may not directly reduce the effects of fibromyalgia, it can be helpful for patients to talk with a professional about some of the issues that they are facing. Therapy can be beneficial in teaching patients how to cope with the effects of the disorder and strategize effective solutions in dealing with future difficulties.
• Chiropractic – Several modern studies have reviewed the effects that chiropractic care and adjustments offer to individuals that are suffering from fibromyalgia. The results suggest that chiropractic isn’t just helpful, but that it is “Quite Effective.” Another study indicated that patients saw significant improvement in their sleep, fatigue levels, and the amount of pain they experienced after just 15 adjustments.

It’s not a tough decision for many health-conscious patients to decide to make chiropractic care a critical component of their overall treatment plan. The potential adverse effects that medications pose can help to make that decision even easier. As medications that contain addictive chemicals such as opioids are more prominent in the news, many physicians are also more likely to suggest non-addictive treatment options.

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia does not have any known cures. This means that your potential treatment options may need to be considered as long-term options to contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of your life.

Many people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia are faced with numerous difficult decisions when it comes to their treatment. The pain can be debilitating, but the addictive nature of many pain medications can leave people feeling scared and helpless and with no known cures, it may feel challenging to face the future. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective treatment option that can be continued throughout your treatment. If you are considering chiropractic care as a part of your treatment plan for fibromyalgia, please call and schedule an appointment with a chiropractor today to see what they can offer to help alleviate your pain and discomfort.