Can a chiropractor help with your fibromyalgia pain?
Find a Doctor
Fibromyalgia is a bit of a mystery in that doctors have been unable to pinpoint a cause. It is understood to be a pain disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. It is more prevalent in women and may run in families. In some cases, fibromyalgia occurs after a traumatic event. The most common symptoms are widespread pain, constant fatigue a disruption in cognitive functioning due to lack of sleep and mental health stress from the pain and overall disruption to daily life. Fibromyalgia can be incredibly painful and often interrupts a person’s ability to function normally in everyday life. Since there is no clear understanding of what causes fibromyalgia, the majority of treatments focus on managing the symptoms. Research shows that chiropractic care is a viable treatment option for a reduction of pain and managing the mental health response to living with such a difficult and intrusive diagnosis.
Daily impact of fibromyalgia
Although this disorder is not the same for everybody. Fibromyalgia sufferers’ main complaint is the constant pain that exists in various parts of the body. Research indicates that the disorder involves the nervous system and a break down with the body’s pain receptors. The receptors appear to get confused resulting in a disproportionate pain response. A lack of sleep is often a result of such pain and the worry associated with living with such a disorder. The lack of sleep and worry may lead to a variety of mental health issues that can be disruptive to the individual’s work performance and personal relationships.
Benefits from musculoskeletal manipulation
Chiropractic care is a method of holistic treatment that realigns the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractic professional may use his or her hands and body or a specialized table to conduct the manipulation. In realigning the spine, the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves will also realign. This type of therapy provides the body an opportunity to return to an ideal state therefore allowing the body to function more efficiently. This method behind chiropractic care perhaps explains why so many people afflicted with fibromyalgia have felt a sense of relief from symptoms while pursuing a chiropractic plan.
The mind and body connection
The mind and body connection is always something to consider when it comes to interrupted physical and mental health. When an individual has chronic health issues, it is highly likely that the daily impact will eventually affect the balance of his or her emotions as well. Evidence shows that nearly half of the people diagnosed with fibromyalgia also report feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition to the daily rigor of the symptoms, there is no known cause of the disorder, therefore a lot of misunderstanding about the diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. Being that chiropractic is a holistic form of treatment, professionals in chiropractic care naturally address both the mind and body.
The next step
A comprehensive chiropractic plan for fibromyalgia may lead to a reduction in pain, depression and anxiety while increasing the individual’s ability to sleep, mental clarity and optimism for the individual who is suffering. In addition, personal relationships will likely improve with a more effective maintenance regime of such a difficult disorder.
