Fibromyalgia is one of today’s most common chronic pain conditions. According to the American College of Rheumatology, around 1 in 50 Americans currently suffer from fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the condition is difficult to diagnose, and, being chronic in nature, can linger for several months or even years. The good news is that Chiropractic can help Fibromyalgia sufferers.
Fibromyalgia typically causes pain throughout the body and creates areas so tender that the slightest pressure hurts. Patients diagnosed with the condition have both traditional and alternative treatment options available to them.
Traditional approaches to managing the pain and treating fibromyalgia are anti-inflammatory prescriptions, sleep medications, and muscle relaxers. Patients frequently choose natural remedies instead of, or in addition to traditional medication, such as vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and meditation. One of the most common treatments is chiropractic care.
So, how does Chiropractic help Fibromyalgia sufferers?
Reduces pain levels
The most difficult issue to deal with for fibromyalgia sufferers is the constant pain, which often affects the entire body for weeks or months at a stretch. Although these patients initially seek care for the pain they’re experiencing, they soon realize that chiropractic also helps restore overall health and aids the body in self-healing.
By adjusting the spine to improve alignment, as well as incorporating some form of soft tissue work, chiropractors can assist fibromyalgia patients in minimizing their painful pressure points. Many who suffer with this condition look for relief with chiropractic, and experience a decrease in the tender spots.
Increases range of motion
Chiropractors are also able to adjust the body’s joints and help loosen them. For fibromyalgia patients, this can sometimes increase their range of motion and allow them to move more easily.
Sometimes it takes several treatments to see significant results, so it’s important to note that chiropractic treatment of fibromyalgia takes a commitment from the patient. The effects, however, are well worth the time invested.
Boosts sleep quality
A common by-product of the pain associated from fibromyalgia is lack of sleep. As anyone knows, being unable to snag several hours sleep can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and irritable.
By working with a chiropractor to loosen joints and manage tender points, patients suffering from this condition can enjoy a deeper sleep, and stay asleep longer. This then allows the body to heal as you rest.
Complements other treatments
Sometimes medicines interact with each other, and can cause side effects. A big advantage of chiropractic care is it can be utilized in tandem with medications or other remedies, whether traditional or natural.
An individual who is diagnosed with Fibromyalgia should speak to their chiropractor about the various ways to treat it. A treatment regimen should be built on a case-by-case basis tailored to the specific needs of that patient.
Empowers the patient
Individuals who must cope with painful, chronic illnesses can become exasperated with treatment options. They often feel as if they have no control over their situation. Unfortunately, these feelings can bring on stress and depression, which only works against getting better. By working with a chiropractor, patients can feel more in charge of their pain management. They then tend to become more optimistic about their recovery.
People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia need to understand that there are options available to them for pain management. Chiropractic care is a valuable tool to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and patients will see the benefits of less pain, greater mobility, and better sleep. Perhaps the best benefit of all, you become empowered to take control of your circumstances.
If you or a loved one are suffering from fibromyalgia, don’t do it alone. Our chiropractor has a passion for helping sick people get well. So contact us today to schedule an appointment.
How our Austin Chiropractor is different
You may well have seen a chiropractor before. Some of our patients haven’t always had the best experience, or they don’t like the idea of the twisting and cracking involved with regular chiropractic. Upper cervical chiropractic techniques, such as Blair or NUCCA , are a very gentle and specific way to realign the bones of the spine and relieve pressure on spinal nerves. Our Blair chiropractor in Austin says it’s a very different approach to what most people think of, when they think of ‘chiropractic’!