3 Tips for Fibromyalgia Sufferers in West Des Moines

The chronic pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia can feel impossible to cope with some days. The number of people across the U.S. who suffer from fibromyalgia number approximately 5 million and growing. While it may be difficult to merely face the day sometimes, there are a few basic tips that you can implement to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms:

1. Reduce stress – techniques such as yoga and meditation are great in helping to cope with and reduce overall stress levels. Being intentional about setting time aside for relaxation can be very helpful in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
2. Get enough sleep – fatigue is a big part of fibromyalgia. Forming healthy sleep habits, like limiting the use of electronics before bedtime, and going to sleep at the same time each night (even on the weekends) can be beneficial for fibromyalgia sufferers.
3. Exercise regularly – getting the right type and quantity of exercise can help with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. Walking, swimming and cycling on a stationary bike are all appropriate exercises that can be slowly incorporated into a daily routine.

Having a routine of self-care is beneficial for anyone, and can help to maintain a positive, healthy outlook. Traditional approaches to treating fibromyalgia typically center around management through medication. Pain relievers, antidepressants, and sometimes even anti-seizure medications are prescribed to chase around the various symptoms, and hopefully, provide some needed relief.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and fibromyalgia download our complimentary e-book Simple and Extremely Effective Ways to End Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Getting To The Cause, Naturally

There is still some amount of mystery in the scientific world surrounding fibromyalgia. As diagnosis becomes less of a guessing game, more and more is coming to light about the condition. The vertebrae of the spine protect the central nervous system, which consists of the spinal cord, brain, and brainstem. As upper cervical chiropractors, we look specifically at the topmost vertebrae in the neck. Because of their unique shape and where they are positioned in the spine, a misalignment in this area can have profound effects on the body.

Fibromyalgia is often thought of as a pain-processing syndrome. Signals that carry information about touch and other stimuli are in constant transmission over the nervous system.When the atlas vertebra misaligns, it can create an obstruction or miscommunication of these signals. What feels like a normal touch for one individual may then feel painful for someone with fibromyalgia. Assessing for an atlas misalignment, and correcting it when present, can restore normal communication of those signals. Upper cervical research has shown that fibromyalgia symptoms can decrease dramatically, or even disappear entirely under care. One 31-year-old female studied reported that after only 2 months of upper cervical chiropractic care, she no longer needed any medications to manage her symptoms.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – Arthritis – Basics – Fibromyalgia – Definitions. [homepage on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 Apr 24]. Available from: United States Government, CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
2. Mayo Clinic. Fibromyalgia – Mayo Clinic. [homepage on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 Apr 24]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243
3. Soriano W, Apatiga A. Resolution of Fibromyalgia & Polypharmacy Concomitant with Increased Cervical Curve & Improved Quality of Life Following Reduction of Upper Cervical Subluxation: A Case Study. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2014 [cited 22 February 2016];2014(October):61-67. Available from: http://uppercervicalsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2014_1337_fibromyalgia.aspx

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Laurel Griffin call 515-224-1093