For nearly a century, people have been complaining of aches and pains that pervade their muscles, tendons and ligaments. It was not until the early 1990’s that this syndrome was named fibromyalgia by the World Health Organization. People who suffer from this disease describe it as an intense muscular aching, burning or stabbing. Fibromyalgia closely resembles other ailments. Prior to a definitive diagnosis, physicians have to rule out other conditions such as arthritis, Lyme disease, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and neurological disorders.
Individuals with fibromyalgia will experience pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points in the neck, arms, hip and knee regions. Other symptoms include morning pain, restless sleep, fatigue, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual cramps, sensitivity to cold temperatures and depression. Although no known cause or cure exists for the disease, doctors of chiropractic provide treatments that may prove beneficial. Chiropractic methods of care can include manipulation to reduce muscle tension and stress and to correct postural dysfunction, an exercise routine to increase levels of endorphins that help the body resist pain, methods to improve sleep such as postural changes and nutritional supplements and relaxation techniques to decrease physical and mental stress.Since fibromyalgia is considered a chronic disease, it is essential that those affected do not rely solely on medication that can actually aggravate the condition over time. Rather, the doctor of chiropractic can recommend healthy lifestyle changes that will reduce, if not eliminate, the disabling symptoms.The bottom line is that this disease is managed and not likely cured. That means that you have the choice to be active in keeping it from running your life or succumb to the pain and suffer constantly. Most people choose to manage it, but few are willing to actually put the effort forward to do it themselves. If you think a pill is going to fix this for you, then I would say you are in for a rude awakening. Learn the basic lifestyle habits that promote good health and follow them always, find out your vitamin and mineral deficiencies through blood analysis and work with someone to correct them, learn how to restore proper gut health, and you must exercise. These are fundamental in helping this problem and if you follow this then you will have a great chance at keeping out of pain and maybe solving the problems for good. The more you follow these guidelines, the more likely it is that physical medicine like chiropractic and massage therapy will be very helpful.
If you would like more information, health tips and a newsletter from Advantage Health & Wellness PLLC, join our mailing list.
