Q: Can chiropractic help my mother’s fibromyalgia pain?
A: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which, essentially, a person hurts all over and is generally fatigued. It is difficult to diagnose and remains something of a misunderstood condition. Though not a life-threatening condition, it causes widespread pain in joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons, creating tender spots all over your body.
Signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity, even the time of day. There are theories of the condition being a long term affect from, or directly caused by, a viral infection. Many times lifestyle is the blame. It could even be the result of depression, chronic stress or anxiety, and even poor diet. There is usually some association to an improperly working digestive system. In the end, the result is a stiffness and rigidity of the soft tissues called the fascia. This is the highly innervated layer of tissue that surrounds the muscles and separates them from the underside of the skin.
Because of the multifaceted causes or parameters of the affliction, there are also many factors that need to be addressed in order to wholly treat it. Chiropractic treatment for fibromyalgia sufferers is based on the removal of stiffness or restriction in joints. Many chiropractors will include in the treatment the use of massage and exercise instruction to help improve mobility of the stiff and restricted soft tissues (fascia) that create the pain. Chiropractors are often a good source of information to help improve lifestyle, diet, digestion, toxin elimination, and stress reduction. It is not uncommon for treatment to be shared by several providers for the best result.
I think the goal should be to manage the problem long term. If one is successful at keeping the symptoms at bay long enough, there may be enough change and healing to cure it. Anyone getting into the treatment of fibromyalgia should know that this is not a quick fix, will require work on your part as the patient, and all of the necessary treatments may not be covered by your insurance. This is not at all as simple as taking a pill, but can effectively be managed with desire and persistence.
If you suffer from the symptoms of fibromyalgia, talk with your chiropractor about how he/she may be able to help you.
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