Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic care is a very common alternative or complementary treatment for fibromyalgia pain.

However, correct diagnosis of fibromyalgia is very elusive. The condition still remains a mystery, although an estimated 3 to 6 percent of Americans, predominantly women, have fibromyalgia syndrome. Even diagnosing the condition can be complex: according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it can take a patient up to 4 years to be accurately diagnosed.

So if you are diagnosed with the disorder—or suspect that you have it—seek the opinion of more than one health care provider.

Other conditions may create fibromyalgia—like pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Ruling other conditions out first is very important.

Fibromyalgia is typically diagnosed in patients with:

• Widespread pain in all 4 quadrants of the body for a minimum of 3 months; and
• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 tender points when pressure is applied. These tender points cluster around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions.

Some fibromyalgia experts say, however, that many people may still have fibromyalgia with fewer than 11 tender points if they have widespread pain and several other common symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Sleep disorders
• Chronic headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cognitive or memory impairment
• Malaise and muscle pain after exertion
• Jaw pain
• Morning stiffness
• Menstrual cramping
• Irritable bowels
• Numbness and tingling sensations
• Skin and chemical sensitivities

Once you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, there are several ways to treat the ailment from accupuncture to massage to meditation and, yes, chiropractic care.

People use chiropractic care to treat pain of pressure points, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and pain from musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic treatment can be effective for fibromyalgia because it may reduce pain levels and increase cervical and lumbar ranges of motion.

Chiropractic treatment is based on the principle that the body is a self-healing organism. To reduce pain and increase healing, chiropractors, including Dr. Cory Koch at Chiropractic Lifestyle in Olathe, Kan., use spinal adjustments. The goal is to increase the mobility between spinal vertebrae, which have become restricted, locked, or slightly out of proper position.

Keeping the nervous system healthy allows the body to heal itself of many ailments, including those associated with fibromyalgia. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, find out how chiroporactic care can be part of the health care regimen by calling Chiroporactic Lifestyle at 913-768-0000 and making an appointment with Dr. Koch.