FIBROMYALGIA AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE

​Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread pain throughout the musculoskeletal system, which is often accompanied by a number of other symptoms. Mood and memory issues, fatigue and a lack of energy, trouble sleeping, headaches, trouble concentrating, and more are also common symptoms. Unfortunately, not much is known about the specific causes of fibromyalgia, and a lot of treatment options are experimental or only provide temporary relief.
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However, research has shown that fibromyalgia seems to amplify sensations in the nerves, which leads to pain, tingling, and numbness throughout the body, and scientists agree that this is caused by an improper processing of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. While this may not sound like great news, it’s actually quite promising. Not only have there been great strides in determining the root cause of fibromyalgia, but chiropractors are skilled at improving the function of the entire central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This means that quality chiropractors like Dr. Shane Hoffman at Thrive Family Chiropractic in Des Moines can help you overcome fibromyalgia symptoms.

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Chiropractic and the Nervous System

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, and the remaining nerves in the body make up the peripheral nervous system. The entirety of these systems control every single function in the body, including the ones you control and the ones you don’t. When the spine is out of alignment even the tiniest amount, vertebrae can put pressure on nearby nerves, and this interrupts the essential messages that the brain is sending the rest of the body. This interruption brings about dysfunction and problems all throughout the body.

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Causes of Fibromyalgia

While some instances of fibromyalgia can be linked to specific trauma, like a car accident or major surgery, many cases seem to come about with no known cause. However, as doctors and scientists have done more digging, they’ve found that many people with fibromyalgia diagnosis often have other issues that can be linked to back and spine issues. Digestive issues and migraines are widely known to be related to spinal health, and many fibromyalgia sufferers report problems with these health conditions as well.

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Case Studies on Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic

Usually, fibromyalgia sufferers are focused on symptom management, and this is usually done with medication. While pain relief is crucial to quality of life and mental health, short-term solutions are not ideal. Instead, here at Thrive Family Chiropractic, we aim to get to the root cause of whatever is ailing you and correct it from the inside out. Recent studies are making this more possible and encouraging chiropractors to continue treating those with fibromyalgia.

One study confirmed elevated levels of the neurotransmitters that facilitate pain in the brain and spinal fluid of those with fibromyalgia, meaning that the received pain signals are impacted negatively. Another study found that chiropractic adjustments for fibromyalgia brought about a reduction in tenderness and pain points, improved range of motion, better sleep, and less fatigue. This is huge!

If you or a loved one is suffering from fibromyalgia and desperate for relief, contact Thrive Family Chiropractic today. Dr. Shane Hoffman and his team serve those in Des Moines, Urbandale, and surrounding areas and would love to share with you the various benefits of chiropractic care for the whole family.

​Sources
Arnold, L., Clauw, D., McCarberg, B. “The Science of Fibromyalgia.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2011; 86(9): 907-911. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3258006
Bennett, C., Tedder, N. “Improvement in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Following Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific Care: A Case Report.” Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2012 March: 27-30.

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