Role of Chiropractic in Managing Fibromyalgia

Hello Fibro Friends,

Today I have the great privilege of sharing an article from a good friend of mine; Dr. Joshua Forbes from the Synergy Chiropractic Wellness Center.  At Synergy Chiropractic Wellness Center everything they do has one purpose in mind, to make sure your health and well-being are always top priority. If you are in the Celina TX area, I highly recommend you give them a visit. They have a friendly staff and warm atmosphere that will have you feeling right at home.  If you have any questions about their treatment programs or to schedule an appointment, call them today at 972-382-4466 or by email at info@synergychiropracticwellness.com

Fighting Fibromyalgia

According to NIH (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that affects 5 million adults in the United States alone. It is more common in women than men and is generally diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. It is often characterized by chronic widespread muscular pain and tenderness, symptoms of extreme fatigue and listlessness, poor sleep quality, and memory problems.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:  

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Numbness or tingling
• Irritable bowel or bladder syndrome
• Abdominal or pelvic pain and/or cramps
• Temporomandibular pain (pain in the jaw)

There is no specific test that can actually confirm or diagnose fibromyalgia. As a result, it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A physician or healthcare provider will conduct several tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These conditions include rheumatologic disease and thyroid issues.

Management of Fibromyalgia with Exercise

For a patient with fibromyalgia, every day is different. Symptoms can often come and go. Some days may be extremely challenging, while others are more manageable. A well designed exercise program plays an important role in the management of fibromyalgia but the fear of pain prevents individuals from exercising. This is where chiropractic can help.

Expect the chiropractor to evaluate current functional limitations and establish personalized goals. The chiropractor will also evaluate the ‘body mass index’ of the client and determine if weight loss can help reduce symptoms. In addition, the doctor will design a comprehensive lifestyle improvement program consisting of exercise and manual therapy techniques to help relieve pain and restore function.

There are several added benefits with the pain relief associated with a therapy program. Clients find that they can sleep better, focus more effectively and experience a greater sense of wellbeing as compared to individuals who do not exercise.

Role of Chiropractic in Managing Fibromyalgia

Whether you experience pain as a result of fibromyalgia or any other condition, your chiropractor can teach you to interpret the severity of pain signals and possibly reduce pain with structured exercise. You will discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, reduce pain and improve your sleeping habits.

As experts in restoring strength and improving mobility, chiropractors can develop a very specific and individualized plan of care based on the problems that clients are experiencing. This is true not only in the case of individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia, but those with any injury, pain, or lack of mobility and function for any reason.