Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder. It severely impacts daily life. Controlling the pain it causes is a challenge that never ends for most people suffering from it. Medication does not often relieve its symptoms. It may also lead to side effects, worsening the pain. 

Causes

Researchers have not yet found the exact cause of fibromyalgia. It stems from different psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. It can result from experiencing changes in the brain and spinal cord. These occur due to repeated nerve stimulation. 

As a result, this causes an uncharacteristic increase in chemical levels in the brain that signal pain. Fibromyalgia can result due to psychological factors like prolonged stress. Physical events like accidents can also trigger it. You may risk developing it if you have some genetic mutations.

Risk Factors

Fibromyalgia risk factors include sex. It affects women more than men. You may also develop it if you have a sibling, parent, or a family history of the condition. Individuals with disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis are likely to develop it.

Symptoms

The main fibromyalgia symptoms are:
 

• Widespread pain - Most patients describe fibromyalgia pain as a dull ache that happens constantly. You can experience it for at least three months. The pain occurs below and above the waist and on both sides of the body.
• Cognitive problems - This symptom affects one's ability to pay attention, concentrate, and focus on tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Fatigue – Fibromyalgia can cause you to wake up feeling tired even after sleeping for many hours. The pain often disrupts sleep. ​

Conditions That Can Coexist With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can coexist with conditions like:
 

• Depression
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Anxiety
• Postural tachycardia syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Different types of headaches and migraines
• Painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis

Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia

Many patients benefit from chiropractic care. It treats issues in the musculoskeletal system. It also addresses subluxations and misalignments, improving overall health. Fibromyalgia is not a spinal condition, but chiropractic adjustments help manage its symptoms.

Chiropractors manipulate the spine using diverse techniques. They reduce joint and muscle tension and promote proper alignment. Massage therapy is often used as a tool to compliment chiropractic care in order to relax muscles, improve circulation, and enhance spinal adjustments. Chiropractic care offers a natural and safe way to relieve pain without the need for invasive procedures or dangerous drugs.

Chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulations restore the spine's natural alignment. They also alleviate the widespread pain. Proper spinal alignment enhances blood flow and reduces pressure on nerves. It also promotes a release of natural painkillers in the body called endorphins. Many people suffering from fibromyalgia report experiencing pain reduction after various chiropractic adjustment sessions.

How to Prepare for a Chiropractic Session

Ensure you prepare emotionally for a chiropractic session before visiting your chiropractor's office. Ensure you get the most out of your visit by being comfortable with the setting, doctor, and treatment. Voice your concerns and ask questions before you begin your treatment. Do so to ensure you are on the same page with your doctor.

For more about fibromyalgia, visit Aktiv Integrative Chiropractic. Our office is in El Paso, Texas. Call (915) 875-1494 to book an appointment today