Lakewood is a high-altitude city with a unique climate that can create challenges for people with fibromyalgia. Due to its heightened elevation, Lakewood has thinner air and lower oxygen levels than most other cities in the U.S., which can exacerbate symptoms caused by fibromyalgia, such as fatigue and inflammation.
However, chiropractic care for fibromyalgia can be an effective treatment option that can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall health. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between fibromyalgia and chiropractic care, as well as how a chiropractor can help alleviate symptoms.
Causes and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. It is typically considered to be a neurological disorder that alters how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a complex culmination of environmental, genetic, and psychological factors, including the following:
- Hereditary links: Although no specific gene has been identified, some evidence has suggested that some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing fibromyalgia.
- Exogenous factors: Infections and exposure to toxic substances have been suggested as potential causes of fibromyalgia.
- Neurochemical imbalances: The nervous system uses neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin to transmit sensory information from the body to the brain and vice versa. Pain perception can be affected by imbalances in these neurochemicals.
- Lyme disease: While more research is needed, some experts believe that Lyme disease can contribute to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia due to overlapping symptoms and noted comorbidity of the two conditions.
- Epstein-Barr virus: Much like Lyme disease, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been noted as being a potential trigger for fibromyalgia, as they share many symptoms.
- Altered spinal alignment: Postural imbalances stress the spine, restrict movement, and interfere with neurological communication between the brain and the body.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can manifest differently from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Widespread musculoskeletal pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint stiffness
- Headaches
- Mood disorders
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances
Many of these symptoms can be mutually reinforcing. For example, poor sleep quality can hinder the body’s recovery, leading to increased fatigue and mood disorders. Moreover, individuals may not experience every symptom and or may have varying levels of symptom severity, making treatment challenging.
Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic Care: How a Chiropractor Can Help
Fibromyalgia and chiropractic care have an interesting relationship. That’s because chiropractic care can be an effective path to managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Although there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, chiropractors are musculoskeletal experts who use comprehensive, holistic approaches to reduce pain and stiffness and improve joint function.
Depending on the symptoms experienced by the patient, chiropractors utilize treatment options that improve spinal alignment and posture and reduce pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Postural improvements can benefit people with fibromyalgia by enhancing their sleep quality and improving their range of motion.
| Chiropractic Treatments for Fibromyalgia | |
|---|---|
| Chiropractic Treatment | How It Works |
| Spinal Adjustments | Using their hands or a small tool, chiropractors manually apply gentle force to the spine or other joints to improve mobility and reduce inflammation. |
| Massage Therapy | By using techniques that target soft tissue such as muscles and ligaments, chiropractors release tension, soothe trigger points, and improve blood flow to the joints and other areas of the body. |
| Postural Correction | Chiropractors correct postural imbalances to restore proper posture and reduce the stress and strain on the spine and other parts of the body, which can significantly reduce fibromyalgia pain. |
| Postural Exercises | Chiropractors train patients with postural exercises that improve the strength of the muscles in the spine and core to provide more stability and hold proper posture. |
While chiropractic care cannot cure fibromyalgia, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and enhance overall well-being. Moreover, chiropractors can offer a proactive and comprehensive approach that does more than just address symptoms as they occur. For example, chiropractic treatments can significantly reduce pain and stiffness, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. More refreshing sleep generally leads to experiencing fewer or less severe fibromyalgia symptoms.
When it comes to fibromyalgia and chiropractic care, it’s important to choose a chiropractor who can provide a corrective treatment approach that not only targets the symptoms of your fibromyalgia but potentially the source as well.
PostureWorks Offers the Best Treatment for Fibromyalgia in Lakewood
At PostureWorks, we have a comprehensive understanding of both fibromyalgia and chiropractic care. That’s how we provide the best chiropractic care for fibromyalgia to improve your quality of life. Our Chiropractic BioPhysics® approach allows us to identify and correct the source of your pain instead of just the symptoms.
We start with a scientifically-based examination of your spine and posture to create a treatment plan that utilizes a combination of chiropractic adjustments, postural exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, and spinal alignment traction, based on your specific needs.
Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about fibromyalgia and chiropractic care or to schedule your appointment with PostureWorks in Lakewood.
Chiropractic BioPhysics®, or CBP, is a deeply researched and results-oriented corrective care technique. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health and optimal function. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is conservative, painless, and non-invasive.
