Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic
Fibromyalgia
If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you may be wondering what the disorder means for you. 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.
Fibromyalgia is typically diagnosed in patients with widespread pain in all four 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
Correct Diagnosis Is Key
Correct diagnosis of fibromyalgia is very elusive, so if you are diagnosed with the disorder—or suspect that you have it—seek the opinion of more than one healthcare provider. In addition to clinical evaluation that will assess possible causes of your pain, your doctor may need to order blood work to determine if you have the following:
Anemia
Hypothyroidism
Lyme disease
Other rheumatic diseases
Hormonal imbalances
Allergies and nutritional deficiencies
If the tests show that you have one of these conditions, treatment will focus on addressing that problem first. If a muscle or joint condition causes pain, chiropractic care may help relieve it more effectively than other therapies.
Treatment Alternatives
You may have classic fibromyalgia if no underlying cause for your symptoms can be identified. The traditional approach includes a prescription of prednisone, anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants. These temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do produce side effects. If you prefer a natural approach, the following suggestions may be helpful:
Studies have shown that a combination of 300 to 600 mg of magnesium per day, along with malic acid, may significantly reduce the number of tender points and the pain felt at those that remain. B vitamins may also be helpful.
Eating more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer saturated fats has shown promise in fibromyalgia patients. Improving the quality of sleep can help reduce fatigue. Ask your doctor of chiropractic for other natural ways to help you sleep better.
Stress-managing strategies can also help address anxiety or depression issues.
A traditional gym-based or aerobic exercise program may exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms and is not recommended. Instead, yoga, Pilates, or tai chi—which offer mild stretching, relaxation, and breathing techniques—may work better than vigorous exercise.
Chiropractic care has consistently ranked as one of the therapeutic approaches that offer the most relief for the fibromyalgia patient. Your doctor of chiropractic can also include massage therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation in the treatment program, which may help relieve stress, pain, and other symptoms.
Your chiropractic doctor has the knowledge, training, and expertise to help you understand your problem and, in many cases, manage it successfully. Remember, however, that the treatment program can be successful only with your active participation. You will be directed to another healthcare provider if your chiropractic doctor cannot help you.