Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder in which the body’s chemical systems become disrupted, which leads to enhanced sensations of pain and disturbances of mood. Individuals with fibromyalgia experience frequent feelings of fatigue, depression, cognitive problems and widespread pain that can include headaches, joint pain, abdominal pain and temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). When these symptoms occur together, it is known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS. The causes of fibromyalgia are not well known, but it appears to be related to viral infections or physical or mental trauma, which can cause disruptions in the immune system. Fibromyalgia also appears to have a genetic component, with several members in a family developing symptoms.
Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. Women develop fibromyalgia much more frequently than men. The disease can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are very diffuse and because there is no one, definitive test that can detect the problem. However, the syndrome of symptoms, along with pain reactions at distinct trigger points on the body, is used to diagnose the condition. Research has improved understanding of the disease, which is now considered a rheumatic disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.
Fibromyalgia’s Painful Symptoms
Changes in body chemistry appear to cause alterations in the pain receptors in the body, making the individual more sensitive to discomfort. Medical treatment includes the use of pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications to reduce symptoms of the disease. Lifestyle changes to manage stress, eat a healthy diet and increasing exercise can also help to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Chiropractic Care for FMS
Your Arlington Heights chiropractor can provide help for fibromyalgia symptoms. Chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, massage and nutritional advice are used to reduce pain and improve well-being. Spinal manipulation can reduce the strain on joints, leading to reduced discomfort. Adjustment can also help to improve posture and provide better alignment of the body during movement, so that exercise can be more beneficial for these patients. Acupuncture helps to reduce generalized pain, joint pain, and headaches. Massage therapy can improve blood flow to affected areas, reduce painful trigger points and improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain from fibromyalgia. Nutritional and hormone tests are used to discover imbalances and deficiencies in the body that may be contributing to the cause and the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. These treatments can provide natural pain relief and may allow for reducing pharmaceutical measures.
Let Arlington Chiropractic Clinic Be Your Arlington Heights Chiropractor
Dr. Gerald Andreoli, Dr. Christa Andreoli, and Dr. Peter Horn pride themselves on providing superior care for their patients in Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Buffalo Grove and Palatine, IL. The Arlington Chiropractic Clinic treats a range of conditions, including back pain, disc problems, neck pain, sports injuries, auto accident injuries and other problems. We can provide spinal manipulation, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, lifestyle recommendations, anti-aging procedures, weight management advice and bio-identical hormones. Call Arlington Chiropractic Clinic today at (847) 259-4493 for an appointment to discuss how chiro care can help manage your fibromyalgia symptoms.
