Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder commonly suffered by women aged twenty to fifty years of age. It is characterized by chronic pain that is widespread throughout the muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Those suffering from this disorder might also experience:
- fatigue
- sleep disorders
- joint stiffness
- problems with swallowing
- bowel and bladder issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- numbness
- headaches
- dizziness
- depression
- cognitive dysfunction which may cause an extreme sensitivity to smells, bright lights and sounds.
Another symptom is allodynia, a condition that causes a heightened and painful response to the slightest pressure on tender areas of the human body.
The symptoms of Fibromyalgia may be affected by weather conditions, hormonal changes, stress and physical activity. Most people that suffer from this medical disorder notice that symptoms are at their worse when they wake up or go to bed.
In addition to the normal manifestations of Fibromyalgia, some that suffer from this illness may also experience:
- short and long term memory problems
- an inability to multi-task
- an impaired speed of performance
- restless leg syndrome
- a diminished attention span.
Medical science has yet to identify the cause of Fibromyalgia. Researchers say that their best guesses are that this medical disorder may be brought on by:
- a genetic predisposition to it
- unusually high levels of stress
- some type of infection
- dopamine dysfunction
- abnormal serotonin metabolism
- deficient growth hormone secretion
- physical trauma
- neuro-immunoendocrine disorder
- Adenosine monophosphate deaminase deficiency
- sleep or psychological problems.
One of the most common and obvious causes of this disorder may be central sensitization, or the increased sensitivity of pain signals in the brain. Why does this occur? Repeated nerve stimulation can cause alterations to occur in the brains of people that suffer from fibromyalgia.
The changes trigger an abnormal increase in certain chemicals that exist in brain. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters and their purpose is to signal pain.
Neurons are pain receptors for the brain. They receive the signals sent by neurotransmitters. Researchers believe that the neurons of people who suffer from fibromyalgia begin to hold the memories of pain. That makes them far more susceptible to pain signals and causes them to overreact to that information.
How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help Fibromyalgia?
Upper cervical subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae generally found in those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Patients that suffer from this problem may be treated using two essential techniques:
- Precision laser-aligned radiography to determine the extent of C1 (Atlas) misalignment
- Digital infrared imaging
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) has developed a highly advanced spinal correction procedure that re-positions the weight of the head over the center of the neck to remove nerve compression and restore balance to the body.
This procedure utilizes a gentle touch and controlled adjustment to the Atlas, commonly called the first vertebra of the spine. The effects of this single adjustment can influence the entire spine and nervous system. The results restore balance to the body by allowing the head, neck, spine and pelvis to return to their proper positions.
This National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association recommended treatment requires a series of adjustments to patients that will restore and balance nerve signals. Although upper cervical care is not a cure for fibromyalgia, people who receive this treatment generally report a significant reduction in the symptoms associated with this baffling medical condition.
The most noticeable improvement is a significant reduction in the severe pain and fatigue that is characteristic of fibromyalgia. Many patients regain the ability to return to full-time work and engage in leisure activities such as gardening, exercise and dancing.
Click here to see Fibromyalgia testimonials of Back In Balance Chiropractic patients.
