Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, meaning pain in the tendons and ligaments (fibrous
tissue) and muscles, is not specifically a disease but rather a
grouping of symptoms. Cases of fibromyalgia symptoms have been
documented for at least the past century, but it was only in 1990
that specific criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia were developed,
and in 1992 the World Health Organization added fibromyalgia to its
classification
of diseases.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Researchers nor doctors know what causes fibromyalgia; therefore, there
is no known cure. Some patients report having had an illness (viral, bacterial,
or parasitic infection) or some kind of trauma, like a car accident, prior
to the onset of symptoms. But because this is not true of all sufferers,
it cannot be the only cause.
There are specific symptoms, namely achiness and pain “all over the body” and
at least 11 of 18 tender points (areas that when touched cause pain) that must
be present to accurately diagnose fibromyalgia.
Can Symptoms Be Controlled?
There are treatment methods that may offer some relief from pain and other
symptoms. Research and experience have found that spinal manipulation, adjustments,
exercise, dietary changes, nutritional enhancement, postural changes, physical
therapies (heat, ice, light massage, etc.), and stress management can improve
symptoms. And this is what makes the Doctor of Chiropractic an excellent
choice for the management of fibromyalgia.
What Can Help?
Reduction of muscle tension, reduction of stress, correction of postural dysfunction-these
and other reasons are why manipulation can be effective for fibromyalgia
symptom control.
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition in which no two people will have the same
symptoms and signs. Chiropractic can provide you with natural, non-invasive
method of symptom control.
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