Fibromyalgia is a common but incurable chronic pain condition characterized mainly by joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue. While we aren’t sure what causes it, scientists have identified criteria that increase the chances of developing it, including family history, an inactive lifestyle, and having arthritis. More common among women, it also often occurs alongside irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and frequent tension headaches.
Researchers theorize that fibromyalgia changes the way the brain processes pain signals from the nerves, intensifying painful sensations and reducing tolerance for pain. Symptoms often begin appearing after a physically or emotionally traumatic event; for others, they appear with little apparent cause.
Common Signs of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia aren’t exclusive to the condition; as such, fibromyalgia is difficult to identify and often misdiagnosed. Thankfully, certain general methods of pain relief can be utilized to treat fibromyalgia-related pain even without an official diagnosis.
Musculoskeletal Pain
The most apparent sign of fibromyalgia widespread musculoskeletal pain, which refers to the body’s bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as other soft tissues. This pain often takes the form of a dull, ever-present ache in what’s referred to as “tender points” or “regions of pain.”
These points were previously—but no longer—used to officially diagnose fibromyalgia, though some doctors still use them as a guideline for assessment. The 18 points are positioned symmetrically on the body and include:
- Near the elbows
- Hip bones
- Base of the back of the head
- Knees
“Fibro Fog”
Another common sign of fibromyalgia is the cognitive dysfunction that comes with it—nicknamed “fibro fog.” Fibro fog is characterized by an inability or difficulty to concentrate, lapses in memory, and confusion, and, for many, it is just as difficult to deal with as the physical pain.
Fatigue or Insomnia
Those suffering from fibromyalgia are often very tired, even after getting a lot of sleep. They may also have trouble falling or staying asleep; a lack of non-restorative sleep can also further affect pain tolerance.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Fibromyalgia is typically treated through a combination of medicine—pain medication and anti-depressants—and recommended lifestyle changes—physical therapy and increased frequency of exercise.
For some, chiropractic care may also offer an effective way to help manage pain through a holistic approach of physical therapy, recommended nutritional adjustments, and chiropractic adjustments. By adjusting the spine and correcting places where nerves are compressed, chiropractors can improve painful areas where impaired nerve function is corresponding with fibromyalgia-related pain.
As always, talk to your doctor before incorporating chiropractic care into your fibromyalgia treatment plan, then seek out a trusted provider of chiropractic care.
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