Fibromyalgia
Posted on July 30th, 2009
“It just hurts all over…”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These “tender points” refer to sensitivity that occurs in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.
Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that cause pain when pressed.
There are 9 pairs of tender points. Each pair has one point on each side of the body for a total of 18 points.
The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in a larger area.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, though men, children, and the elderly may also be affected.
Currently, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose.
The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:
• Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.
• Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed.
Other symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or diarrhea, headache, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the hands and severe or excessive fatigue.
Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.
A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than 60% of the participants who underwent thirty chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.
Your chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating and designing a specific care plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Nutrition, exercise and regular chiropractic adjustments have all shown to play a role in reducing pain and other symptoms, while improving whole body health.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss fibromyalgia care options with Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551.
Options for relief.
A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that patients who participated in aerobic exercises twice per week for one hour over a 12 week period, were twice as likely to report feeling “much better” or “very much better” than those who did not participate.
THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of chiropractic for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.
Call Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551.
Advanced Injury Center-a Wellness Clinic
4695 Hallmark Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, Standard Process, Treatment, Vitamins, Whole Food Supplements
Filed under Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia: It Just Hurts All Over, Invisible Illness |
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