The disorder fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain in a widespread area. It is often associated with problems sleeping and remembering things, fatigue and mood issues. Fibromyalgia may affect the way your brain process pain signals. It amplifies painful sensations and leaves the sufferer with chronic pain.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that impairs the joints and soft tissues, causing chronic pain; it is considered a rheumatic condition. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may begin after a physical or emotional trauma such as a car accident or surgery or they may gradually begin with no particular trigger event. Chiropractic care can help control symptoms and Dr. Elsey can help you find exercises and stress-reduction measures that may help your particular case.
Symptoms
You may experience widespread pain, often described as a dull ache. Fatigue is usually present. Though you may be dedicating enough time to sleep, the sleep is often disrupted by pain. Unfortunately those with fibromyalgia are more likely to have disorders such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea which contribute to a poor night’s rest . You may experience depression, cramping or headaches. It may also be difficult for you to concentrate. You may feel like you are in a fog and it may be difficult to focus.
There are many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, including the following:
- Skin sensitivity or a numbness or tingling sensation
- Jaw pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chronic headaches
- Sleep disorders and fatigue
- Cognitive or memory impairment
- Menstrual cramping
- Irritable bowels
How We Can Help
Fibromyalgia is painful, distracting, can disrupt sleep and can interfere with your ability to function at the workplace or at home. It is often misunderstood by people, making it a possible factor of depression or health-related anxiety. You have to deal with the pain as well as the frustration of suffering from a condition that is frequently misunderstood. We want to help. We understand the frustration and discomfort. Dr. Elsey, a Hazelwood and Florissant chiropractor, can help you begin to address this disorder and start to control the symptoms.
Chiropractic massage may be a good way to begin treatment. Manipulating the body’s soft tissues and muscles can reduce your heart rate, relax the muscles and improve your range of motion. It can also boost your body’s production of natural painkillers along with relieving stress and anxiety.
Chiropractic care is essential to keep the spine and muscles from losing too much movement. Fibromyalgia causes the muscles to lose some of their natural pliability and can result in lost movement of the spine. This may result in a neurological reflex that will make the muscles tighten even more, creating a vicious cycle that can will lead to loss of movement, pain and increased muscle tightness over time. By continually adjusting the spine to keep it moving, you will keep it mobile and relaxed.
Because those suffering from fibromyalgia have a diminished healing ability, chiropractic adjustments are usually more gentle than normal. This decreases the stress on the supporting muscles of the spine which are usually small and can be easily injured.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition but it is not a progressive disease. It is not fatal and will not cause damage to the internal organs, muscles or joints. Dr. Elsey has the experience and training to help you understand the condition and can help you learn to manage it successfully. Call our Saint Louis, Missouri office if you think you are suffering from fibromyalgia, (314) 731-4201.
