What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain and general muscle stiffness. The condition can be triggered by several different factors, including stress, fatigue, or injury. With no conventional cure, fibromyalgia can be debilitating, interfering with routine activities, work, and relationships. While conventional medicine treats the symptoms of fibromyalgia with pain medications and other drugs, upper cervical chiropractic care is proving to be an effective natural treatment for this frustrating condition.
Fibromyalgia Signs and Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to diagnose as it is characterized by a wide range of generic symptoms. In most cases, fibromyalgia manifests at specific sites around the body, causing a dull aching that can be felt in both the muscle and the bone. In more developed cases, this sensation may progress to sharp and shooting pains. Other symptoms that can indicate fibromyalgia include chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, morning stiffness, and tingling in the extremities.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Fibromyalgia
The cause of fibromyalgia is fairly ambiguous and can differ significantly from person to person. However, some research has found a strong correlation between fibromyalgia cases and prior whiplash or head/neck injuries. Further studies have found a strong link between fibromyalgia and changes in brain chemistry, namely in cytokine levels. Cytokines are a protein used by the central nervous system to regulate immune system functions.
When considering how fibromyalgia could be linked to the upper cervical spine, we must look at the position of the cervical vertebrae. Because of the upper cervical spine's proximity to the brainstem and spinal cord, anything that changes the alignment or angle of the cervical vertebrae can have an impact on the muscles and nerve centers surrounding the brainstem and central nervous system. Left untreated, misalignment-induced inflammation, nerve irritation, and muscle strain can disrupt the body's natural release of cytokines, triggering or exacerbating fibromyalgia symptoms.
How Our Treatment Works for Fibromyalgia
Dr. Gordon Elder, of the Bair Chiropractic Clinic, is an upper cervical chiropractic specialist. He uses the Blair Chiropractic Technique to treat issues that affect the upper cervical spine. This technique relies on precise, low-force correction techniques to adjust the upper cervical spine, restoring function to the spinal column and re-engaging the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
When treating fibromyalgia, Blair practitioners like Dr. Elder employ a two-step process to identify and correct suspected misalignments in the upper cervical spine. During the initial 25-30-minute consultation, Dr. Elder will use a range of diagnostic techniques, such as 3D imaging, to pinpoint the location of any misalignments. Of course, you’ll be able to review the results of this consultation and have an opportunity to ask Dr. Elder questions.
Next, Dr. Elder will perform a series of gentle adjustments on your upper cervical spine, correcting the misaligned vertebrae using painless, non-invasive techniques. The entire treatment process can last up to 3-5 months, with Dr. Elder recommending between 10-15 appointments to ensure your adjustment stays in place.
If fibromyalgia is stopping you from living a more fulfilled life, please contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elder. Blair Chiropractic Clinic is based in Lubbock, Texas, but also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.