Fibromyalgia Treatment

Fibromyalgia Q&A

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the entire body with widespread musculoskeletal pain. People with fibromyalgia have widespread pain and tenderness all over their body, along with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and changes in the way the brain processes pain. No single event is proven to cause fibromyalgia symotoms and it is most often triggered by emotional or physical stressors such as infections or emotional / physical traumas.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but they typically include:

• Widespread pain: People with fibromyalgia have pain all over their body, including their muscles, joints, and tendons. The pain is often described as achy, burning, or stabbing. Muscle pain is most common (especially in the neck and shoulders) but joint pain can also be a symptom.
• Tenderness: The skin over the areas of pain is often tender to the touch.
• Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often feel tired all the time, even after getting a good night's sleep.
• Sleep problems: People with fibromyalgia often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also wake up feeling tired.
• Cognitive difficulties: People with fibromyalgia may have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
• Fibro fog: This is a term used to describe the cognitive difficulties that can be associated with fibromyalgia.
• Other symptoms: Other symptoms of fibromyalgia can include headaches, depression, GERD, dry eyes, irritable bowel syndrome, and anxiety.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There is no single test that can diagnose fibromyalgia, so your chiropractor will likely do a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. Dr. Gailes can usually identify fibromyalgia by the prevalence of widespread musculoskeletal pain. Also, she may perform a test to evaluate the sensitivity / tenderness level of 11 to 18 tender points. If symtpoms have been prevalent for at least three months and the patient has not identified another disorder that wuld explain the pain, fibromyalgia is a likely diagnosis.

What are treatment options for Fibromyalgia?

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments include:

• Physical therapy - Physical therapy can help to improve your range of motion and reduce pain.
• Lifestyle changes - There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
• Stress Reduction
• Good Sleep
• Chiropractic Care

What are specific chiropractic adjustments used to treat fibromyalgia?

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic we know that misalignments of the spine, or vertebral subluxations, can contribute to fibromyalgia. Chiropractic manipulations of the spine during adjustments can restore movement to the joints or parts of the spine that have an alignment issue. We use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve alignment including:

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine or other parts of the body, reduce tension, and alleviate discomfort due to joint pain symptoms.

Flexion-distraction adjustments

A special segmented table is used so that spinal manipulations, combined with the movements of the table, stretch and decompress your spine.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is accomplished through high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments. This is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Activator techniques

These adjustments use a small, handheld instrument to deliver low-force impulses at specific points.

What are some other chiropractic treatments used to treat fibromyalgia?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Myofascial release

This technique uses gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and fascia, relieving pain and improving range of motion.

Massage Therapy

Dr. Gailes may use massage therapy with a variety of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can help to reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and promote circulation.

Class IV Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.
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Begin with chiropractic care today

To learn more about fibromyalgia treatment at Indian Harbor Chiropractic call the office or request your appointment today.