What is Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

           People who suffer daily from fibromyalgia truly understand the health challenges that are created by this disorder. These challenges often go far beyond the characteristic of chronic pain which alone can be potentially debilitating. Those with fibromyalgia suffer from pain in multiple locations and the presence of these pain sites is often confusing to the patient’s doctor(s). Family physicians, internists, endocrinologists, pain management specialists, and even rheumatologists often have great difficulty in comprehending the full extent of fibromyalgia and the serious health and well-being issues that are caused by the disorder.

            Persons with fibromyalgia have a plethora of symptoms that often times an uninformed physician may find it easier to refer such patients to a psychologist or psychiatrist. But the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia are real. The sufferers have widespread pain on a chronic basis. Additional symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, joint stiffness, and cognitive dysfunction (brain fog). Depression commonly affects those with fibromyalgia.

            Owing to the presence of so many chronic symptoms, fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat. Such patients are typically taking multiple medications, prescribed by multiple specialists attempting to combat the problems that fall within their particular branch of medicine - pain management, rheumatology, and psychology/psychiatry.

            Despite taking several medications on a long-term basis, most fibromyalgia patients tend not to improve. Depression and chronic pain take a profound toll, and daily living becomes quite burdensome. Many fibromyalgia patients despair of ever finding even a partial solution.

            Attempts to address the problems of fibromyalgia by just treating the symptoms often fail. However there is hope for fibromyalgia patients, regular chiropractic care! Removing interference in the nervous system must always be considered as the biggest piece to finding the cause. The physiologic causes of the disorder are unknown however holistic approaches have shown a much greater likelihood of success. Multidisciplinary treatment is needed to impact this systems-wide disorder, including regular chiropractic care, nutritional recommendations, psychological counseling, and a gradual return to increased levels of physical activity and exercise. If you are a constant suffer of fibromyalgia or know someone who ….get you/them a spinal checkup by a chiropractor TODAY and start on the path to recovery and wellness!

Visit us at www.chiropractic-usa.com for more information about our community office.

Schneiderr M, et al: Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review of the literature. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 32(1):25-40, 2009

Hauser W, et al: Guidelines on the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. A systematic review. Eur J Pain 14(1):5-10, 2010

Busch AJ, et al: Exercise for fibromyalgia: a systematic review. J Rheumatol 35(6):1130-1144, 2008