Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder known for widespread chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. It is characterized by extreme fatigue, memory problems, sleep trouble, and mood changes. It is a common condition, yet often overlooked and undiagnosed due to the lack of a diagnostic test to help detect the presence of the disorder and some people’s reluctance to seek professional help, including visiting a Phoenix fibromyalgia chiropractic clinic in AZ.
Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, doctors consider an over-stimulated nervous system as one probable cause. It may occur when the head or neck gets injured or when a person experiences trauma of other kinds, such a serious infections. When you live with fibromyalgia, the neurotransmitters that move between the body and brain are interrupted, leading to muscle spasms and pain.
Deep sleep is close to impossible for people living with fibromyalgia. Thus, they do not develop the normal levels of serotonin – a growth hormone often produced during sleep. When serotonin levels are reduced, the body is unable to repair itself, and exhaustion and depression may ensue.
Some studies have attributed fibromyalgia to a decrease in the hormones responsible for thyroid regulation. Levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can be improved by changing some of your lifestyle decisions such as lack of physical exercise, unhealthy diet, and taking certain medications. One common denominator among these contributing factors is the central nervous system.
Fibromyalgia and Its Connection to the Central Nervous System
The central nervous system is responsible for managing the rest of the body’s systems. Negative consequences are easily noticed in the body when the central nervous system is not functioning at its best. The immune system and the endocrine system can be hindered. If you have fibromyalgia, making sure your central nervous system is in good health and performing at its peak should be your top priority.
The nervous system is consists of these components:
- The central nervous system: It comprises the brain, spine, and brainstem. It is the chief control center of the body.
- The peripheral nervous system: This links the central nervous system to our tissues and organs.
- The autonomic nervous system: This involves the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) and the parasympathetic system (accountable for slowing down the heart rate and muscles to preserve energy).
Fibromyalgia is associated with the impairment of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system. It is observed in many patients with FM that the parasympathetic system is performing at a low level, leading them to be in a continuous state of flight or fight. This causes FM patients to experience an increased heart rate when standing or lying down. Compared to men, women appear to be more sensitive to this.
Other Conditions Associated with Fibromyalgia
The shifts that occur in the nervous system when you have fibromyalgia, such as hyperactivity and inability to sleep, can lead to additional symptoms:
- Pins and needles feeling
- Joint tenderness
- Tenderness in various muscle groups
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- TMJ or jaw pain
- Anxiety
- Panic disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Steps to Ease the Fibromyalgia Symptoms
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- Visualization: Treating your pain as a quality that can be managed will help you to overcome the pain rather than feeling overpowered by it.
- Massage: To help your central nervous system relax, use massage oils soaked with herbs. Heat and friction increase circulation and reduce chemical contaminations in the body.
- Relaxation therapy: Stretching exercises and relaxation methods can help calm fibromyalgia.
- Eat a healthy diet: The nervous system will maintain its balance and your sensitivity to pain will be reduced if you keep a healthy diet. Steer clear from these:
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- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Tobacco
- Fried foods
- White sugar
- White flour
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Correct Spinal Alignment Helps in Reducing Fibromyalgia Pain
A 32-year-old woman lived with fibromyalgia and suffered from pain, extreme exhaustion, and depression. Her health and energy went downhill during that time. She went to see an upper cervical chiropractor after two years of misery. It was discovered that she had a misalignment in the C1 (atlas) vertebra. She began receiving adjustments to correct the issue. After just six months of care, the results were astounding! She experienced a remission of her fibromyalgia symptoms.
So, how does a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck lead to fibromyalgia? As mentioned earlier, the central nervous system involves the brainstem and the spine. The atlas and axis bones – the uppermost bones of the neck – protect the brainstem from damage. However, it only takes a minor trauma or injury to the head or neck for the muscles to overextend and make these bones misalign.
If they misalign, the brainstem is put under pressure. The brainstem, being the communication highway between the brain and body, may relay improper signals to the brain about the intensity of pain felt in the body. This results in the many symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Fortunately, this type of misalignment can be corrected by upper cervical chiropractors who are familiar with the structure and function of the spine and brainstem. Here at Horizon Chiropractic Center, our team of Phoenix, AZ fibromyalgia chiropractors is well trained to locate these misalignments by utilizing scientific measurements and imaging. We use a very calm method that does not use popping or cracking of the spine or neck to reposition the bones. The bones are encouraged to return in place more naturally, allowing the body to restore function and health. Call us and schedule a consultation to start your road to healing from fibromyalgia.