Overview of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.  It typically affects more women than men and appears to be caused by biochemical changes in the body. To this day, the medical community has no idea what causes Fibromyalgia and is still looking for an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. Some have associated it with decreased levels of serotonin in the body (stress overload), sudden trauma to the central nervous system (Subluxation), or chronic illnesses (lowered immune system). Most experts believe, however, that fibromyalgia is a result from multiple issues from both external and internal trauma. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is sketchy at best.  Symptoms that lead to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia range from pain in the joints and muscles, a range of sleep disorders, anxiety, and fatigue. Long story short, the medical community is baffled by Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is commonly called a “waste basket diagnosis (WBD).”  This term is used most often when Doctor’s understand that the patient is suffering, yet the Doctor has no idea why.  WBD or “trashcan diagnosis” are becoming more common as our culture gets more unhealthy through lifestyle choices.  The scary part of a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and/or other WBD is that though Doctor’s admittedly do not know the cause of the problem, it allows them to prescribe dangerous and deadly medications.

Those that suffer from fibromyalgia pain understand its devastating effects.  Fibromyalgia infiltrates every aspect of our life.  Productivity at home and work can be affected as well, affecting our income and possible advancement in our careers.  Household duties such as laundry, playing with our kids, cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance can become a nuisance.  Prolonged suffering affects us emotionally, often times leading to self esteem issues and depression.  People suffering with fibromyalgia often end up depressed and seek treatment for emotional complaints.

Common Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown to the medical community so their treatments options are limited. The medical approach suggests treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen), muscle relaxants, Tricyclic antidepressants, anti-seizure medication, and anti-depressants.  These treatment methods have little or no effect in alleviating symptoms, and clearly does not address the underlying cause of fibromyalgia. Additionally the medical research showing us that chronic use of these can cause cancer, kidney or liver damage.

Our Chiropractic Treatment for Fibromyalgia

The Maximized Living approach does treat or cover up the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia, but actually locates and corrects interference to the body’s ability to function at or as close to 100%, allowing complete healing that lasts a lifetime.  Most often this includes a scan of your spine and nervous system using state of the art technology to check for diminished nerve supply.  If nerve supply is diminished at all it must be restored so the body can heal at 100%.  Along with proper chiropractic adjustments, a program of rehabilitation is prescribed to maximize soft tissue healing.  Other aspects include Maximized Living Life Management Programs to teach you how to fuel your body and move your body back towards health during your recovery.  Since being overweight and over stressed are common factors in a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, Maximized Living Life Management Programs minimize the chance of an exacerbation and recurrence of Fibromyalgia allowing you to not only obtain great health but maintain the Maximized Life.

This article was written by Dr. Joel Kinch.