Fibromyalgia
is very similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In
fact, some researchers believe both ailments to be the same condition.
The main difference is that the chief complaint of Fibromyalgia is
muscle soreness; however, fatigue, headache, and problems sleeping may
also accompany this condition.
With
Fibromyalgia, the
feeling in the muscles will usually be described as dull and aching.
The muscle soreness can come on at any time. Activity is not required
for the problem to be noticed. Because other disorders can mimic this
condition, the patient must exhibit tenderness in a minimum of 11 of 18
pre-defined points on the body for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia to be
made. These points are in the muscles of neck, hips, buttock region,
the upper forearm, and toward the inner knee.
Although
there is no known cause for Fibromyalgia, there may be a connection
between the upper cervical spine and this symptoms produced by this
condition. Chiropractors have noticed improvement may occur in patients
with this disorder when Chiropractic adjustments are made to the upper
cervical spine.
A common research
finding of this
ailment is that poor posture, cervical spine dysfunction, and spinal
joint arthritis may be contributory to the muscle pain associated with
Fibromyalgia. Your doctor of Chiropractic can help determine if you
have a postural imbalance. A treatment program can then be established
which may include manipulation to the spine, trigger point massage
therapy, acupressure, stretching, and exercise.
Your
chiropractor may also recommend a good diet and vitamin, mineral, or
herbal remedies to give your body more of what it needs to heal.
Remember that Chiropractic places the emphasis on improving the health
of the body to reduce, control, or eliminate this ailment. For many,
Chiropractic is a welcome relief from the alternative use of drugs such
as anti-imflammatories and tricyclic antidepressants, which are
commonly prescribed for this disorder.