Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurologic condition affecting soft tissues and muscles. It is a cluster of symptoms, not a single disease. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition because its symptoms can be very similar to other conditions. Moreover, tests do not confirm the diagnosis and as a result, it is often misdiagnosed.
Healthcare providers understand fibromyalgia better now than ever before, but still, it can be a real challenge to treat fibromyalgia. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, proper medications, therapy, and certain changes in lifestyle can be helpful in managing the symptoms.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to those of arthritis. However, fibromyalgia generally affects the soft tissues whereas arthritis affects the joints. The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Fatigue
- Widespread pain
- Fibro fog – problems in concentration and focus
- Trouble in sleeping
- Morning stiffness
- Sleeping for long periods of time without feeling rested
- Headaches
- Problems in urinating
- Numbness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. However, there are a number of factors that can cause fibromyalgia. These are:
Genetics: Genetics is one of the more common causes of fibromyalgia. Since fibromyalgia runs in family, parents can pass on genes making you more susceptible to pain.
Emotional or physical trauma: Sometimes, some emotional or physical trauma like a car accident can also trigger fibromyalgia. The trauma can change the response of the nervous system to pain, hence triggering fibromyalgia.
Gender: Usually, women are more susceptible to fibromyalgia.
Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression, along with some other mood disorders can also cause fibromyalgia.
Other diseases: Infections and other diseases like arthritis can also trigger fibromyalgia.
Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia
Chiropractors can help you by restoring the balance in the skeletal structure and reducing the pain caused due to fibromyalgia. Chiropractic adjustments and stretches are very useful in eliminating and managing the pain. The adjustments minimize the pressure points and increase the range of motion, therefore, letting the patient enjoy good sleep for longer periods.