What is life like for someone with fibromyalgia?
Do you suffer from widespread pain, fatigue, or trouble concentrating? If these symptoms resonate with you, this article is for you.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but understanding it better and exploring solutions like chiropractic care in Abingdon may offer relief.
Understanding what is Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that results in the overactivation of nerves, leading to an increased sensitivity to pain.
It is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues like difficulty focusing, paying attention, and concentrating.
For many, these symptoms persist for years and can be debilitating. Abingdon chiropractic care may be a beneficial component in managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Who is Affected by Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is the third most common musculoskeletal condition, with a higher prevalence in women, especially as they age. In women aged 20 to 55, fibromyalgia is often the leading cause of generalised musculoskeletal pain.
For those dealing with this condition, visiting a chiropractor in Abingdon can provide support and relief through tailored chiropractic treatments.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, but various factors are believed to contribute, including genetic predisposition, personal experiences, emotional and cognitive factors, and an inability to cope with stress.
Individuals with existing rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis are at higher risk. While there is no single event that causes fibromyalgia, understanding these triggers can help in managing the condition, and chiropractic care in Abingdon can be a valuable part of that management.
This illustration demonstrates the neuromatrix, which is a theory that proposes that pain is a multidimensional experience produced by patterns of nerve impulses generated in the brain. Pain may be triggered by sensory inputs (left), where psychological or physical stress is often associated with long term pain (output).
Recognizing and Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging, as the criteria are still debated among healthcare professionals. Traditionally, the presence of at least 11 out of 18 specific tender points, along with symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, was required for diagnosis. However, these criteria continue to evolve.
For those in the Abingdon area, chiropractic treatment may help address some of these symptoms, particularly musculoskeletal pain, which is a primary concern in fibromyalgia.
Base of the skull
Middle to lower neck muscle
Middle to upper trapezius muscle
Shoulder (supraspinatus) muscle at the back of the shoulder blade
The connection between the upper ribs and its cartilage of the chest
Outside elbow
Outer buttocks
Hip bone
Fat pad of the inside knees
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Widespread musculoskeletal pain – The most common symptom is pain that affects both the upper and lower parts of the body. Initially, the pain might be localised, especially in the neck and shoulders, but it can spread and become more generalised. Abingdon chiropractic care can help manage this pain, particularly when it affects the neck, back, or shoulders.
Fatigue – Fatigue is another hallmark of fibromyalgia, often accompanied by morning stiffness. Both physical activity and prolonged inactivity can worsen symptoms. An Abingdon chiropractor can work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include exercises and techniques to manage fatigue and improve energy levels.
Cognitive disturbances – Known as "fibro fog," these cognitive issues include difficulty with attention and concentration. While chiropractic treatment in Abingdon primarily addresses physical symptoms, the holistic nature of chiropractic care may contribute to overall improvements in cognitive function through stress reduction and pain management.
Other symptoms - Many people with fibromyalgia experience anxiety, depression, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Chiropractic care, including treatments available from an Abingdon chiropractor, can be particularly effective in managing headaches and some of the musculoskeletal aspects of these symptoms.
Solutions for Managing Fibromyalgia
Managing fibromyalgia often requires a personalised, multimodal approach that includes education, support, physical therapy, nutrition, and exercise.
Establishing a strong alliance with healthcare professionals, including chiropractors in Abingdon, is crucial for setting realistic goals and expectations.
Cardiovascular fitness, stress reduction techniques, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are commonly recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Chiropractic Care and Fibromyalgia
While there is limited evidence to suggest that chiropractic care alone can treat fibromyalgia, chiropractic treatment is recognized as effective for conditions like headaches, neck pain, and lower back pain, which are common in fibromyalgia patients.
Abingdon chiropractic care has helped many individuals with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life. If you are struggling with fibromyalgia, consulting a chiropractor in Abingdon might offer you the support and relief you need to continue living a fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a complex and challenging condition, but with the right approach, including the possibility of chiropractic care in Abingdon, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with widespread pain, fatigue, or cognitive issues, exploring chiropractic treatment options with an Abingdon chiropractor could be a valuable step in your journey towards better health.
References
Bhargava and Hurley. (2022). Fibromyalgia. StatPearls. [internet].
Borchers and Gershwin. (2015). Fibromyalgia: A Critical and Comprehensive Review.
Sarzi-Puttini et al. (202). Fibromyalgia: an update on clinical characteristics, aetiopathogenesis and treatment.
Bair and Krebs. (2020). Fibromyalgia. Annals Intern Medicine.