How Fibromyalgia Sufferers Benefit From Chiropractic Care
Fibromyalgia is one of today's most common chronic pain conditions. According to the American College of Rheumatology, around 1 in 50 Americans currently suffer from Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the condition is difficult to diagnose, and, being chronic in nature, can linger for several months or even years. Fibromyalgia typically causes pain throughout the body and joints and creates areas so tender that the slightest pressure hurts.
Patients diagnosed with the condition have both traditional and alternative treatment options available to them. Traditional approaches to managing fibromyalgia pain and treating its symptomology are anti-inflammatory prescriptions, sleep medications, and muscle relaxers. Patients frequently choose natural remedies instead of or in addition to these traditional medications, such as vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and meditation. One of the most common treatments, though, is chiropractic care.
The main ways chiropractic care benefits those who suffer from fibromyalgia are as follows:
Reduces pain levels
The most difficult issue to deal with for fibromyalgia sufferers is the constant pain, which often affects the entire body for weeks or months at a stretch. Although these patients initially seek care for the pain they’re experiencing, they soon realize that chiropractic also helps restore overall health and aids the body in self-healing.
By adjusting the spine to improve alignment, as well as incorporating some form of soft tissue work, chiropractors can assist fibromyalgia patients in minimizing their painful pressure points. Many who suffer from this condition look for relief with chiropractic treatment options and experience a decrease in tender spots and alleviation in the intensity of body and joint pain, if not full resolution after multiple visits.
Increases range of motion
Chiropractors also can adjust the body's joints, which helps loosen joint stiffness and rigidity tremendously. For fibromyalgia patients, this often will increase their range of motion and allow them to move more easily as a whole.
Sometimes it takes several treatments to see significant results, so it's important to note that chiropractic treatment of fibromyalgia takes a commitment from the patient. The effects, however, are well worth the time invested.
Boosts sleep quality
A common by-product of the pain associated with fibromyalgia is a lack of sleep. As anyone knows, being unable to snag several hours sleep can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and irritable.
By working with a chiropractor to loosen their joints and manage their tender points, patients suffering from this condition can enjoy a deeper sleep, and stay asleep longer.
Complements other treatments
Sometimes medicines counteract with each other, or mix together and cause side effects. A big advantage of chiropractic care is it can be utilized in tandem with medications or other remedies, whether traditional or natural.
An individual who is diagnosed with this condition should speak to his or her chiropractor about the various ways to treat it and remember there is not a one-stop solution. A treatment regimen should be built on a case-by-case basis--tailored to the specific needs of that patient.
Empowers the patient
Individuals who must cope with painful, chronic illnesses can become exasperated with treatment options, and feel as if they have no control over their situations. Unfortunately, these feelings can bring on stress and depression, which only works against getting better. By working with a chiropractor, patients can feel more in charge of their pain management and more optimistic in their recovery.
People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia need to understand that there are options available to them for pain management, and they may decide to try more than one at a time. Chiropractic care is a valuable tool to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and patients who will commit will see the benefits of less pain, greater mobility, and better sleep. And, perhaps the best benefit of all, they can take control of their circumstances and be a vital part of managing their personal well-being.
If you or a loved one are suffering from fibromyalgia, don’t do it alone. Millar Chiropractic chiropractors have a passion for helping sick people get well. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Appointment Center at (256) 830-0000 or by calling 1-800-GO-CHIRO [(800) 462-4476]. We're here for you!
Millar Chiropractic Clinics - Huntsville, AL