Effective Fibromyalgia Treatment

The cause of fibromyalgia remains as questionable as many of the treatments offered. "Fibromyalgia" is a general term for what may very well be a condition which involves an overall dysfunction of the nerves, muscles and joints which results in, understandably, overwhelming overall discomfort.  

Many people seek out the care of a chiropractor for fibromyalgia treatment. Patients often complain of   sleep disturbances, tender points, and fatigue which are the common signs of fibromyalgia. 

The American College of Rheumatolog released the Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia in which it lists the following requirements for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia:

• History of widespread pain has been present for at least three months
• Pain in 11 of 18 tender point sites on digital palpation
• The patient does not have a disorder that would otherwise explain the pain

Pain which lasts for more than 4 weeks is considered chronic. This is to indicate that after this amount of time, the condition has failed heal normally. 

Many of the common tender points can be explained by simple anatomy and the understanding of our nomal posture and how we move. For a more detailed explaination please read Why We Hurt.

Pictured here are the trigger points associated with fibromyalgia. Many of these same trigger points are found in patients with complaints such as:

headaches, neck and back pain, sciatica, sacral pain, knee and hip discomfort and shoulder pain

When the normal balance of the body is not functioning properly, ALL structures may be affected. When the head is leaning too far forward and/or to the side, the muscles of the neck and low back are strained in an attmept to position the head over the top of the body. This results in irritation of the muscles, joints and nerves. A trigger point is defined as an area in a muscle that is in spasm and causes pain. Muscles only do what nerves tell them to do and nerves react to either the brain sending messages through them or if they are irritated, they can send the wrong signals. Any treatment for suspected fibromyalgia must address any muscle/nerve dysfunction and usually when proper balance is restored, the symptoms improve dramatically. 

The use of High Power Laser Therapy combined with myofascial mobilization and manipulation reduces the irritation of the nerves and muscles and patients complaining of Fibromyalgia symptoms frequently report a significant reduction of their discomfort within a short period. 

Ready to begin feeling better? Click Here to schedule online (easiest) or reach us by phone 610-494-0412