Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that currently affects around four million adults in the United States. It is one of the most common pain-related disorders that people are diagnosed with and can affect anyone at any age. Although anyone can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it most commonly affects women and typically starts in middle age.
People who suffer from fibromyalgia have symptoms including:
- Body aches
- Throbbing pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Temperature sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Increased muscle and joint dysfunction
- TMJ
- Trouble sleeping
- Bladder control issues
- Digestive issues
Book Your First Fibromyalgia Exam
Exam includes in-depth whole-body analysis with provider, posture pictures and insight nervous system scans (provided if necessary). Consultation & plan of action will help you understand your care options.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. However, fibromyalgia is most likely the result of a combination of factors, including nervous system dysfunction, genetics, environmental factors, and other medical conditions.
The medical field’s approach to treating fibromyalgia is to prescribe medication to mask fibromyalgia symptoms. Many people dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms prefer to seek out a more holistic approach to managing symptoms.
When there is interference in the nervous system, it can result in inflammation in the body. Chiropractors specialize in removing interference in the nervous system by correcting the position of your spinal bones, relieving pressure on the nervous system and reducing inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Because correcting spinal misalignments is the primary focus of chiropractic care, chiropractic care is an effective approach to managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
How Our Fibromyalgia Care Plan Works
1. Be Heard
And Understood
Quality time with a health professional, so you can be truly heard and understood, isn’t all that common. We understand that. This is why, on your first visit, you will meet with one of our doctors and share your health concerns and struggles so we can understand exactly why you are here and what you want to achieve. The doctor will determine what testing is necessary to find the source of your health concerns and answer the biggest question of all: Can Chiropractic Care Help?
2. Discover How We Can Help You
Every new patient should feel like they are making the right decision for their health. This is why our doctors explain what they are looking for in the testing, so our patients know exactly what is going on, instead of just being a bystander. We will share everything we discover from your testing and exams, including if we can help you. In the unfortunate event that we cannot help, our doctors will provide any additional resources they feel would be appropriate to assist you.
3. Achieve Your Health Goals Together
Whether you just want to be out of pain, or you want to get back to golfing without limitations, or you are desperate to get a restful night’s sleep, we will be with you every step of the way. We’ll achieve your goals
How We Treat Fibromyalgia in West Omaha, NE
Because of the complicated nature of fibromyalgia and its connection to the nervous system, it is essential to consult a health professional trained to identify interference with the nervous system. Chiropractors are the only medical professionals trained to detect spinal misalignments (subluxations) that are the cause of nerve interference.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
As a new patient in our office, the doctor will first perform a thorough consultation. During your consultation, you and your doctor will discuss your health goals and what is holding you back from reaching a higher level of health and function. To determine if misalignments in your spine are the root cause of your fibromyalgia symptoms, the doctor will also perform a series of tests. These tests can include motion palpation, static palpation, observation, and digital X-rays.
Specific Chiropractic Care in West Omaha, NE
The doctor will utilize the information gained from all the testing to determine the best course of action to restore nerve function in your body. After establishing which areas of the spine have limited movement and increased nerve pressure, the doctor can perform specific chiropractic adjustments to correct joint alignment and restore proper movement and nerve function. Many people with fibromyalgia report a reduction in one or more of their fibromyalgia symptoms once they have started chiropractic care.
Chiropractic adjustments for the spine are only one component of corrective care in our office for a patient with fibromyalgia. Depending on the patient’s situation, the doctor may prescribe a series of at-home exercises to help correct muscle weakness or imbalance. Patients can increase overall stability and mobility by consistently doing these exercises between adjustment appointments.
Holistic Care For Symptom Relief
For many medical professionals, the most common treatment for the wide range of fibromyalgia symptoms is to prescribe one or more medications. While medications may help to mask individual fibromyalgia symptoms, this approach does not address the root cause of fibromyalgia and can result in unpleasant side effects.
Chiropractors take a more holistic approach to helping patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The first step is a thorough nervous system evaluation to determine if interference in the nervous system is causing or contributing to fibromyalgia symptoms. If interference is detected, the chiropractor can recommend a series of chiropractic adjustments designed to correct spinal alignment and reduce nervous system pressure.
Chiropractors will also recommend a more comprehensive approach to managing fibromyalgia symptoms, including:
- Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet
- Specific supplements chosen for the patient
- Gentle exercises or stretches
- Massage therapy
- Changes to the sleep environment to promote better quality sleep
A combination of these steps, tailored to the patient’s individual needs, can help decrease inflammation in the body, allowing the patient’s nervous system to function at a more optimal level.
Gonstead Technique Chiropractic Adjustments
The doctors in our office are all trained in the Gonstead Technique, the most precise chiropractic method utilized to detect and correct subluxations. Once a person becomes a patient in our office, they will receive a sequence of adjustments designed by the doctor to address their unique subluxation patterns. With the goal of subluxation correction, our office looks to help alleviate aches and pains AND improve overall function within the nervous system. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, patients will have access to postural, exercise, and nutritional consultations to tackle their specific immunity concerns.
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Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in West Omaha, NE
Pain and Stiffness
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, which is caused by increased inflammation in the joints, tissues, and organ systems. Depending on the severity of their condition, patients with fibromyalgia can present with multiple joint stiffness or whole-body aches. Fibromyalgia pain can range from mild to severe, with patients describing pain as everything from a minor ache to burning or throbbing pain all over the body. The pain and stiffness symptoms can be overwhelming and lead to other symptoms like sleep disruption and cognitive dysfunction.
Anxiety and Depression
There is a strong correlation between Fibromyalgia and anxiety and depression due to the overwhelming nature of fibromyalgia symptoms. Anxiety and depression lead to altered pain perception, making fibromyalgia symptoms seem even worse.
- An altered lifestyle
- Reduced ability to participate in daily activities
- Lack of sleep
- Chronic pain
- Cognitive issues
- Neurochemical changes
- Stress and frustration of living with a chronic condition
These effects lead to a reduced quality of life and may cause a person to feel isolated, anxious, or depressed. People with fibromyalgia who are also suffering from anxiety and depression are strongly encouraged to seek professional therapy to help manage those symptoms.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep disruption is a common symptom of fibromyalgia and can dramatically affect a person’s quality of life. Chronic pain and discomfort can make falling asleep extremely difficult. Many people with fibromyalgia experience restless sleep because they cannot get comfortable in their bed. Frequent night waking or early-morning waking with the inability to get back to sleep are also common in people with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is commonly associated with changes in hormone production (like cortisol and melatonin) and neurotransmitter imbalances (like serotonin and norepinephrine). Healthy sleep patterns are interrupted when hormones and neurotransmitters aren’t properly balanced. A loss of normal sleep patterns disrupts a person’s ability to get adequate rest, can slow down the process of healing, and can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another symptom we commonly see in fibromyalgia patients. People with fibromyalgia often feel mentally and physically drained and may experience exhaustion due to a lack of quality sleep. Patients who have been dealing with fibromyalgia for a long time simply feel tired of dealing with chronic pain and other symptoms. This fatigue can result in cognitive dysfunction or an inability to think, remember, or make proper decisions.
TMJ Disorders
Fibromyalgia patients commonly suffer from stiff and tight muscles, and the muscles of your jaw, head, and neck are no exception. This muscle tension may cause pain in your jaw and cheeks and affect your bite. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause jaw clenching, clicking, or popping, resulting in headaches, earaches, and difficulty with chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Patients with fibromyalgia who receive a secondary diagnosis of TMJ should make sure to address symptoms as soon as possible to prevent further dysfunction.
IBS & Digestive Issues
Digestive issues like IBS or GERD are common problems associated with fibromyalgia because the disorder disrupts the proper nerve supply to the digestive system. Common digestive symptoms associated with fibromyalgia may include:
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Gas
- Excessive burping
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Acid reflux
- Diarrhea
People with fibromyalgia can also have altered gut bacteria, which can exacerbate digestive symptoms. Ongoing problems with bowel function and improper digestion can result in malnutrition, which can further exacerbate common fibromyalgia symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors in West Omaha, Ne help with fibromyalgia?
Yes! Patients report that chiropractic adjustments provide pain relief, increased mobility, and better sleep quality and quantity. Adjustments can also stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, which can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
What causes fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is most likely a combination of many factors. Some of those factors include genetics, changes in the central nervous system, environmental factors, physical or emotional stressors, and levels of specific hormones.
What should you not do if you have fibromyalgia?
People can avoid triggering their fibromyalgia symptoms by:
- Balancing physical movement so you aren’t sitting or standing for too long
- Focusing on gentle movements instead of strenuous activities or workouts
- Utilizing relaxation techniques and avoiding stressors
- Maintaining a consistent sleep routine
- Avoiding foods with excessive sugar or carbohydrates, processed foods, nightshade vegetables, and alcohol
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia symptoms vary widely. The most common symptoms include muscle pain and/or tenderness, face and jaw pain, headaches or migraines, fatigue, digestive problems, and bladder control issues.
What happens if fibromyalgia is left untreated?
Untreated fibromyalgia can lead to a variety of complications. Frequently reported complications include overall physical decline, mental health issues, feelings of isolation, strained relationships, job difficulties, and stress.
Should someone with fibromyalgia get a massage?
Massage therapy may be an effective option for reducing pain, stiffness, and fatigue for people with fibromyalgia. It may also improve mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Several types of massage may help with fibromyalgia, including myofascial release, Swedish massage, and shiatsu.
Book Your First Fibromyalgia Exam
Exam includes in-depth whole-body analysis with provider, posture pictures and insight nervous system scans (provided if necessary). Consultation & plan of action will help you understand your care options.