Fibromyalgia brings about pain that is widely felt all over the body. The experience can be so intense and overwhelming that it can leave the person feeling exhausted every day. People afflicted with this condition are always searching for ways to manage the pain. Many people are looking into the benefits of chiropractic care for fibromyalgia.

An Overview

• Fibromyalgia affects both men and women. However, the female members of the population are more likely to get this diagnosis.
• Family history, hormonal fluctuations, pre-existing conditions, lifestyle, and stress levels are the top triggers for this widespread discomfort.
• Many people are looking for natural solutions to their fibromyalgia type symptoms after having disappointing results with medical approaches.

Given that women are more prone to this ailment, the symptoms are not necessarily the same for all. 

In the next section, we will look into the key differences.

Menstrual Periods and Fibromyalgia

Most, if not all, women do not look forward to that time of the month. The cramps, mood swings, and headaches are enough to elicit such strong reactions in anybody. However for someone suffering with fibromyalgia type symptoms this time of the month can be even worse.

Here are some of the effects during a woman’s menstrual cycle:

• Headaches are more intense and last longer.
• Abdominal cramps feel more painful. Some opt to stay in bed since the pain can be overwhelming and severe.
• Irritability and mood swings are more prevalent. Those afflicted notice they are more sensitive towards other people, but they can often not filter their reactions.
• Tossing and turning at night happen more often, which results in more sleepless nights.
• Generally run-down feeling. Coping with the pain plus the loss of sleep can wear someone out.

Easing the pain is a priority for those suffering with fibromyalgia type symptoms. You might consider discovering the benefits of chiropractic care for fibromyalgia if you are looking for a non-medicine relief option.

Menopause and Fibromyalgia

Menopause happens when the ovaries of a woman no longer produce estrogen and progesterone hormones. These two are primarily responsible for a woman’s menstrual cycles and reproductive capabilities. The discontinuation of the production of these hormones signal that a woman’s child-bearing years are behind her. 

During menopause, and even including the period leading up to this phase, some fibromyalgia-afflicted people can experience more intense aches. It might be because of the shifts in the hormone levels in the body. 

Regardless of the reasons, here are some common experiences: 

• Sleeping becomes challenging. 
• One’s body feels incredibly tender.
• Some people wake up and immediately feel a fresh wave of pain.
• Increased forgetfulness – People chalk this up to old age, but menopausal women with fibromyalgia find greater challenges in remembering things.
• Feeling emotional – Although this is expected behavior during hormone-driven phases, women with fibromyalgia seem to be more sensitive and susceptible to bouts of emotional outbursts – both positive and negative ones. 

Does Fibromyalgia Heighten Depression?

Women diagnosed with fibromyalgia put up with painful sensations all over their bodies. It is not surprising that they are more prone to depression. Hopelessness and helplessness can frequently lead to depressive type symptoms.

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Although no lab tests can identify this condition, doctors have been using an assessment known as the New Clinical Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria which includes a widespread pain index and symptom severity evaluations that include cognitive symptoms, sleep symptoms, fatigue symptoms etc. On top of this, they also rule out other medical conditions that might have similar symptoms.

If a person feels general body pain but does not have lupus, multiple sclerosis, muscle dystrophy, or cerebral palsy, then the results of the assessment can confirm fibromyalgia. The assessment involves the self identification of widespread pain all over the body including up and down the spine, jaw, arms and legs. 

Are There Other Symptoms of This Condition? 

Aside from the pervasive and debilitating pain, these are the other effects of fibromyalgia

• Increased anxiety levels

People coping with this condition tend to be more anxious and stressed out. Do try your best to manage your stress through breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. The more stressed you get, the higher the possibility of muscle tension. Tense muscles can lead to more pronounced pain.

• Irritable bowel syndrome

Stress can make the tummy queasier, which can lead to IBS. Before getting your prescription medications, let your healthcare expert know that you have fibromyalgia and the IBS is a likely side-effect.

• Fibro or brain fog is a common symptom. 

It can be worrisome trying to remember details. Take it easy by keeping a notepad and jotting down important information. 

What Are the Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Fibromyalgia?

This painful condition affects the body’s nervous and musculoskeletal system. The more tension a person feels or inadvertently creates, the more intense the discomfort becomes.

The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) believes that relief from fibromyalgia pain is possible after spinal realignment. The spine, particularly the neck, plays an essential role in the body’s communication network. Nerves pass through the spine and neck to get to the brain and deliver messages. When this communication channel poses hurdles in the successful delivery and interpretation of signals, the brain might over-activate pain sensors. A possible pain condition is a fibromyalgia.

NUCCA chiropractors complete thorough evaluations to identify alignment issues that might be aggravating the effects of fibromyalgia. By using only a gentle approach, NUCCA doctors precisely correct imbalance to restore alignment gradually. A possible outcome is easing pressure on certain parts of the body, which will reduce pain signals.

Chiropractic care may provide people relief from fibromyalgia. Given the debilitating impact of this condition in one’s life, it might be a good thing to get in touch with a NUCCA doctor to find out more. Our NUCCA directory can help you find the nearest chiropractor in your area.

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