Can a Chiropractor Diagnose Fibromyalgia?
Can a chiropractor diagnose fibromyalgia

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Over the years, more and more people are becoming aware of fibromyalgia. Perhaps, news of celebrities getting diagnosed with this condition sparked people’s sudden curiosity. Lady Gaga, Morgan Freeman, and Lena Dunham are among those celebrities who reported having fibromyalgia.

These interested parties have searched Google for answers to questions like: 

 “What causes fibromyalgia?”

“What does fibromyalgia feel like?”

Can a chiropractor diagnose fibromyalgia?”

Today, we’ll answer all of these questions with emphasis on the last one. 

 

What Fibromyalgia Feels Like

You might be wondering, “What does fibromyalgia feel like?” A patient dealing with fibromyalgia will tell you that this disorder is more than just widespread pain. 

Lady Gaga, for example, experiences what we call a “fibro fog.” Fibro fogs refer to poor cognition. To illustrate this symptom, imagine these scenarios:

  • After driving for a whole day with no rest, you have to attend a one-day seminar about the most boring subject you can think of. You are not allowed to doze off in the said seminar. And you have to ask a question during the panel.
  • You are talking with your beloved long-time friend, but they speak in a different language that you can’t understand. You still have to respond to what they are saying.

 

Aside from the dull, lingering body aches and fibro fogs, patients with fibromyalgia can also experience other symptoms, including:

  • Stiffness and tenderness throughout the body
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Depression and stress
  • Painful tender points
  • Sleeping problems

 

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Before you ask the questions, “Can a chiropractor diagnose fibromyalgia?” or “How is fibromyalgia treated?”, you have to understand what causes this condition.

Medical doctors are not entirely sure of its root cause, but experts point at these possible origins of fibromyalgia:

  • Excessive stress
  • Trauma or injury to the spine
  • Autoimmune disorders like Lyme disease and lupus

 

Before you receive a fibromyalgia diagnosis, you likely were experiencing widespread chronic pain. Your doctor will gather information about your medical history and past experiences leading to the disorder during diagnosis. 

Following the series of tests and questions, your doctor might be able to point out the reason for your fibromyalgia. Knowing about the source of your pain is the key to addressing its symptoms. 

Aside from taking medications, there are ways to manage fibromyalgia pains at home.

 

How Can I Treat Fibromyalgia at Home?

If you are someone interested in alternative ways to cope with fibromyalgia we highly recommend you start with these four tried and tested methods that you can do at home:

#1. Adjust Your Eating Habits

If you have fibromyalgia, try to avoid foods that cause inflammation, like coffee, chocolates, and processed foods. Instead, eat foods that are rich in probiotics and antioxidants to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.

#2. Exercise Regularly

Mild to moderate exercises can help improve your strength and pain threshold. Try to walk or do activities like yoga and swimming every day to train your body.

#3. Relax and De-stress

Stress is a primary reason for fibromyalgia flares. To enhance your condition, try to participate in hobbies and interests that can reduce stress. Mild exercises, gardening, cooking, and even sleeping can do the trick. 

You can also invite your loved ones to join these activities. This way, you can relax and have fun with the people close to you. Social activities can also help with fibromyalgia symptoms.

#4. Improve Your Sleeping Habits

Fatigue is a known symptom of fibromyalgia. With extreme tiredness, sometimes the only thing you can do is shut your eyes and go to sleep– and that’s probably the best thing you can do for yourself.  

If you’re going to spend a lot of time resting, why not enhance your sleeping habits? Invest in a good mattress and comfortable pillows. Diffuse some soothing essential oils and keep your room dark and cool.

 

Can a Chiropractor Diagnose Fibromyalgia?

If you’re wondering if a chiropractor will diagnose fibromyalgia, the answer is usually no. Medical doctors frequently are focused on giving the official diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, NUCCA chiropractors can frequently do something much more important than give a diagnosis for someone suffering with fibromyalgia. 

As a neurological condition, fibromyalgia can arise from an issue in the central nervous system (CNS). Did you know that spine misalignments are a leading culprit for CNS issues?

Among all of the segments in the spine, the upper neck is the most prone to misaligning. Upper neck misalignments affect the function of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord. Neck misalignments can develop from a variety of accidents and injuries including car crashes, slips and falls, repetitive injuries, poor posture or even consistently sleeping on your stomach.

If you have a hunch that a neck misalignment may be connected to your fibromyalgia symptoms, the best people to consult are NUCCA chiropractors. 

NUCCA is a practice dedicated to maintaining the proper alignment of the upper neck. Chiropractors in this field utilize safe, gentle, and accurate adjustments to guide the spine back in its place.

We invite you to talk to the nearest NUCCA chiropractor if you want to learn more about its benefits.

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