Estimated to impact as many as five million Americans, fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in the country. While typically characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person—making it a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. Fortunately, a variety of medical treatments—including chiropractic care—are available to offer fibromyalgia pain relief. If you’re concerned about this condition, read on to learn more about how it occurs and how a chiropractor can help with treatment.  

Causes & Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is best described as widespread joint and muscle pain, but doctors do not yet know what causes the condition. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fibromyalgia can develop on its own at any time. However, it is also believed that the disorder may develop as a result of illness and disease, as well as traumatic or repetitive injuries.

Apart from pain and tenderness felt all over the body, people with fibromyalgia may have a wide range of physical and mental health symptoms. The NIH says those with the disorder often experience headaches, stiffness in the morning, sleep problems, foggy thinking, as well as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Women with fibromyalgia may also develop painful menstrual periods.

Risk Factors & Treatments

Any person can develop fibromyalgia. However, statistics suggest that as many as 90% of people with the condition are women. Individuals who have a family history of fibromyalgia may also have a higher risk of developing the disorder.

As doctors specializing in the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can assess your symptoms and pinpoint specific sources of pain. The specialist may offer targeted pain relief by safely manipulating affected tissues and joints. If the condition is linked to spinal alignment issues, chiropractic adjustments may also be provided to correct the spine’s position. Other potential pain treatments include hot and cold therapy, posture correction, non-surgical spinal decompression, and physical therapy.

If you’re searching for non-medicated fibromyalgia treatment, turn to the trusted specialists at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. Located in O’Fallon, MO, these pain management professionals use the latest tools and techniques to pinpoint issues and develop personalized treatment plans. Whatever the extent of your fibromyalgia symptoms, this clinic can help you discover pain relief through a variety of advanced treatments—including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapies, and spinal decompression. To learn more about the services this local chiropractor provides, visit the clinic’s website. For appointments, call a friendly staff member at (636) 978-3000.