Many people have heard of the disorder fibromyalgia, but don’t know much about it. It is, however, very common. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you’ll likely have a lot of questions. See a few of the most common ones below to get your own answers, and you’ll be able to have a more informed discussion with your chiropractor and loved ones.

Fibromyalgia FAQ

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that affects the muscles and soft tissues in the body, making them tender, tired, and painful. It is often confused with arthritis but is different in that it affects soft tissues rather than the joints. Women are more likely to be affected by it. There is no cure, but medications and treatment can control the symptoms.

What are the Symptoms?

The most common symptom is a chronic, dull ache that lasts for months. The widespread pain occurs all over the body; that is, it occurs both above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. Patients sleep a lot, but still wake up fatigued and make wake up often through the night with pain. Restless leg syndrome and chronic headaches are common. This, in turn, can make people feel as though they are in a fog, without the ability to focus or remember things.

What Causes It?

Doctors are not sure what causes this disorder, but there are a few aspects that it has been linked to. It runs in families, so genetics is considered a risk factor if a family member has been diagnosed. Physical trauma, psychological stress, and infections have all been found to trigger fibromyalgia.

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

A chiropractor can be an important part of your care plan for managing symptoms. By adjusting the spine and improving the function of the central nervous system, they can improve quality of life. Studies have found that chiropractic management has been linked to improving patients’ cervical and lumbar ranges of motion, lowered pain levels, and improved their straight leg raise abilities. Diet, exercise, and acupuncture have also been shown to be very effective in controlling symptoms.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it’s time to take charge of managing your symptoms. Schedule an appointment for a spine adjustment at Red Wing Chiropractic Clinic PA in Goodhue County, MN. Dr. Jay M. Greenerg, D.C. and Dr. Barbara Kaiser, D.C. have more than 50 years of combined experience in acupuncture and chiropractic care. The doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your needs. Contact them online or at (651) 388-8294 to schedule your free in-person or phone consultation.