Can Chiropractic Care Alleviate Fibromyalgia Pain?
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic pain and sensitivity throughout the musculoskeletal system. The cause of this disease not yet known, which makes it challenging to treat. Although medication is typically the first thing healthcare providers recommend, people suffering from fibromyalgia may also find relief through chiropractic treatments. Here's more information about this option.
Relieve Pressure on Nerves
When the bones in the body are out of alignment, they can cause changes that result in undue pressure being put on the nerves. Since the nerves are responsible for communicating pain signals and other information to and from the brain, this can result in quite a few problems that may be contributing to fibromyalgia pain and sensitivity.
Chiropractic care focuses on making regular adjustments to the body so the bones align in the right way and alleviate the pressure which may result in a reduction in fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms.
For example, it's not unusual for people with fibromyalgia to also develop upper cervical spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves in the spinal cord. This often leads to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and numbness in the arms, neck, and legs. A chiropractor can make gentle adjustments to the neck and spine to help reduce the pressure on the spinal nerves, which may decrease the associated symptoms.
Improve Blood Flow
Another way chiropractors can help is by improving blood circulation using a technique called ischemic compression. Some people with fibromyalgia report problems with blood flow. When circulation is poor, the muscles may not be getting enough oxygen and glucose to function properly, which may lead to pain and fatigue.
Ischemic compression involves temporarily blocking blood flow to one area and then releasing the blockage so that the blood surges through the treated body part. This technique forces stagnant blood out of an area and move fresh blood in so the muscles gain access to oxygen and nutrients.
According to one study, 60 percent of fibromyalgia sufferers who underwent this treatment —in combination with a variety of other chiropractic treatments— experienced improvement in their sleep as well as decreased pain and fatigue and were able to maintain those results for at least a month.
There are many other chiropractic treatments that may alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms and even improve your overall health. Contact a local chiropractor for more information about the different ways you may benefit from chiropractic care.