What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can be a debilitating condition and affects an estimated 10 million people in the USA alone. Worldwide, it is about 3 to 6 percent of the population. Fibromyalgia is also more commonly diagnosed in women. The percentage of women as compared to men is an astounding 75 to 90 percent! It does not discriminate age, gender, or ethnicity.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed following widespread pain in the musculoskeletal system. This usually includes sleep issues, depression, and fatigue. It can also cause jaw problems, headaches, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The combination often leads to anxiety and progressive depression.

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia include the above mentioned widespread musculoskeletal pain of at least 90 days duration. This pain should be above and below the waist, and on the right and left side of the body. Even though they seem to sleep more, a Fibromyalgia sufferer is tired in the morning.

Ability to concentrate or focus is difficult. This is described as “Fibro Fog” or mental malaise.

The FDA has approved three specific drugs for Fibromyalgia. These consist of antidepressants and a drug designed as an anti-seizure medicine. Sometimes these will lessen the levels of pain and depression, but the side effects are from mild to serious. The side effects and the overall poor effectiveness of the drugs, has caused many patients to seek safer and more beneficial options.

Can Chiropractic Help Fibromyalgia Pain?

One of the most frustrating aspects of Fibromyalgia is the consistency of treatment benefits from one patient to another. Just like medications help some more than others, chiropractic also helps in varying degrees. Some patients report a great deal of improvement, and others, not so much.

Studies have found that chiropractic adjustments decrease pain levels and increase quality of life for this condition. Patients also notice increases in sleep quality. These improvements are realized without the harmful side effects of medication.

At our chiropractic office in Rapid City, SD, Dr Gruba will often use acupuncture to treat many of the Fibromyalgia patients. We have found that gentle chiropractic adjustments, followed by acupuncture, seems to benefit even the toughest patients. We are also quite aware of the possibility of over stimulating the patient and causing a flare-up of the symptoms. We do not take your condition lightly.

To Your Health,

RapidCityChiropractor.org