by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
Fibromyalgia symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain can be tied to your environment. Learn how pain can be affected by reactions to light, sound, or smell.
Sensitivity to environmental stimulation, including bright lights, loud noises, and even certain smells, can make living with fibromyalgia particularly challenging. You might wake up each morning wondering what new trigger may exacerbate your fibromyalgia symptoms.
“I deal with everything on a day-to-day basis,” says Stephanie Parker of Dover, Del., who believes her symptoms are consistent with fibromyalgia but has not yet been formally diagnosed. The symptoms keep her from participating in daily family activities, such as watching her kids’ ballgames in the afternoons.
Tina Pringle, who was diagnosed 16 years ago with fibromyalgia, says that her fibromyalgia symptoms have been overwhelming at times. “The symptoms all merge together, and because of the fatigue and brain fog, everything becomes a maze of sheer confusion,” explains Pringle.
This heightened sensitivity may be difficult for you to understand, much less explain to friends and family members who see no outward problem. The uncomfortable and painful sensations of fibromyalgia may be part of your brain’s unusual way of processing pain, suggests fibromyalgia researcher Benjamin Natelson, MD, a neurology professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and author of Your Symptoms Are Real: What to Do When Your Doctor Says Nothing Is Wrong.
According to a study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation�that compared and analyzed reports from women with rheumatoid arthritis, women with fibromyalgia, and women without a pain syndrome, those with fibromyalgia were much more likely to report intense, unpleasant responses to sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations.
Another study, published in the journal Pain Research and Treatment,suggests that changes in brain chemistry among people with fibromyalgia may be linked to sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and smell. Imaging studies have provided visual depictions of this altered response to sensations. In some respects, the brains of people with fibromyalgia may be hyper-responsive to even the possibility of pain or discomfort, Dr. Natelson says.
Researchers have also tested tissue samples and found elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the skin of people with fibromyalgia � which may be linked to hypersensitivity to touch. Touch sensitivity is real for people like Pringle, who says that there are times when even holding hands with her partner is too painful to bear. Clothes that are too tight, massages, and even light touches all ratchet up her pain and stress. To make matters worse, Pringle says she occasionally even flinches involuntarily when touched by others, which can be hurtful to those around her.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.everydayhealth.com
Widespread pain and fatigue are well-known symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, however, recent studies have concluded that an individual’s symptoms can also be tied to their environment, including reactions to light, sound or smell. Sensory overload can be an additional symptom to fibromyalgia.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Millions of Americans are affected by fibromyalgia, a mysterious debilitating disorder. Here’s what is known so far about its symptoms, causes, and risk factors.
Fibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood and sometimes misdiagnosed chronic condition, commonly characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, concentration issues, and sleep problems. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it affects an estimated 10 million people, mainly women, in the United States alone. The severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from one person to the next and may fluctuate even in a single individual, depending on such factors as time of day or the weather. Because it is a chronic condition, in most cases fibromyalgia symptoms never disappear entirely. The good news is that fibromyalgia isn’t progressive or life-threatening, and treatments can help alleviate many symptoms.
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains a mystery, doctors do know that patients with the disorder experience an increased sensation of pain due to a glitch in the central nervous system’s processing of pain information. Studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia also have certain physiological abnormalities, such as elevated levels of certain�chemicals called nuerotransmitters that help transmit pain signals (thus amplifying, or “turning up,” the signals in the brain’s pain-processing areas).
In some cases, an injury or trauma, especially to the cervical spine, or a bacterial or viral illness, may precede a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This has caused researchers to speculate that infections may be triggers as well.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Fibromyalgia is a condition which causes chronic symptoms of widespread pain. Although it’s been recorded to affect millions of people, fibromyalgia is still largely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed among the medical field. Referred to as a condition without cure, the symptoms can be managed with proper care. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Fibromyalgia, a chronic disease that causes pain and swelling in more than a dozen points all over the body, affects as many as 5 million people. Because doctors are still unsure of the cause of fibromyalgia, treatment can be frustrating (and often a process of trial and error). �Fibromyalgia symptoms are only about 30% amenable to current pharmaceutical strategies on the market,� says Kathleen Holton, PhD, MPH, lead author of Potential Dietary Links in Central Sensitization in Fibromyalgia.
That�s why many patients are taking matters into their own hands and experimenting with alternative treatments, including dietary changes. Forty-two percent of fibro patients reported that symptoms worsened after eating certain foods, and though much of the research is in its preliminary phases, there�s some evidence that simple diet tweaks may ease fibro pain.
Read on to get 5 food rules for fibromyalgia patients (just be sure to consult your doctor before drastically changing your diet).
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Fibromyalgia can cause symptoms of pain and discomfort along with fatigue and concentration issues. Living with the condition can be difficult, however, there are many alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic, which can help people with the condition, find relief from their symptoms. In addition, following a balanced diet and the proper nutrition can help speed up the process of relief. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
A new study from Egypt reports that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment strategy for fibromyalgia treatment with chiropractic care.
The study involved 120 people between the ages of 40 and 65 who had suffered with severe fibromyalgia for four years or more. Each person rated their pain as a 4 or higher on a pain scale and also had limited movement in their cervical (neck area) spine, specifically in their C1-C2 area.
All of the individuals participating in this study engaged in 12 weeks of therapy which included:
An education program (one two-hour session per week) designed to provide the participant with more information about fibromyalgia and available treatment options;
Cognitive behavioral therapy (one two-hour session per week) which involved discussion regarding pain management via relaxation exercises, challenging treatment-prohibitive beliefs about fibromyalgia, and positive reinforcement about what types of actions can be taken to ease fibromyalgia symptoms;
and an exercise program (three one-hour sessions per week plus 20-minute session twice daily at home) which included relaxation techniques, as well as active and passive stretches.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition which affects the primary nerves of the body, present in a wide number of the population. There are several available treatment options for the condition but recent studies have concluded, chiropractic treatment can benefit fibromyalgia sufferers. From spinal adjustments to manual manipulations, chiropractic care can provide relief from the painful symptoms of the condition. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Fibromyalgia, Treatments
Though often termed an alternative treatment, chiropractic care is now becoming more accepted by the mainstream medical community. Almost 20% of American men and women have used the services of a chiropractor at some point in their lives. 80% of those who use chiropractors report significant pain relief, better functioning, and an increased sense of wellbeing. But what theories are chiropractic care based on and what exactly does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractic care is based on the theory that illness and pain are caused by misalignments in your skeletal structure. It sees the body as a connected system, which relies on your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons to keep it functioning efficiently. When your skeletal structure is sound, your body should feel healthy and happy. But if parts of your skeleton are slightly off balance, it could cause serious problems, like chronic pain.
Chiropractors aim to solve pain and related symptoms by correcting the imbalances in your skeletal structure. Through a series of techniques, including stretches, adjustments, and manipulations, your chiropractor will restore your skeletal balance, thereby eliminating any pain symptoms.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Chiropractic care is becoming increasingly popular among fibromyalgia sufferers because of the pain and stress relief that it can provide for those with the condition. It can often offer relief in short periods of time and help you to get back to enjoying life fast. Understanding the basics of�chiropractic care can help you to decide if it could be an effective treatment for you and your symptoms of fibromyalgia. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Fibromyalgia is a widespread condi�tion. Some investigators estimate as many as 2% of the general population in the United States suffers from FM, with women affected 10 times more than men.1 With the combination of symptoms faced by the FM patient, finding the solution to this problem is a tough task.
Medical science is yet to discover the cause for this condition. Because there are so many different symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, there are just as many theories for what causes it. Since those with FM often experience an altered mood � such as depression � many experts focus on the psychologi�cal aspect of the disease. Others feel that FM is more a physiological entity, and has its origins in physical trauma or chronic postural alterations. Some suggest that FM is a central nervous system disorder, with imbalances in neurochemicals � since those with FM are hypersensitive to even the slightest stimuli. They often have a pain response to normally non-painful pressure or activity. It�s not out of the question that a combination of psycho�logical and physical triggers can result in the onset of many of FM symptoms.
Chiropractors often offer their skills to FM patients, hoping to relieve some of their symptoms. In fact, evidence suggests that those with FM consult with chiropractors quite regularly. According to a study conducted at a tertiary Mayo Clinic, 37% of the 300+ FM patients surveyed had visited a chiropractor in the previous 6 months.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder involving widespread pain and sensitivity in the entire musculoskeletal system. In addition to pain, patients also report long-term fatigue, and/or disturbed sleep and mood. Other disorders commonly associated with FM may include: irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ pain and dysfunction, psychological condi�tions and some autoimmune diseases. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Sleep disturbances are among the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition affecting the spinal cord and brain that causes people to feel pain and fatigue, and affects concentration. In fact, along with the tiredness, pain, and psychosocial distress, sleep disturbances are a core feature.
In the last few years, it has become increasingly clear that treating the associated sleep disturbance improves the daytime symptoms of fibromyalgia.
It is estimated that 2 percent to 10 percent of the population suffers from fibromyalgia. Three quarters of those with fibromyalgia have sleep complaints. The most common is a feeling of non-refreshing or non-restorative sleep.�Insomnia, characterized by an inability to either fall asleep or stay asleep, is very common in fibromyalgia. Treating the insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapyand good sleep hygiene has been shown to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia.
People with fibromyalgia show less deep sleep, increased lighter stages of sleep, and more frequent arousals during the night than do others. Many of the newer medications approved for use in fibromyalgia such as pregabalin (Lyrica) work in part by increasing deep sleep.�In several studies of normal sleepers, disrupting deep sleep nightly for 7 to 14 days with either noise or awakenings resulted in symptoms indistinguishable from patients with fibromyalgia.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Fibromyalgia is a painful, chronic condition which affects the overall function of the nerves. Along with pain and fatigue, two of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, the condition can also cause sleep disturbances. Among the various known statistics of the condition, treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia can help a person gain back their sleep. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
