by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
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 the condition.
Here are eight things you need to know about fibromyalgia and sleep.
1. It is estimated that 2 percent to 10 percent of the population suffers from this painful condition.
2. Three quarters of those with fibromyalgia have sleep complaints. The most common is a feeling of non-refreshing or non-restorative sleep.
3. Insomnia, characterized by an inability to either fall asleep or stay asleep, is very common. Treating the insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy and good sleep hygiene has been shown to improve symptoms of the condition.
4. 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 these patients, such as pregabalin (Lyrica), work in part by increasing deep sleep.
5. 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.
6. The incidence of restless legs syndrome has been found to be in excess of 50 percent of people with fibromyalgia, as opposed to 7% of the general population. Patients experience improvement in their symptoms of fatigue and sleepiness when restless leg syndrome is treated.
7. �The incidence of sleep apnea in fibromyalgia was found to be 61 percent in men and 32 percent in women, according to�a 2013 study published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. A particular variant of sleep apnea called upper airway resistance syndrome is very common in women. Treating sleep-disordered breathing improves both pain and fatigue.
8.� Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is a drug used in narcolepsy that works in part by increasing deep sleep. In 2010 the FDA rejected its use for fibromyalgia as being too risky. It is chemically very similar to the date rape drug GHB and they felt that the risks of wide dissemination outweighed the benefits.
In practice, many patients visit doctors for their associated sleep disturbance. Whether it is insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or sleep apnea, I can say that treating the associated sleep disturbance has a very positive effect on their fibromyalgia. Many doctors see an improvement in fatigue, cognitive function, and pain when the sleep disorder is addressed.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.everydayhealth.com
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, 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 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
If you�ve never been to a chiropractor, you may have some questions about how it works. Basically, chiropractors believe that the body is a connected system. If your bones, ligaments, muscles, joints and tendons aren�t functioning properly then they can lead to an improperly functioning system. When your skeletal structure is strong, your body is strong. Chiropractors help restore the balance in your skeletal structure through adjustments, manipulations and stretches to eliminate the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Patients with this syndrome have been turning to chiropractic care in increasing numbers over the years to treat the neck pain, back pain and leg cramps that often accompany fibromyalgia. Many have found that a few adjustments to the neck and spine can greatly relieve the chronic pain that they live with.
A lot of people who suffer from fibromyalgia are also afflicted with upper cervical spinal stenosis. This condition leads to the compression of meninges (the coverings of the upper spine) to become compressed. In turn, the patient is left with pain across their entire body. A chiropractor who is familiar with this syndrome can adjust the head and neck so that the spine isn�t compressed, which can help alleviate some of the chronic pain that is associated with fibromyalgia.
So, just how effective is chiropractic care at managing the pain associated with fibromyalgia? There have been several studies done to answer that question and the answer appears to be �Quite effective.� One study in particular, examined the effectiveness of the spinal manipulation done by chiropractors on relieving symptoms related to fibromyalgia. After only 15 treatments, patients reported a decrease in pain and fatigue, and an increase in the quality of their sleep.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, talk to your primary care physician about the risks and benefits of chiropractic care. Then, take your time and search out a Doctor of Chiropractic who understands the unique symptoms that your body presents. While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there is definitely treatment available that can make your life more manageable.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.thejoint.com
If you�ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia you may feel as if there will never be an end to the tingling, pain and exhaustion that accompany this syndrome. However, help may be as close as your chiropractor�s office. Chiropractic care has demonstrated to be an effective treatment for individuals with 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
Stress fractures occurring around the pelvis are significantly uncommon although, a majority of them are often considered a differential diagnosis when athletes, specifically long distance runners and triathletes, report hip, groin or buttock pain during and after running. Because stress fractures around the pelvic/hip region, including the sacral, pubic rami and femoral neck region, are rarely diagnosed, understanding and discussing the anatomy of the injury, their clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment for each of these types of stress fractures is important for an athlete in order to find a solution for those who do encounter it.
Stress fractures occur over a determined period of time when the bone is no longer capable of withstanding submaximal, repetitive forces. They frequently result when normal stresses cause bone fracture with decreased bone density, such as in an elderly osteoporotic individual, or as a result of an abnormal stress being placed against a normal bone and causing a fracture, such as in a long distance runner.
When the bones are exposed to loading, the introductory physiological response is a respective increase in osteoclastic activity, or bone resorption, leading to temporary structural weakening before new bone formation. If these stresses continue to occur without having the bone properly adjust to this additional, ongoing osteoclastic activity, the pressure may exceed bone regeneration, causing microfractures to occur.
The first characteristic of a stress reaction observed through the use of MRI is bone oedema as well as increased activity on bone scan. Bone scan in the acute phase has high sensitivity but an increased uptake may also be due to infection, bone infarction or neoplastic activity. Researchers from previous studies stated that 60 to 70 percent of X-rays in the acute phase of stress fractures, approximately less than 2 weeks after the injury, have a negative result. Due to its high sensitivity as well as a lack of radiation and high specificity, even despite its elevated cost, MRI is often the preferred procedure to identify stress fractures in their early phases
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Among the general population of athletes, pelvic stress fractures can be a rare cause of pain and discomfort, accounting for only 2 percent of all reported sports injuries. However, a considerably higher number of pelvic stress fractures are diagnosed in long distance runners and triathletes as the structures surrounding the hip, buttocks and lower extremities are exposed to constant and repetitive motions which cause overexertion. 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, Scoop.it
If you have fibromyalgia, you know what it’s like to live with the chronic pain and stiffness it can cause. And while medication and therapy are key to controlling symptoms, incorporating physical activity can vastly improve your quality of life.
“Try to keep moving�that’s my motto for patients,” says Maura Daly Iversen, PT, DPT, SD, MPH, spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. “The less you move, the more pain and fatigue you’ll feel.” Exercise can also help you sleep better and reduce your need for pain meds, as well as improve your mood: “So often, the pain of fibromyalgia leads to depression,” adds Iversen. “Working out is a great, healthy way to manage both conditions.”
Here are the top five fibro-friendly workouts, plus tips and tricks to help you ease in and hurt less: (Check with your doctor before starting any program.)
Walking
It’s an excellent form of light aerobic exercise, which provides a list of healing benefits: It brings oxygen and nutrition to your muscles to keep them healthy, helps rebuild stamina, boosts energy, and reduces stiffness and pain. In fact, a comprehensive research review found that low-impact aerobics is most effective for improving FMS symptoms. Biking is another good option: “The reciprocal, or back-and-forth, motion helps provide relaxation,” adds Iversen, who also chairs the Department of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University Bouve College of HealthSciences.
Other effective forms of aerobic exercise include swimming�and water aerobics in a heated pool (warm water relaxes muscles, and the buoyancy of the water helps with movement, whereas cold water can make muscles tense up) and using an elliptical trainer (which is lower impact than a treadmill).
Fibro-friendly tip: Do short bursts, not long stretches. Research shows breaking a longer workout into shorter chunks provides the same healthbenefits�and for people with fibro, the latter strategy is best: “If your goal is to walk for 30 minutes, start with three 10-minute walks a day,” says Iversen. “Just don’t leave your last walk for too late; that’s when fatigue is the worst.” Experts generally recommend doing aerobicexercises three to four times per week on nonconsecutive days. To help motivate you to stay on track, join a walking or workout group, adds Iversen.
Stretching
Do it at least once a day to help increase flexibility, loosen tight, stiff muscles, and improve range of motion�the combination of which will help ease everyday movements, like looking over your shoulder or reaching for a can on the top shelf of your pantry. Stretching duringworkouts may also help you to tolerate training better.
Fibro-friendly tip: Stretch to cool down, not warm up. The best time to stretch is after some form of light warm-up exercise, says Iversen; you could hurt yourself trying to stretch cold muscles. Start by positioning yourself until you feel a slight stretch in the muscle, then hold the stretch for a full minute for the most benefit.
Strength training
The trick is to use light weights (start with 1 to 3 pounds, says Iversen) and lift slowly and precisely to improve tone and make muscles stronger�stronger muscles use less effort than weaker muscles, which may leave them less fatigued. Plus, studies show strength training can help treat depression, even as well as some medications. Aim to work out each major area�legs, chest, shoulders, back, arms, and abs�two to three times per week, with at least a 1-day break in between. Start with a weightyou can lift comfortably for eight reps, then gradually up it to 10 and 12 reps. When you can lift the weight 12 times, two sessions in a row, you’re ready to increase the weight slightly (and start back down at eight reps.)
Fibro-friendly tip: Shorten the range of motion. Take a bicep curl, for example: There are two parts to that move�when you bring your hand up to your shoulder (the concentric phase) and when you lower it back down to your thigh (eccentric phase). That second part can be the problem�going down too far can cause discomfort and make pain worse for people with fibromyalgia, says Iversen. Studies show shortening that phase can help decrease muscle soreness.
Yoga
Practicing the Hatha kind�a more gentle combination of postures, breathing, and meditation�reduces the physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Pain Research. Participants reported significantly less pain; they were also more accepting of their condition and felt less helpless and more mindful.
Yoga also helps build endurance and energy and improves sleep and concentration. Tai chi, where you slowly and gracefully perform a series of movements, has also been shown to help relieve fibro pain and other symptoms�maybe even better than stretching, according to a recent study from Tufts Medical Center.
Fibro-friendly tip: Modify moves to reduce stress. If a particular position hurts, you can tweak it to still get the benefits with less pain, says Iversen. “With the downward dog, for example, the pressure on the wrists can be painful for someone with fibromyalgia, so rest on your forearms instead.” And don’t worry about extending your knees fully, she adds�as long as you can get into the basic position, and are comfortable in that position, that’s what matters. For beginners especially, it’s important to find an instructor who understands your needs�ask your physical therapist or doctor for recommendations.
Everyday activities
That’s right�studies show that playing with your kids, mopping the floors, gardening, and other things you do in daily life count toward increasing fitness and reducing symptoms.
Fibro-friendly tip: Plan your day to better manage pain. “Spread out your list of chores throughout the day, doing the tougher ones in the morning,” suggests Iversen. And give yourself a break: If you want to play with your kids, but you’re in pain, get on the floor with them so you don’t have to lean over and run around. Don’t clean your floors on your hands and knees; get a lightweight mop instead. And when you need a rest, take it.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.prevention.com
With fibromyalgia, exercise can improve your quality of life and reduce pain. As a chronic pain condition, the symptoms can often be impairing and debilitating. However, following an appropriate exercise routine along with ongoing treatment can help greatly reduce the individuals discomfort.
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
The TFL, or tensor fascia latae, is a complex muscle which is intricately arrangement anatomically with the ITB, or iliotibial band, and it performs various essential functions, such as allowing hip mobility as well as transmitting fascial tension through the fascia latae located in the thigh and the iliotibial band. The TFL also provides postural support during one-legged stance and limits the tensile stress on the femur caused by the combination of bodyweight, ground reaction force and how these create individual bending forces against the femur.
When one discusses the anatomy of the TFL, the anatomy of the ITB should also be discussed as these serve a conjoined role in order to function. A study conducted to compare the TFL and ITB in humans to other primates and mammals determined that human beings are the only mammals to have a defined ITB. The study also further regarded the anatomy and function of both the tensor fascia latae and the iliotibial band. Additional studies via cadaveric and biomechanical modelling research added a substantial amount of knowledge about this often misunderstood muscle, the TFL, and its relationship to the ITB.
The general agreement is that the tensor fascia latae begins on the iliac crest which starts just lateral to the origin of the sartorious, or ASIS, and extends posteriorly along the iliac crest to combine several types of tissue into the iliac crest and onto the gluteal fascia. It�s been highlighted that the muscle provides multiple functions and contains anatomically distinct heads: the anteromedial, or AM, and the posterolateral, or PM, head.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The tensor fascia latae, or TFL, is a well-known hip muscle among healthcare professionals and rehabilitation specialists. Because of its essential function, this muscle may be responsible for pain and dysfunction in the lower extremities, pelvis and spine. Research studies conclude that this muscle is greatly misunderstood, but with further examination, injury can be prevented. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
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.
Fibromyalgia: The Symptoms
The symptoms of fibromyalgia and their severity vary widely, although pain and fatigue are nearly always present. Major symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Pain. Some fibromyalgia patients report discomfort in one or more specific areas of their body, while others may experience overall pain in their muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Certain areas, such as the back of the head, upper back and neck, elbows, hips, and knees may be particularly sensitive to touch or pressure and are described clinically as tender points. The degree and type of pain can range from aching, tenderness, and throbbing to sharper shooting and stabbing sensations. Intense burning, numbness, and tingling may also be present.
Fatigue. If you’ve ever been knocked off your feet by a bad case of the flu, you have a general idea of how tired some people with fibromyalgia can feel. Though some fibromyalgia patients experience only mild fatigue, many report feeling completely drained of energy, both physically and mentally, to the point that exhaustion interferes with all daily activities.
Memory problems. Difficulty concentrating and remembering are common cognitive symptoms in people with fibromyalgia.
Sleep disturbances. Research has shown that the deepest stages of sleep in patients with fibromyalgia are constantly interrupted by bursts of brain activity, causing feelings of exhaustion even after a seemingly good night’s rest. Other problems such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and teeth grinding (bruxism) are also common.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of IBS, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating, are present in many people with fibromyalgia.
Other common symptoms
- Headaches, migraines, and facial pain
- Depression, anxiety, or mood changes
- Painful menstrual periods
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth, eyes, and skin
- Heightened sensitivity to noise, odors, bright lights, and touch
The following factors can worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia:
- Changes in weather (too cold or too humid)
- Too much or too little exercise
- Too much or too little rest
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
Some patients also report that pain and stiffness are worse in the morning.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
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 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.
Fibromyalgia Risk Factors
A number of factors can increase the odds that you may develop this painful condition. These include:
Gender. Fibromyalgia is more common among women than men.
Age. Symptoms usually appear during middle age, but can also manifest in children and older adults.
History of rheumatic disease. People who have been diagnosed with a rheumatic disorder � chronic inflammatory conditions � such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are at increased risk of also developing fibromyalgia.
Family history. Having a relative who suffers from the condition puts you at increased risk.
Sleep problems. Doctors aren’t sure whether sleep disturbances are a cause or a symptom of fibromyalgia � but sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea have been cited as possible fibromyalgia triggers.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.everydayhealth.com
Fibromyalgia is a condition which causes chronic symptoms of widespread pain. Although it’s been recorded to affect millions of people, it’s 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
During single extremity weight bearing exercises, such as stance phase of walking or running, lunging and landing from a jump, amongst others, the lower extremity joints are designed to naturally absorb the impact of gravity being placed against the body. When the force of gravity acts upon the body, the joints move into distinct directions and the muscles need to properly function as to counteract these forces. Generally, these muscles function isometrically and/or eccentrically. For instance, with the absorption movements of a pelvic lateral tilt, the hip abductors work to stabilize the movement. With an anterior pelvic tilt absorption movement, the pelvic posterior tilters such as the gluteals and hamstrings work to stabilize mobility. With hip joint flexion, adduction and internal rotation, the muscles are controlled by the gluteus medius and other hip joint external rotators, such as the gemellus muscles, quadrutus femoris, obturator muscles and the piriformis. And finally, the quadriceps controls the absorption movements of a knee joint flexion, the soleus of an ankle dorsiflexion and the tibialis posterior, FHL and FDL, stabilizes midfoot pronation.
The gluteus medius is a proximal hip muscle which purpose is to control proximal pelvic/hip joint motion that in turn controls lower limb kinetics around the knee and ankle. The gluteus medius attaches to the iliac crest and inserts onto the greater trochanter, functioning as a hip abductor, hip external rotator and stabilizer of the pelvis on the femur during stance phase of gait. It�s most significant role, however, is to compress the femoral head into the acetabulum during the stance phase of gait. The muscle is divided into three equal parts: anterior, middle and posterior.
The fibres which make up the posterior section of the muscle travel parallel with the neck of the femur while the middle and anterior sections travel vertically from the iliac crest to the anterosuperior feature of the greater trochanter. It�s been suggested, that each individual part of the muscle functions independently from each other as each of the three portions contain their own supply of nerves which run through the superior gluteal nerve.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The gluteus medius plays an important role in stabilizing the pelvis during the stance phase of gait and it also functions to control the sagittal, frontal and coronal planes of movement of the lower extremities during stance phase. An injury or condition affecting the gluteus medius can frequently be associated with a wide variety of musculoskeletal syndromes, including back, hip and knee complications.For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
