by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
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.
But does chiropractic work for them? Some recent studies indicate it does. In one example, chiropractors surveyed FM patients before, during and after a series of treatments to see if they responded favorably to chiroprac�tic adjustments combined with a specific soft tissue technique known as ischemic compression. In this prelimi�nary study, 60% of the subjects who were treated with this protocol experi�enced a significant improvement � with respect to pain reduction, improved sleep and decreased fatigue. What was especially encouraging was the improvements were reported to be maintained in a 1-month follow up.3 Although pure scientific research on the chiropractic treatment of fibromyal�gia is lacking, some early studies are showing that chiropractors could help improve these patients� quality of life.4 Chiropractors are trained as neuromus�culoskeletal specialists, and one of the main focuses of chiropractic care is the positive effects it can have on a person�s nervous system. Since all information from the outside world is collected and analyzed by the nervous system, it�s logical to assume that if a person with FM is sensitive to a stimulus that others are not, there may be something wrong with this system.
Vertebral subluxations are focal areas of spinal restriction and/or malposition. When present, these lesions can not only irritate the nerves that exit the spine (peripheral nervous system), but the irritation caused by subluxations will also feed back into the brain (central nervous system). Information from the joints of the spine is passed on to an important structure in the brain called the cerebellum. This part of the brain has been known traditionally to be important for body awareness, balance and coordination. However, more recent studies have shown the cerebellum to be intimately involved with maintaining proper cognitive function and playing a significant role in emotional stability. Therefore, irritation of the joints in the spine caused by vertebral subluxation may be linked to any of the symptoms associ�ated with fibromyalgia.
More studies are needed to show the positive effects that chiropractors can have with FM patients. However, having chiropractic care alongside other traditional treatment methods (including exercise, massage techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy5) is likely to give these patients a better chance for recovery.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.upchiro.com
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, Scoop.it
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.
Treatment Study
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.
One-half of the individuals were also randomly assigned to a treatment group, which meant that they also engaged in upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. This involved a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to the C1-2 motion segment three times per week for the first month. This was then reduced to once a week sessions for the remaining eight weeks.
Conclusion of Study
At the beginning of the study, the conclusion of the study, and at one year post-study, each participant was asked to complete various questionnaires to help the researchers determine what effect, if any, the chiropractic had on easing fibromyalgia symptoms and reducing its impact on their lifestyle. Specifically, questions were asked regarding physical function abilities, work days missed due to fibromyalgia symptoms, sleep disturbances, level of pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
The individuals who participated in the cervical chiropractic care group showed more improvement and better results than the control group who had no chiropractic intervention. This was validated by questionnaire scores that improved by 15 or more percent. The researchers concluded that adding chiropractic to your current fibromyalgia treatment regimen may offer even more benefits when it comes to getting to the root off the problem.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.chironexus.net
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, Scoop.it, Treatments
Is the pain of fibromyalgia getting you down? Are you having trouble dealing with persistent backaches, leg cramps, and foot pain? If so, then chiropractic care may be just the thing for you.
Chiropractic care is becoming increasingly popular among fibromyalgia sufferers because of the pain and stress relief that it offers. It can often provide relief in short periods of time and help you to get back to enjoying life fast. This article will outline the basics of chiropractic care and help you to decide if it could be an effective treatment for you.
What is Chiropractic Care?
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.
Chiropractic Care and Fibromyalgia
Recently, fibromyalgia patients have been seeking chiropractic care increasingly often. Because fibromyalgia causes numerous tender points all over the body, many fibromyalgia patients suffer from back pain, neck pain, and leg cramps. In an attempt to solve these problems, many sufferers have looked to chiropractors. Because simple adjustments to the neck and spine can restore the carriage of the whole body, a lot of fibromyalgia sufferers find that alignments of the spine can significantly reduce pain all over their bodies.
Upper Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from a condition called upper cervical spinal stenosis. This causes the coverings of the upper spine, known as meninges, to become compressed. This can cause severe, debilitating pain all over the body. Chiropractors can adjust the head and neck so the spine is no longer compressed, helping to relieve the widespread pain symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org
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, 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, 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, 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 .
