Upper cervical chiropractors in Oklahoma City are alarmed about the extent of pain and disruption that fibromyalgia causes patients. Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder that brings chronic pain in the whole body of people who suffer from it.

Many researchers agree that a combination of genetics and environmental factors both play a part in its development. Considered environmental factors are trauma, psychological stress, and certain infections. 

Another potential cause of the abnormal pain in fibromyalgia is central sensitization, a condition that originates in the central nervous system (CNS). This means the CNS is always in a heightened reactivity. As a result, the body exaggerates the pain it feels.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Up to this day, doctors diagnose fibromyalgia by ruling out other conditions. There is still no single diagnostic test to detect the syndrome. Patients would need to undertake numerous, costly tests and wait for a couple of months before receiving a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. 

Pain in fibromyalgia can affect the whole body, but sometimes it can also be on specific areas such as the neck, back, hips, shoulders, arms, and legs.

Here’s a list of some common symptoms that doctors look for to confirm a diagnosis.

  • Widespread, chronic pain throughout the body
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Tender spots in different parts of the body
  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
  • Allodynia – heightened pain response to light touch
  • Fibro fog – cognitive issues, problem with concentration, short attention span, short-term memory loss, inability to multi-task, and slow reaction time
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nerve pain
  • Tingling of the skin
  • Weakness in the limbs
  • Palpitations
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Myoclonic twitches
  • Hypoglycemia

Self-Care Tips for Every Fibromyalgia Patient

Fibromyalgia is a tough condition to manage. It is a complex disorder that involves many factors that even doctors are at times clueless about where to begin with care. It can co-exist with other illnesses, like autoimmune diseases or rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, it is challenging to figure out what really helps. 

Here are some natural care for fibromyalgia that you can try yourself to ease the nagging pain of fibromyalgia.

  • Stay active!

It may seem difficult to exercise while you are in so much pain. However, regular mild exercises can actually reduce the pain of fibromyalgia. Not only that, but it can also help patients sleep better at night. An intense workout is not necessary at all. The important thing is you exercise with consistency. Try walking or swimming. However, make sure you get the green light from your doctor before kicking off a new exercise routine.

  • Manage the stress in your life.

Stress can aggravate the pain of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, it happens every now and then in life. 

Living a stress-free life is impossible, but you can always do something to reduce the stressors around you. Do your hobbies regularly. Stay away from your phone or social media for a quiet time of relaxation. Try writing in your journal, gardening, or reading books. Pursue whatever helps you relax and make time for it in your schedule. 

  • Get enough sleep.

Many fibromyalgia patients have difficulty getting a night of restful sleep. Sleep is essential when it comes to managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Having a well-rested body and mind reduces the fatigue that generally accompanies fibromyalgia. Here are a few things you can do to improve your sleeping habits and get the rest you should be having.

  • Avoid daytime naps. Do it only when necessary and limit your nap time to 30 minutes or less. If you work a night shift, daytime sleep is a must to regain some energy. 
  • Turn off your gadgets before bedtime. Keep from using your phone, laptop, or tablet just before sleeping. Also, refrain from watching TV and go straight to bed.
  • Minimize light and noise in your bedroom. Use blackout curtains to prevent any outside light (streetlamps) from entering your room. You can also wear earplugs at night to keep you from hearing disruptive noises. 

  • Take breaks and rest.

Listen to your body and don’t ignore signs of fatigue. Pause from whatever you do and get some rest. Overexertion can aggravate your symptoms and cause you even more stress. Don’t push yourself too hard. Practice moderation and take breaks regularly.

  • Stay healthy.

Having a healthy mind, body, and lifestyle work wonders to improve fibromyalgia and other chronic pain condition you may have. Keep a healthy diet and always exercise. In addition, eliminate bad habits such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. You would live a better life and feel happier over time.

The Next-Level Care for Fibromyalgia

All these recommendations are proven care for fibromyalgia symptoms. However, if you want to take things a step further to get long-lasting relief, upper cervical chiropractic is a great option.

Upper cervical chiropractors in Oklahoma City address the very root cause of fibromyalgia. In many cases, fibromyalgia patients often have a misalignment in their upper cervical bones. The vertebrae involved are the C1 and C2. If any of these bones get misaligned, it can cause pressure on the brainstem, a critical part of the CNS. This can lead to malfunction of the brainstem and transmission of incorrect signals to the brain. The brain may tell the body that there is so much pain even when there is not. Fibromyalgia is an undesirable result.

Here at Precision Chiropractic in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, we help patients correct the misalignment in their upper cervical spine. Once successful, the body can restore its healthy communication and relief is within reach.  

Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Sheppard, one of the respected upper cervical chiropractors in Oklahoma City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia

How does a person get fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress.

Can fibromyalgia be cured?
Treatment for fibromyalgia tries to ease some of your symptoms and improve your quality of life, but there’s currently no cure.

What age group gets fibromyalgia?
Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, although it affects around 7 times as many women as men. The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50.

 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheppard, call our Oklahoma City office at 405-378-3100. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.