Imagine experiencing intractable pain at all times throughout the day, with little relief and no explanation as to why you’re feeling said pain. This is the sad reality for patients with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
Unfortunately, many patients with fibromyalgia have historically been treated very poorly. Physicians will often pass off these patients, accusing them of “faking” their symptoms, or simply not having a high threshold for pain.
Chiropractors are well-equipped to help patients who suffer from fibromyalgia. If you’ve tried everything and aren’t sure where to turn for your fibromyalgia symptoms, consider chiropractic care! In this article, we’ll review the top five ways your chiropractor can help you deal with your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Way #1: Decreased Pain
First and foremost, chiropractic care can help patients experience less pain. This is a godsend for these patients, as pain is the primary issue they suffer from. Often, patients with fibromyalgia will leave their chiropractors’ offices with almost no pain after visits.
Anything that can decrease pain for patients with fibromyalgia is critical to consider. Chiropractic treatments are safe and effective for pain relief, and these should be considered as an alternative to more harsh treatment methods like medication and surgery, which come with many different side effects and drawbacks.
Way #2: Increased Range of Motion
Often, patients with fibromyalgia will attempt to move as little as possible in a vain attempt to avoid experiencing any pain. However, this often leads to stiffness and more pain, due to the joints not being lubricated throughout the day.
Chiropractic adjustments increase range of motion, enabling patients with fibromyalgia to better navigate their environments. This is one of the best gifts chiropractors can give to their patients.
Way #3: Improved Posture
Along with limited range of motion, many patients with fibromyalgia will also experience poor posture. These patients often remain in a slumped position for many hours throughout the day, wishing that the pain would just disappear.
Chiropractors are experts in improving posture. Simple adjustments can almost instantaneously help patients improve their posture. A better posture leads to less stiffness and, in turn, decreased pain and discomfort.
Way #4: Improved Mood
One of the major issues associated with fibromyalgia is a depressed mood. We have found that pain is intimately tied to psychological state. Specifically, if one is in a depressed state, they are likely to experience more pain, and vice versa. This leads to a vicious cycle from which it can be very hard for the patient to emerge.
Chiropractic care eases many fibromyalgia symptoms, including helping with mood issues. After fibromyalgia pain, mood issues are often some of the most debilitating parts of the condition.
Way #5: Better Ability to Complete ADLs
ADLs are Activities of Daily Living. These include things such as driving, cleaning, and cooking. Patients with fibromyalgia often struggle to complete even the most basic daily tasks as a result of their mood disturbances, high levels of pain, and difficulty moving. For instance, even reaching to get a cup off of a high shelf can feel like an unbearable task for fibromyalgia sufferers.
In the end, chiropractic treatments are some of the best options we have available to help with fibromyalgia symptoms. The alternatives to chiropractic care, such as pain medications, are often dangerous and ineffective. These treatments lead to dependency and even worse health problems.
If you or a loved one are suffering from fibromyalgia, there is hope in chiropractic care. Your go-to Lithia Chiropractor at At Last Chiropractic is here to help you with all of your health needs, including those related to fibromyalgia. Book your first session with us now!
