Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose.
And finding an effective form of fibromyalgia treatment can be even harder.
Most doctors diagnose fibromyalgia by using a process of elimination. This can be a long and painful process for the patient.
Why is it Hard to Find Effective Fibromyalgia Treatment in Kansas City?
Although fibromyalgia is hard to diagnose, studies show that chiropractic care is an effective form of fibromyalgia treatment.Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long term) disorder where patients experience widespread musculoskeletal pain, extreme fatigue and multiple tender points on the body.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long term) disorder where patients experience widespread musculoskeletal pain, extreme fatigue and multiple tender points on the body.
These tender points are sensitive and precise local areas on the body.(See the figure to the right.)
In addition to the tender points, there are several other symptoms that are often present:
- Headaches
- Sleep Disturbances
- Irritable Bowels
- Stiff joints
- Urinary Problems
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrom
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Restless Leg Syndrome
Statistics show that about 2-6% of Kansas City patients have fibromyalgia, so if it’s fairly common, why is it so difficult to diagnose and treat?
1. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.
Fibromyalgia symptoms mimic the symptoms of other diseases and they vary from patient to patient. This makes it difficult to uncover the underlying cause.
2. The frequency and location of fibromyalgia pain can vary.
The current criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis is:
- Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least 3 months
- Pain in at least 11 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed
But fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain at different levels of intensity at different times of the day. This can make it difficult to provide definitive fibromyalgia treatment.
3. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms with medications that have severe side effects.
Many of the medications that doctors often prescribe have side effects that can be extremely dangerous. The temporary relief that a patient feels through this form of fibromyalgia treatment is often not worth the risk that these side effects can potentially prevent her from enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle in the future.
Studies Suggest Chiropractic Care is an Effective Form of Fibromyalgia Treatment
Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not, yet known, studies suggest fibromyalgia treatment through chiropractic care can offer pain relief.
A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that more than 60% of patients who received 30 chiropractic treatments experienced significant pain relief, had more energy and better sleep.
Chiropractic treatment involves identifying the areas of the spine that are interfering with normal nerve impulses. Once these areas are identified, your chiropractor will use chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy to restore normal nervous system function and motion to joints that are “locked up” or fixated.
Kansas City Fibromyalgia Treatment Through Chiropractic
Chiropractors take a comprhensive approach in evaluating and designing a specific treatment plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Nutrition, exercises and regular chiropractic adjustments have all been shown to play a role in reducing pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia, while improving overall health.
Our Kansas City chiropractors specialize in fibromyalgia treatment. Schedule an appointment online today to discuss fibromyalgia treatment options with your local family chiropractor.