Fibromyalgia — Why It’s Getting On Your Nerves
Chronic pain conditions tend to be the most complex. Whether it’s chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or headaches these types of health concerns leave people desperate for answers. Of these chronic conditions, one of the worse is known as fibromyalgia, affecting over 4 million people according to the CDC.
Fibromyalgia is categorized by widespread muscle and joint pain. Many times, those symptoms are accompanied by fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, anxiety, depression, and / or irritable bowel syndrome. There are currently no medical labs or traditional imaging test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Like I said, it’s complex.
While the cause of fibromyalgia is not yet understood, science [1] is starting to reveal its association with the central nervous system. This defect in the nerve system may likely be why traditional medical treatment focused on symptom management has had little success in helping people suffering with fibromyalgia.
The central nervous system (brain & spinal cord) is like grand central station for the human body. Messages from every single cell, organ, and tissue in the body continuously flow through this system which is surrounded by the spine. This relay of information to and from the brain is what’s responsible for all bodily functions without ever having to think about it.
So why is fibromyalgia literally getting on your nerves… It is becoming evident [2] that the majority of those with fibromyalgia have suffered some type of neck trauma in the past. An injury to the neck like a slip and fall, car accident, or concussion will often leave behind neurological insult by way of the upper spine. This area, known as the cranio-cervical junction, is structurally the weakest area of the spine by anatomical design. The human head, like a bowling ball weighing about 10–14lbs, sits on top of the smallest bone in the spine weighing 2 ounces. There are also no intervertebral discs to act as shock absorbers between this junction. These circumstances leave this area susceptible to shifts or displacements when injured that will cause chronic tension and stress in the spinal cord until evaluated and corrected.
Due to the proximity of this part of the spine and the brainstem centers that control muscle tone, sleep, respiration, and heart function — injury to this area can cause many of the abnormal functions and secondary conditions commonly seen in those with fibromyalgia.
A proper evaluation of the structural alignment of the upper neck may finally reveal the answer you’ve been searching for. Only specific chiropractors trained in this area have the diagnostic protocols and clinical experience to locate, analyze, and correct this problem. This procedure is gentle and effective for all populations as it involves no twisting or cracking whatsoever. At Balance Chiropractic the goal is to ensure your brain is communicating with your body properly so that your body can heal and function optimally once again.
