Suppose you are planning for a much-deserved trip. You really want to spend time with your loved ones and do everything to make sure all is set. You made reservations and arranged your travel itinerary so that everyone will have a great time.
However, you wake up the morning of your trip extremely tired and feeling pain from the top of your head to the bottom of your soles. Instead of going on an adventure, you need to visit a Salem fibromyalgia chiropractor for help.
This is what people with fibromyalgia often complain about– how the disorder gets in the way of enjoying their lives. Today, we’ll look at five effective ways to avoid fibromyalgia flares. This way, you can enjoy your time with your loved ones without stressing much about when your disorder will attack.
But before that, let’s take a closer look at fibromyalgia so that you’ll know what you’re really up against.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder that afflicts 2% of the U. S. adult population. It’s one reason why many seek the help of an upper cervical chiropractor in Salem. Anyone can develop this condition regardless of gender or age, but it is more common in women and older people with existing conditions (for example, arthritis).
What Does Fibromyalgia Feel Like?
Lady Gaga is one notable persona diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years back, and she works to spread awareness of this painful condition. She is no stranger to the many symptoms that come along with this often-misunderstood disorder.
Aside from chronic pain and fatigue, she and people with fibromyalgia experience these symptoms:
- Tenderness of the joints and muscles
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Stress disorders (anxiety, PTSD)
- Jaw pain
- Mental issues (depression, panic disorder)
- Fibro fog or poor cognitive function
- Lack of sleep or insomnia
Patients who consult with a Salem fibromyalgia chiropractor may notice varying symptoms compared to others. There are cases where some symptoms are manageable, and others experience extremely debilitating pain. At times like this, fibromyalgia patients need unconditional support and understanding from their loved ones.
What Can Cause Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder, so the theory that it’s due to a problem in the central nervous system (CNS) holds.
Doctors believe that the root of the issue has something to do with the function of the spinal cord and the brain. (The reason precisely why every upper cervical chiropractor in Salem addresses fibromyalgia by improving a patient’s CNS function. We will discuss more of this in a while.) This is a viable theory since both organs are responsible for how we experience pain anywhere in the body.
Hence, problems that arise in the CNS can cause fibromyalgia symptoms to transpire. These problems can occur from any of the following:
- Fluctuating hormones
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Trauma to the neck, head, and spine
- Spine disorders
5 Ways to Avoid Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia afflicts around 4 million adults in the U.S. If you have fibromyalgia, you are familiar with the challenges tied with this disorder. Perhaps, you are searching for ways to prevent its symptoms from ruining your day.
We can help you take back your life from fibromyalgia. The first step to finding relief is to change your mindset about your disorder. Think of it as something you can control, not the other way around. Here are five methods to prevent fibromyalgia symptoms from spoiling your time with your loved ones:
#1. Engaging in Activities to De-stress
Stress is a leading cause of pain– both physical and mental. Stress affects our bodies’ chemical composition, which can result in pain sensations all over the body. So, managing your stress levels should be a priority when you have fibromyalgia.
Start your day by meditating or doing light exercises, such as yoga. You can also spend time doing productive yet therapeutic activities like gardening, painting, or cooking. These activities can help your brain produce chemicals that would counteract the pain signals.
#2. Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle
Patients who visit a Salem fibromyalgia chiropractor usually ask what they need to do to manage the pain they experience. Their doctors would advise adopting a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy and regularly exercising can help us regulate brain functions and improve the way we handle pain.
#3. Avoiding Triggers
Coping with fibromyalgia is an ongoing battle. An effective way to avoid flare-ups is to avoid triggers that can worsen your fibromyalgia attacks. If you have fibromyalgia, take note of the following triggers:
- excess stress
- temperature changes
- lack of sleep or rest
- processed foods
- alcohol
#4. Taking Medications
Your doctor might prescribe pain medications or nerve blockers to reduce fibromyalgia pains. They might also recommend that you take multivitamins to boost your immunity and strength.
While these medications effectively alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, remember to follow your health provider’s instructions carefully. If your symptoms persist, talk with a doctor or an upper cervical chiropractor in Salem to determine other alternatives for relief.
#5. Getting Upper Cervical Adjustments
More often than not, those who turn to a Salem fibromyalgia chiropractor are surprised to hear about this method– and it’s completely understandable. Sometimes, we neglect to see the connection of spinal health to the pains we experience in our bodies.
Among all the bones in our spine, the two topmost bones found in the neck are the most vulnerable to misaligning. These top bones make up the upper cervical spine, and their job is to protect the brainstem, a vital and highly delicate part of the CNS. No matter how small, misalignments can have a profound impact on the function of the CNS.
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a practice that can correct these misalignments. At Upper Cervical Health & Restoration, our veteran upper cervical chiropractors can relieve those who have fibromyalgia.
After a complete diagnosis and assessment, our doctors create tailor-made adjustments for each of their patients. We use gentle and highly precise techniques for every adjustment, encouraging sustainable healing after each session. Our patients can attest to positive results!
Rediscover what it feels like to be free from fibromyalgia pains. Contact us today and experience the benefits upper cervical chiropractic care has to offer.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Holliday, call our Seneca office at 864-888-4399. 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.
