Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia and the Brain Stem

The brain stem, which can be compared to a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires or nerve fibers sending signals between the brain and the body, controls nearly all vital functions. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem, which can be a critical factor in the development of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Trauma or compression of the upper neck can cause the same symptoms seen in fibromyalgia or patients with CFS. These symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or several years later.

Most FM patients suffer with chronic pain, stiffness and burning in the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips. Others experience depression, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness, dizziness, headaches or sleeping disorders. Even minor exertion can aggravate the pain and increase fatigue.

Fibromyalgia & Neck Injuries

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, numerous studies and clinical trials show that FM often develops after traumatic neck injuries. Nearly 70% of the fibromyalgia patients at Upper Cervical Health Centers of America could relate the start of their fibromyalgia symptoms to a specific injury to their neck. Car accidents, sports or on-the-job injuries, repetitive stress, falls, or even birth trauma can cause these injuries. Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Rosner, states that when the neck is hyper extended backward, the spinal canal narrows, impacting the spine and brain stem. This can occur in cases of whiplash in automobile accidents, extended dental work in which the head is bent back, or severe bouts of coughing. Even activities like painting a ceiling can cause injury to the neck that may lead to fibromyalgia.

Addressing Chronic Fatigue with Upper Cervical Care

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can negatively affect the quality of a person’s life as well as his or her state of mind. It is known for such symptoms as:

• Extreme exhaustion that is not improved with rest
• Muscle pain
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Tiredness after mental or physical exertion that lasts over 24 hours
• Irregular patterns of sleep
• Sore throat
•  Abnormal headaches
• Joint pain with no swelling or redness
• No other medical conditions to explain the fatigue

These symptoms must be experienced by adults for 6 months and children for 3 months in order to be diagnosed properly. No one really knows exactly what causes CFS, but here are a few theories:

• Viral infections
• Genetics
• Immune system problems
• Hormonal imbalances

Another theory that is gaining popularity because of its success in helping chronic fatigue patients has to do with an often-overlooked misalignment in the bones of the upper neck, specifically the atlas and the axis bones. If one has been in a car accident, had a trip and fall, experienced a sports-related injury, or suffered any other kind of mild or major blow to the head or neck, he may be at risk for a misalignment of these bones. When this happens, undue stress is put upon the brainstem and causes the central nervous system to malfunction. 

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 

Upper Cervical doctors take chronic fatigue very seriously. A healthy spine means a healthy body and a happier person. A misalignment – even one as tiny as ¼ of a millimeter – can be the source of a lot of serious health problems throughout the body. The use of modern technology helps Upper Cervical doctors detect exactly where the misalignment lies, and then they use a very gentle method to begin to correct it. They do not pop or crack the spine or neck in any way. The technique used by upper cervical chiropractors encourages the bones to more back into place naturally with minimal force. Once the misalignment is corrected, patients often report seeing chronic fatigue symptoms improve greatly.

Currently, the Center for Disease Control reports there are 5 million fibromyalgia suffers in the nation, 80 percent of those sufferers are women. Fibromyalgia affects many different areas of the body, and causes extreme pain to the individual. It can cause pain, extreme headaches, fatigue, digestive problems, and a whole list of issues that can feel like you will never be able to do the normal things in life.

While it is currently unknown as to what causes fibromyalgia, it is noticeably linked to the Central Nervous System. While a doctor will prescribe many different pharmaceutical drugs, the pain is just temporarily being relieved. By consulting an Upper Cervical Chiropractor, you can take control of your own pain and discomforts again.

There are certain things you can do yourself to help to ease your fibromyalgia discomforts, listed below:

• Get off sugar. Eat protein instead. Protein can help your body to stop craving sugar. Since sugar can help to create a burst of energy, some people tend to use sugar to gain energy. However, protein can create a sustainable amount of energy to help you overcome any fatigue you may be feeling.
• Take care of your thyroid. Make sure you are getting your daily dose of Vitamin A, Selenium, and Iodine. Avoid processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco and try to get more aerobic exercise.
• Drink enough water. If you are dehydrated your symptoms can get worse.
• Don’t cut salt out of your diet. If your body is not getting enough salt intake, it can lead to exhaustion.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners, like Splenda, often found in diet foods and sodas
• Restore intestinal balances, such as probiotics and other vitamins (ask your UCC doctor about these).
• Assure that your spine and body is properly aligned. Misalignments can cause muscle weakness and interference of the Central Nervous System functions which can prolong or worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.