Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain and allodynia(pain provoked by stimulus which generally does not cause pain, either static or mechanical), a heightened and painful response to pressure. Fibromyalgia symptoms are not restricted to pain, leading to the use of the alternative term fibromyalgia syndrome for the condition. Other core symptoms include debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbance, and joint stiffness. Some patientsmay also report difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder abnormalities,numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is frequently comorbid with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety and stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder.  Not all people with fibromyalgia experience all associated symptoms.  Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2-4% (or 12 million people) of the population,with a female to male incidence ratio of approximately 9:1.

The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic, widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened pain in response to pressure. Other symptoms may include tingling of the skin, prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, nerve pain, functional bowel disturbances,and chronic sleep disturbances.

Many people suffering experience cognitive dysfunction (known as "brain fog" or "fibrofog"), which may be characterized by impaired concentration, problems with short and long-term memory, short-term memory consolidation,impaired speed of performance,inability to multi-task, cognitive overload,and diminished attention span. Fibromyalgia is often associated with anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Other symptoms often attributed to fibromyalgia that may possibly be due to a cormorbid disorder include myofascial pain syndrome, also referred to as chronic myofascial pain, diffuse non-dermatomal paresthesias, functional bowel disturbances and irritable bowel syndrome (possibly linked to lower levels of ghrelin), genitourinary symptoms and interstitial cystitis, dermatological disorders, headaches, myoclonic twitches, and symptomatic hypoglycemia. Although fibromyalgia is classified based on the presence of chronic widespread pain, pain may also be localized in areas such as the shoulders, neck, low back, hips, or other areas. Many sufferers also experience varying degrees of facial pain and have high rates of comorbid temporomandibular joint disorder. 20-30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus may also have fibromyalgia.

As a Chiropractor, I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of Fibromyalgia.  After a thorough consultation and examination, including a complete neurological workup, I determine which part of your brain may not be functioning properly. Often times the common finding in Fibromyalgia patients, we find that the brain stem and the cerebellum are not functioning optimally.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle, and lower.  The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem.  A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the Fibromyalgia patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum.  The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.

Go to My book now page to set up an appointment today!