Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic

A lot of people go to the chiropractor to get help with things like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Even though more and more people are going to the chiropractor for these things, most people are still confused about what it is that a chiropractor does that has anything to do with those conditions. This article is going to explain briefly how chiropractic adjustments can help you overcome fibromyalgia or other hormonal or metabolic problems.

Something most people know is that the nervous system controls everything in the body. Your central nervous system includes your brain and your spinal cord. All your glands are controlled by this central nervous system. Your spinal column, also known as the vertebral column, surrounds and protects your spinal cord. When you have a healthy spine you allow your nervous system to be healthy. Since your nervous system controls your glands, these healthy spine bones that are aligned properly help make sure there is no nerve pressure disrupting how those glands work.

When your glands work correctly and at 100% they will perfectly control the type and quantity of all the chemicals and hormones in your body. One of these hormones is called "Cortisol" and it is called the stress hormone. It earned that name because when you are under stress your nervous system causes your body to release cortisol into the blood and this causes you to be in a state of heightened tension - your blood pressure rises and your body prepares itself for some kind of action in response to whatever caused the cortisol to be released. Over the short term this is fine because it helps you respond to threats and react quickly. Long term cortisol in the blood, though, causes many health problems including increased pain sensation all over the body.

We will bring you in, have a real discussion with you about your concerns, and then we will examine your spine for imbalances that can affect how well your nervous system coordinates the processes in your body. If you are a candidate for care we will begin treatment immediately after this exam and a discussion of your treatment options. We may order x-rays to get a clearer picture of what exactly your spine looks like. All things being equal, we are all better off with healthy spines that move properly and that are not causing pressure on nerves.

Expect your care to include instruction in gentle exercise, reqular spinal adjusments, manual therapy/trigger points/massage, and some positive reinforcement. No matter what is causing all this pain and what it's called, and no matter the specific questions about diagnosis or blood chemistry or diet, the goal is to help to return you to a state of physical health.