Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that has been shrouded in mystery, making it tough for the 5 million+ Americans who are coping with it to find relief. We’re about to debunk 3 common fibromyalgia myths to clear up some of the confusion surrounding this chronic health condition.
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This myth springs from the fact that about 80% of diagnosed fibromyalgia patients are women. However, children and men can also be afflicted with this condition. Some researchers believe that men and children are underdiagnosed due to this misconception existing even in the medical field.
Cases of fibromyalgia date back to the 1800s, but the name of the condition has changed so many times, it seems like a relatively new disease. Add this to the fact that some doctors do use it when a patient’s symptoms don’t meet the criteria for any other condition, and you have the recipe for confusion over whether fibromyalgia is a condition in itself. It is, however, its own condition, and evidence points toward it being neurological rather than musculoskeletal.
This actually is not considered a progressive condition. Increased flare-ups and pain are usually caused by lifestyle changes. For example, pain may cause a person to become sedentary and gain weight. However, it is the lack of exercise and weight gain that cause the pain to get worse, not a worsening of the condition itself. A proper diet, mild exercise, and a good sleep schedule can help keep pain levels from increasing.
Upper cervical chiropractic care addresses a specific misalignment in the top of the neck that is related to many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A subluxation of the atlas (C1) can affect brainstem function, blood flow to the brain, and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. These conditions can affect everything from pain processing to cognitive function. Correcting the misalignment has helped many fibromyalgia patients and has even resulted in complete resolution for some. To learn more, contact a practitioner near you.
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TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
