If you or a loved one is dealing with fibromyalgia, you know this chronic pain condition affects more than just physical health. We are going to look at 5 significant ways that fibromyalgia affects a person’s life. Then we will consider a natural way to reverse the symptoms of this debilitating condition.

The Physical Impact of Fibromyalgia

While there may seem to be few physical indications of illness, fibromyalgia has a tremendous effect on a person. Here is a summary of just a few of the physical impacts this syndrome causes:

• Pain – The pain is chronic and widespread. During a flare-up, it can make getting out of bed difficult, let alone being able to accomplish normal daily activities.
• Numbness and Tingling – The numbness and tingling or pins and needles feelings add to the draining effect of the condition.
• Stiffness and Soreness – Especially after physical activity or first thing in the morning, soreness and stiffness can make things difficult.
• Headaches/Migraines – Chronic headaches or migraines often become a part of the suffering for a fibromyalgia patient, especially since people often store their stress in the neck and shoulders.
• Exhaustion – A general feeling of malaise that does not improve with rest can make it tough to get things done even on the days when the pain isn’t that bad.

The Emotional Impact of Fibromyalgia

An even lesser recognized impact of fibromyalgia is the emotional one. Depression and anxiety are commonly associated with chronic conditions, but rather than being a symptom of fibromyalgia, these mood disorders are more likely caused by alterations to a person’s quality of life.

What can cause general anxiety for someone with a chronic illness? Think of the uncertainty that comes along with a medical condition that can affect your ability to hold down a job, maintain friendships, or even carry out normal day to day activities. Anxiety can result from economic struggles or from something as simple as making dinner reservations when you are not sure how you will feel in a few hours.

Depression is also common for people who have suddenly changed circumstances that are viewed in a negative light. Perhaps you went from being a rising star at your company to being out of a job. Maybe a romantic relationship ended because your partner didn’t understand your health condition. There are many factors that can lead to depression when dealing with a chronic pain disorder. Focusing on the positive is a must.

How Fibromyalgia Can Affect a Career

If your boss is not understanding of your health condition, you may quickly run out of sick days and then end up in a tough situation. Can you make it into work today? If so, will you be productive and hit that deadline that would be nearly impossible for someone at the pinnacle of health? Even if your boss is understanding, the competitive nature of most professional workplaces makes it difficult to miss days or experience bad days at the office. As a result, many fibromyalgia patients find themselves looking for new work, perhaps something that can be done from home and with a flexible schedule. Even then, symptoms like fibro fog can make it tough to concentrate.

The Social Dark Side of Fibromyalgia

Will your friends understand when you cancel on them again tonight? Should you bother buying those non-refundable concert tickets? Can you get up and clean the house before company arrives, and if so, will you be in bed the rest of the week paying for it? These are just some of the decisions a fibromyalgia patient has to make when dealing with social situations.

When you suffer from a chronic illness, you certainly find out which of your friends are the most understanding. Hang on to a good friend who doesn’t mind picking up take out, bringing it over, and helping you clean off the table so you can have lunch together.

Fibromyalgia in the Family

Even in the family, fibromyalgia takes a major toll. Since most fibromyalgia patients are female, consider this from the perspective of a wife and mother. You may have started out keeping a clean home, preparing most of the meals, taking care of the kids, and working a part or full-time job. Now you struggle to change out of your PJs some mornings. Good communication with your mate and children who are old enough to understand your condition is vital. Maybe older children can help with chores and even learn to cook. On your good days where you can accomplish more, use that time to train your children and be sure to give your mate some personal time as well, so he doesn’t feel he always just gets whatever energy you have leftover at the end of the day.

Finding Natural Relief from Fibromyalgia

There’s no magic pill that can take away all of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, there is a subspecialty of chiropractic that has been providing benefits for many. In fact, in some case studies, fibromyalgia has completely resolved after upper cervical chiropractic care.

Upper cervical chiropractic is very gentle and precise. It focuses on the C1 vertebra (atlas). This sensitive area houses the brainstem and facilitates blood flow to the brain. As a result, correcting an underlying misalignment can have far-reaching effects on the entire body.

Contact an upper cervical practitioner near you to learn if this is a viable option in your case. If so, you may be a gentle adjustment away from starting on the road to better overall health and well-being.

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