5 Fibromyalgia Eye Problems You Should Know About

November 3, 2019

Fibromyalgia Eye Problems You Should Know About

What is fibromyalgia best known for? The first thing just about anyone thinks of when they hear the word fibromyalgia is the chronic pain that it causes. However, there are many other fibromyalgia symptoms to be aware of, and we are going to focus on one in particular today. Fibromyalgia eye problems can become chronic and be a debilitating part of the condition.

What should you know about the eye symptoms of fibromyalgia? Is there a natural way to find relief from some of the symptoms of this condition that affects millions of people around the world? Here are some of the things you should know about fibromyalgia if you or a loved one is living with this disease.

 

The 5 Most Common Fibromyalgia Eye Problems 

Why are the eyes often affected when a person has fibromyalgia? This is a condition that impacts the central nervous system, and it is your CNS that gives the muscles surrounding your eyes that commands they need in order to function correctly. You also need your brain to accurately interpret signals from the eyes in order to see properly. With that in mind, consider the following five symptoms that you may experience regarding your vision. 

#1. Impaired Vision 

One of the significant signs of fibromyalgia is fatigue. It can lead to muscle weakness. When this muscle weakness occurs in the six muscles that control the eyes, impaired vision can result. Things may appear blurred or doubled. Also, a condition that is associated with fibromyalgia – migraines – can also cause visual disturbances. If your vision problems occur before or during a bad headache, this may indicate that you are also experiencing migraines. 

#2. Sensitivity to Light 

Bright or glaring lights can actually be a trigger for fibromyalgia symptoms. They can also make it tough to see. You may want to invest in a pair of good sunglasses for the outdoors and glasses with a glare-resistant coating for when you have to use screens for long periods of time. 

#3. Difficulty Driving at Night

It can be tough to drive at night when the glare from the headlights of oncoming traffic is blinding, regardless of whether you have a condition that makes your eyes more sensitive to light. Now add fibromyalgia into the mix and driving after dark may actually become dangerous. 

#4. Eye Pain 

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition, so this one perhaps makes the most sense. When you are tired or stressed out the effect may become even worse. Fibromyalgia patients are also more susceptible to chronic migraines or other headache conditions, and eye pain can be related to various types of headaches. 

#5. Dry Eyes 

The eyes use specific muscles to release moisture. If your eyes are dry, it may be an indicator that something isn’t functioning right. Of course, it can also indicate dehydration, so be sure that you are getting plenty of fluids. The early stages of dehydration can increase pain and cramping in the body, which is something that you certainly don’t need when living with a chronic pain disorder.

fibromyalgia eye problems relief infographic

Caring for Fibromyalgia Eye Problems 

The eye problems that are associated with fibromyalgia are just another part of the neurological effects of this condition. Therefore, in order to reduce the eye problems, you have to go after the condition at its core, in the central nervous system. 

One of the best ways to keep the central nervous system working optimally is chiropractic care. In particular, upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the top two bones in the neck, which can have the most significant impact on the CNS. What is the link between the neck and neurological conditions? 

  • Blood flow – The cervical spine facilitates blood flow to the brain through the vertebral foramen. Therefore, the neck must be in proper alignment to ensure every part of the brain is receiving enough oxygen for optimal functionality. 
  • Brainstem function – The C1 (atlas) vertebra surrounds and protects this complicated component of the central nervous system. However, even the slightest of misalignments can put pressure on the brainstem. This, in turn, can affect communication throughout the body. Also, all of the cranial nerves connect through the brainstem. Therefore, all of the body’s sensory information has to go through this point. 

In addition to this, when the upper cervical spine is out of alignment, changes may take place throughout the spine to keep the head balanced. This can also throw off the central nervous system by affecting the spinal cord and the nerves that extend from various parts of the spine.

 

Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic and Fibromyalgia 

For these reasons, it makes sense that upper cervical specific chiropractors have found success in helping fibromyalgia patients. In some case studies, patients have even become symptom-free. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, eye problems, migraines, headaches, sensory sensitivities, or any other fibromyalgia symptoms, this may be the natural solution you’ve been looking for. 

If you are living with fibromyalgia, especially if you have a history of head or neck injuries that may have caused a misalignment, please contact an upper cervical practitioner in your area. Remember that the accident does not have to be recent because these small subluxations can work under the surface for years to cause symptoms. The search feature on this website can help you to locate one of our preferred doctors in your area. We hope this is the first step that puts you on the path to better overall health and well-being.

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