If you're a regular chiropractic patient who already receives Upper Cervical Care, you know that fibromyalgia symptoms can be challenging to manage. They can even get worse due to seasonal changes. Just when you think you've got everything under control, a sudden flare-up can throw everything off balance.
Thankfully, with consistent and gentle atlas bone adjustment, as well as simple lifestyle adjustments, you can cope better with your condition. Discover three simple things you can do to boost your current efforts to controlling your fibromyalgia symptoms and flareups.
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide. One of the most challenging aspects of having fibromyalgia is experiencing sudden and unexpected flare-ups, and if you’re diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you know that seasonal changes can play a significant role in triggering flare-ups, making it essential to understand the causes and triggers.
Changes in temperature and barometric pressure can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms, causing pain, stiffness, and fatigue. These changes can increase inflammation and nerve sensitivity, leading to a flare-up. This is because fibromyalgia is associated with an increased sensitivity to pain signals in the brain, and changes in the weather can exacerbate this sensitivity. For example, many fibromyalgia patients report that cold weather can cause muscle stiffness and joint pain, while hot weather can trigger fatigue and headaches.
Seasonal allergies can also worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Allergies cause an immune response that leads to inflammation, which is also linked to fibromyalgia. Inflammation can exacerbate fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms. For example, allergies can cause nasal congestion and sinus pressure, leading to headaches and facial pain. This can be particularly challenging for people who live in areas with high pollen counts, as seasonal allergies can be a year-round problem.
Hormonal changes can also play a role in fibromyalgia flare-ups, especially in women. Drastic changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger symptoms like fatigue, pain, and mood changes.
Studies add that estrogen levels can affect the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, and hormonal changes can lead to fluctuations in estrogen levels. This can make managing fibromyalgia symptoms more challenging during certain times of the month or during hormonal changes.
Sudden decrease of progesterone and sharp increase of cortisol can also aggravate painful sensations during a fibromyalgia flare-up. The same can be said for testosterone levels. A study on testosterone gels reveal that pain levels among fibromyalgia patients tend to shoot up when they don’t have enough testosterone in their system.
Here are three safe and effective complementary strategies that can help fibromyalgia patients manage flare-ups and triggers due to season change:
Mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups. These practices can also improve flexibility, reduce pain, and improve sleep quality, all of which can benefit those with fibromyalgia. Additionally, mind-body practices can help individuals feel more in control of their symptoms, which can improve their overall well-being.
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. Many fibromyalgia patients report that acupuncture helps reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue, and improves sleep quality. Acupuncture may also help reduce inflammation, a factor that can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. It is a safe and non-invasive option for those with fibromyalgia.
Certain herbal supplements, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with fibromyalgia. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have also been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you're taking other medications, to ensure there are no potential interactions.
While seasonal changes can be a major trigger for fibromyalgia flare-ups, another cause of severe fibromyalgia pain that is often ignored is atlas subluxation. As someone who has received Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments, you already know how bad a spinal misalignment can get and how it can affect overall health.
So, if you haven’t come in for a follow-up consultation or a quick check up of your atlas bone alignment, we strongly suggest scheduling your next visits. Remember that holding or maintaining the adjustments is key to helping your body heal better. Book your schedule for an altas bone adjustment or a follow-up consultation with a credible Upper Cervical doctor in your area today!
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.
