Feeling tired all day, even after getting enough shut-eye, isn’t the only indicator of fibromyalgia (FM). In fact, healthcare professionals like rheumatologists and fibromyalgia chiropractic doctors notice several recurring indications such as environmental sensitivity. Let’s help you get acquainted with these critical signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia so you can cope better.
#1. Environmental sensitivity
One of the biggest challenges that fibromyalgia causes are over-sensitivity to various environmental triggers. Sometimes, even a faint smell of cigarette smoke or a newly painted wall can trigger unpleasant effects on a patient. Bright and flashing lights, as well as loud sounds, can also adversely affect a person living with fibromyalgia.
#2. Fatigue
Constant tiredness is a common health complaint of people who have fibromyalgia. Notably, this happens because of poor energy metabolism as the body struggles to cope with the continuous transmission of pain signals.
As a result, doctors and fibromyalgia chiropractic physicians recommend engaging in low-impact physical activities like yoga and swimming to help the body recover. You might also find it helpful to adjust your bedtime routine, like following a consistent sleeping schedule and taking a warm bath before you hit the sack.
#3. Mild to severe body pain
Dull and persistent body pain is also a hallmark indicator of fibromyalgia. This symptom can last for several weeks or months. Most patients who experience this symptom compare it with the pain that stems from an intense workout routine. However, instead of causing simple muscle pain, fibromyalgia triggers neuropathic symptoms. Hence, it takes longer for the pain and discomfort.
#4. Joint pain
Apart from neuropathic muscle pain, FM patients also experience tenderness in several joints, including the knees, elbows, ankles, and toes. Thankfully, you can potentially eliminate or alleviate this symptom with the help of massage therapy and long restorative sleep.
#5. Hypersensitivity to touch stimuli
Case studies found that most people with fibromyalgia notice intense sensitivity to touch. Doctors believe that fibromyalgia patients can either have hyperalgesia or hyperesthesia. Here’s a brief overview of the two:
Hyperalgesia causes the brain to sense pain abnormally
For example, if you accidentally stubbed one of your toes, you will likely experience excruciating pain longer than the average individual.
Hyperesthesia causes intense sensitivity to touch stimuli
A perfect example to illustrate the effect of this condition is when you wrap a patient in a light blanket. Ordinary people wouldn’t feel discomfort, but patients with fibromyalgia may feel weighed down by the fabric.
#6. Disrupted sleep
Sleeping problems like insomnia are pretty prevalent among patients with fibromyalgia. This might stem from the intense pain that the condition triggers. However, it’s also possible that the disruptions may have something to do with the chemical imbalances in the brain.
It would help to seek the help of a professional when you experience sleep problems because of fibromyalgia. That’s because it might cause you to get trapped in a vicious cycle of pain and sleepless nights.
#7. Bowel issues
Patients with fibromyalgia are no stranger to bowel problems like diarrhea and constipation. About 73 percent develop bowel issues as they cope with the neurological disorder. It’s unclear why this happens, but it might have a connection with the debilitating effects of the condition.
#8. Impaired cognition
Fibromyalgia’s effects on the brain are pretty profound. Studies note that it causes several problems, including impaired cognition, poor memory retention, and speech problems. It would help to consult your doctor to know what medications or techniques might help you navigate cognition-related issues.
#9. Chronic headaches
Fibromyalgia patients sometimes experience chronic headaches. This is why some physicians recommend steering clear of common migraine triggers like bright lights and loud sounds. Additionally, you might find it helpful to manage migraine risk factors like excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
#10. Muscle spasms
Studies note that muscle spasms can happen to fibromyalgia patients without an apparent reason. A group of muscles can suddenly contract, leaving a patient at risk of accidents like slipping, tripping, or falling. Therefore, you might find it helpful to use ice or heat therapy to relax your muscles and dampen the effects of the spasm. We suggest exploring other muscle spasms remedies like massage therapy and OTC pain relievers.
Fibromyalgia Chiropractic: Your Option for Lasting Relief
Do you have any of the symptoms we listed above? If yes, then you should consider consulting your physician. The sooner you can get diagnosed, the faster you start planning your next steps.
Fibromyalgia symptoms are common indicators of other health complaints. That’s why it’s crucial to rule out other possible causes of your discomfort. Once you know that you have fibromyalgia, you may begin tapping into established remedies such as fibromyalgia chiropractic.
Fibromyalgia chiropractic care involves studying the C1 and C2 vertebrae and applying necessary adjustments to restore their original alignment. It’s a gentle approach to healing the body and restoring the normal functions of the nervous system.
Many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia have experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care. That’s because the technique aims to eliminate signal interferences that may prevent your body from healing or functioning correctly.
We strongly suggest trying Upper Cervical Care if you want to explore a new option to cope better with your symptoms and embrace a happy life despite living with a chronic condition. Find out if you need to receive neck bone adjustments by speaking with an Upper Cervical doctor. Kindly book your appointment today for your initial consultation.
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