Have you ever woken up feeling all stiff, sore, and extremely tired, even after getting ample shut-eye? Are plan cancellations and last-minute routine adjustments becoming a norm in your daily life because you don't have the energy or motivation to leave the house? Have you told people about your symptoms only to hear negative feedback like “it’s all in your head” and “You’re just tired; just try to sleep more, and you’ll be better tomorrow!”? 

Thousands of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia feel your pain and misery. After all, it affects a large number of people in the country. And quite notably, widespread pain is one of the main symptoms that patients immediately notice and report to their healthcare professional when they come in for a diagnosis. 

Though the pain may vary from dull to severe, most fibromyalgia patients report pain as part of their usual symptoms. So there is a big chance that pain will always be present during your flare-ups. Keep in mind that fibromyalgia can co-exist with other conditions too. Hence symptoms may be confusing.

This condition can affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to work and socialize to your daily mundane tasks and mental and emotional well-being. It can be frustrating, confusing, and often isolating, and it may leave you asking many questions: "How can I possibly go on like this?" "Will it always hurt?" Will the pain ever stop?" "What can I do? Fibromyalgia triggers surround me!" "Will I ever live normally again?" The list goes on, and yes, it can be a difficult journey to relief, but with proper care, you can manage.

Yes, Pain is Often Present, But There Are Other Symptoms You Must Look Out for

Living with fibromyalgia can be a daily struggle. And that’s mostly because you will likely feel pain and stiffness in several body parts. Sometimes, the pain can get so overwhelming you feel emotionally drained and unable to do anything besides roll out of bed. Most patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia describe the sensation they experience as a dull ache, stabbing pain, or a burning sensation. The pain can come and go, especially when you get exposed to triggers. 

In addition to the pain, you might experience other symptoms such as:

• Fatigue - People with fibromyalgia often experience extreme fatigue and lethargy, even after a good night's sleep.
• Sleep issues - It's not uncommon for people with fibromyalgia to have difficulty falling or staying asleep. This can bring reduced energy and increased pain.
• Cognitive problems- Fibromyalgia patients may experience a lack of concentration, memory loss, and difficulty in thought processing.
• Headaches - Some patients with fibromyalgia can experience chronic headaches or migraines.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Digestive issues such as IBS may also happen to people with fibromyalgia. Others may get bouts of bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Depression and Anxiety - Fibromyalgia can cause depression and anxiety due to debilitating symptoms and the indifference of some people towards the disorder.

Why Understanding Your Fibromyalgia Triggers Matters 

Learning about your symptoms is one thing, but since fibromyalgia significantly impacts your life, knowing what ticks your flare-ups is vital to being one step ahead of your flare-ups. It's best to track your symptoms and work backward on what happened before it shows up. 

Was it something you ate? Were you dealing with a stressful situation? Did you hit your head, or were you recently injured? Did you sleep well? If you're a woman, where are you on your monthly cycle? Are you taking any medications or treatments? Is the weather affecting you?

Watching your symptoms and what may have triggered them and avoiding them in the future may be vital in avoiding the onset of symptoms too. Another known factor triggering your symptoms is an unresolved Upper Cervical misalignment. This can stem from a physical accident or injury, even years ago. Repetitive stress in the neck area can also affect the balance and alignment of your spine.

Manage Your Fibromyalgia Pain Better: Seek an Upper Cervical Doctor

Getting your cervical spine alignment checked is necessary because vertebral subluxations do not heal independently. If left ignored, despite your efforts to avoid fibromyalgia triggers or trying to ease the pain, your symptoms will likely persist and cause problems.

If you have fibromyalgia, you know firsthand the toll it can take on your body and quality of life. But with proper care, there is hope. Reach out to an Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you. They are the best professionals to talk to regarding Upper Cervical misalignments triggering fibromyalgia-like symptoms.