Did you know that fibromyalgia can occur in various age groups? While it primarily occurs among 35 to 45-year-olds and people in their late 60s, it turns out that it can affect children and teenagers. Statistics reveal that fibromyalgia in children affects about 2 to 6 percent of the school-aged population.

If you or a loved one has chronic fatigue, it pays to know the challenges that you may need to deal with, based on the specific stage in life. Let’s get a closer look at how to manage fibromyalgia in different age groups below.

Fibromyalgia in Children 

Early diagnosis of fibromyalgia tends to help improve prognosis. However, diagnosis in school-age individuals tends to be quite tricky because it could result in depression or anxiety. Kids getting told that they have chronic fatigue may feel that they have an abnormality because of their chronic condition. Also, sometimes, the vague symptoms of fibromyalgia in children could get in the way of having a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the fibromyalgia symptoms you need to look out for:

• Having tender on the head, shoulder blades, neck, hips, elbows, or knees
• Extreme tiredness 
• Sleeping problems (such as sleep apnea)
• Anxiety and depression
• Headaches
• Trouble remembering things
• Irritability

If you spot the signs above, get in touch with your child’s pediatrician to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. In case your child gets a positive diagnosis, it’s crucial to give him/her ample emotional support. Help them cope with their symptoms through different strategies or remedies. 

Fibromyalgia in Young Adults and Middle-aged Individuals

Getting diagnosed with fibromyalgia during your most productive years can come with a lot of challenges. At this point, you might be busy with a full-time job or chasing your retirement goals. Unfortunately, when the symptoms begin to manifest, it could throw you off and cause severe disruptions in your routine or plans in life. In most cases, the signs in young adults and middle-aged people are similar to that of kids with fibromyalgia.

In addition to the primary symptoms, you might also note the following health concerns if you have fibromyalgia as an adult:

• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Emotional distress
• Mood problems
• Migraines
• TMJ disorders
• Painful bladder symptoms

It’s critical to listen to your body and note the factors that cause fibromyalgia flares. More importantly, you will need to manage the symptoms' impact on your work and personal life.

Fibromyalgia in Seniors 

Fortunately, fibromyalgia isn’t a progressive disorder. As such, it doesn’t worsen with age. The only challenge when getting diagnosed with chronic fatigue in your senior years is the complications that come with the symptoms. Some of these co-morbidities include Parkinson’s disease and arthritis. So, if you want to manage your condition and cope better, here are some tips you can follow:

• Coordinate with your physician to identify your other health conditions
• Make sure the medication you take for fibromyalgia does not interact adversely with other prescription drugs you use
• Maintain a physically active lifestyle without overexerting yourself
• Address sleeping difficulties to prevent flare-ups
• Pay attention to your diet and make sure you get enough nutrition

Addressing Fibromyalgia Symptoms with Upper Cervical Care

Needless to say, managing fibromyalgia in children, adults, or seniors doesn’t fall short of obstacles. It takes a lot of patience and trial and error to find a remedy that can provide effective and lasting relief. If you have tried various remedies and haven’t achieved success, you may want to try upper cervical care. 

It’s one of the leading approaches used to manage chronic fatigue and its incapacitating symptoms. You can use it no matter what age in life you’re in. Whether you’re a senior citizen or a parent to an ailing child with fibromyalgia, upper cervical chiropractic can provide you with a glimmer hope. 

Chances are you have a spinal misalignment. This might be causing or aggravating your symptoms. By restoring the cervical bones' neutral position, you might reduce or even resolve the health problems that come with chronic fatigue.

The procedure involves making mild and gentle neck bone adjustments over a series of sessions. This approach aims to encourage the body to heal on its own gradually. 

Pieces of Evidence Speak Volumes

Many case studies prove the potential of upper cervical chiropractic in helping fibromyalgia patients live a comfortable life. Here are some examples:

• In a 2011 case study, a 45-year-old female patient with traumas resulting from car accidents suffered from chronic fatigue for over 11 years. Desperate to experience relief, she tried receiving chiropractic care. After completing her procedure, she experienced less intense symptoms like sciatica, finger numbness, duodenal ulcer, chronic neck pain, migraines, and lower back pain.
• Another case study conducted in 2014 involved a 31-year-old female who suffered from fibromyalgia, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Some of her symptoms included fatigue, muscle weakness, and widespread musculoskeletal pain. She also had to use a wheelchair to move around. After receiving upper cervical chiropractic care in 6 months, her gait significantly improved, allowing her to walk without assistance. She also reported a significant reduction in her pain and lethargy. 

Indeed, it’s hard to have fibromyalgia, regardless if you’re in your 20s or towards retirement age. But, thankfully, with remedies like upper cervical chiropractic, you might have a significant chance at reducing your symptoms and coping more effectively.

Contact a nearby upper cervical chiropractic doctor for a complimentary consultation. Learn more about an effective and sustainable option for fibromyalgia relief today!

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