A columnist for Fibromyalgia News Today recently took to social media to see if any other fibromyalgia sufferers were dealing with joint pain. As a result, she discovered that many are suffering from conditions such as frozen shoulder, TMJ dysfunction, and bursitis of the hip, shoulder, and elbow. What is the connection between fibromyalgia, these particular joint disorders, and a small bone at the base of the skull?
At the base of the skull, where the spinal cord meets the brainstem, is the Atlas (C1 vertebra). This vital setting – filled with nerves that extend to the ends of the body, blood vessels that carry blood to the brain, and other soft tissue – is often the location of a specific misalignment that can have far reaching effects. How is fibromyalgia potentially related to an Atlas subluxation?
When the C1 is out of place, it can affect blood flow to the brain. Some fibromyalgia research has observed blood flow changes to the parts of the brain that sense pain and provide an emotional response to pain in patients. Thus, correcting the blood flow problem may be the first step in getting help.
Interestingly, an atlas misalignment can also affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, and jaw. Many patients who have problems in these particular joints have sought upper cervical chiropractic care to find relief. This only helps to solidify the idea that fibromyalgia has something to do with an upper cervical misalignment.
Upper cervical chiropractic involves the use of a low force adjustment to set the C1 and C2 in place. This, in turn, causes the rest of the spine to realign naturally. As a result, the removal of pressure from nerves in the shoulders, hips, and jaw happens. Proper blood flow to the brain can be restored. Therefore, many patients feel immediate benefits. The long-lasting adjustments give the body time to heal naturally.
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.