Fibromyalgia in teens is not very common, but it does happen.  At first, some adults or parents think that teens may just be experiencing hormonal problems or perhaps only exhibit the “angst” of youth that everyone gets at that age.

With the right diagnosis and knowing more about the symptoms, teens can get the help they need for this painful disease.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

So, what do people with fibromyalgia feel or experience? Here are six of the most common signs and symptoms they get:

1. Body and joint pain

Body and joint pain are the most common manifestations of this disease.  Of course, there are a million reasons why a person feels pain around the body.  To make sure they diagnose it correctly, doctors check 18 tender points around nine areas of the body to determine the nature or cause of the pain. They finalize the diagnosis after a careful examination of the person who experiences these aches.

The nine areas they check to determine if a person has fibromyalgia include:

• The base of the skull or the back of the neck
• The front parts of the neck near the voice box
• Approximately halfway between the lower neck and the shoulders
• The lower part of the collarbones or to each side of the breastbone 
• The area that surrounds the shoulder blades or in the upper back
• The outward areas of the elbows
• The insides of both knees
• The juncture of the thighs and buttocks

If 11 out of 18 points in these parts show signs of tenderness, it likely indicates that they have this disease.  Tender points near the spine are also strong indications that a person has fibromyalgia.

2. Unclear or foggy thoughts

Foggy thinking is a peculiar symptom among people with fibromyalgia.  Also known as “brain fog”, individuals who suffer from this disease experience short term memory loss, difficulty paying attention or lack of focus, and other problems related to thinking.

3. Chronic fatigue 

Fibromyalgia in teens is also synonymous with chronic fatigue.  The pain, cognitive problems, and sleeplessness all combine to produce fatigue day after day.  With his or her energy almost completely wiped out, the person with fibromyalgia struggles to live daily.  This fatigue soon prevents a person from studying productively or enjoying other activities that teens love to do.

4. Sleeplessness

Due to the pain and discomfort present around the body, a person with fibromyalgia loses sleep all the time.  Having insomnia-like symptoms, they miss the benefits of restorative sleep, which further weakens their body.  With little rest of mind and body, they often fall into episodes of depression.

5. Recurring headaches 

Fibromyalgia in teens also manifests by causing tension headaches or repeated bouts of migraines.  Many people with this ailment experience recurring pain in the head and neck. When examined closely, people with this kind of disease also have bone misalignments in the neck.  These neck misalignments are one of the causes of improper cerebrospinal fluid drainage, which leads to migraines. 

6.  Tingling and Numbness 

Research shows that there is a connection between fibromyalgia and problems in the central nervous system.  If the connections between the brain, the brainstem, and the spinal cord get disrupted, it results in many problems like tingling and numbness. 

In addition to these common symptoms, persons with this disease also experience sensitivity to temperature changes, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain scents or smells.

Natural Pain Relief for Teenagers with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia in teens is, by no means, a hopeless case.  There are still many medications that help manage pain and other symptoms. Of course, there are also natural methods that work to reduce the severity of pain.   

Upper cervical chiropractic care is one of the natural ways to help teens cope with the disease. This method helps restore the C1 vertebra or atlas bone alignment.  This bone is so important because it forms a protective cover for the brainstem. When the brainstem is protected, functions of the central nervous system are shielded from any interference.

For example, cerebrospinal fluid flows in and around the brain down to the neck and the spine’s branching parts. The fluid carries vital nutrients to the brain while ferrying out waste products out of the head. The fluid also helps with the motion and flexibility of the head and neck region.

An upper cervical chiropractor works to restore the balance and correct alignment of the C1 vertebra.  The goal is to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with a misaligned upper cervical spine.

This natural method is available to anyone and everyone.  People of all ages, not just teens, can benefit from this new approach to pain management.  Spinal health care need not always be about taking pain killers.  By letting the body go back to its original structure and symmetry, people can find a path to optimal health.

The good news is that caring for your upper cervical spine is convenient and accessible to all.  Upper cervical spine chiropractors have highly respected and well-established practices in many major cities around the United States.

Experience how this natural method can help you deal with fibromyalgia. Book an appointment with an upper cervical chiropractor near you.

to schedule a consultation today.