While fibromyalgia is a real and chronic pain condition that requires medical care, the idea that positive thinking has power definitely applies according to a recent study. In fact, the researchers determined that negative thoughts which create stress can make the pain of fibromyalgia worse.

What Is Fibromyalgia and Why Does Negative Thinking Have This Effect?

To understand why stress has such a powerful effect on fibromyalgia patients, it is important to understand more about this condition. First of all, pain is not the only symptom of fibromyalgia. It is also characterized by difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and mental confusion (often called fibro fog). Increased stress makes matters worse by increasing inflammation in the body, increasing cognitive problems, and adding to troubles with insomnia.

A process called rumination—an activity that involves repetitive negative thoughts that can’t be controlled—amplifies stress and often results in negative coping methods, depression, and increased anxiety. All of these factors contribute to a flare-up of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Thus, patients are being encouraged to seek ways to combat rumination and negative thinking in order to get some relief.

Another Natural Way to Find Relief

Another natural source of relief that has been helping many fibromyalgia patients is upper cervical chiropractic care. This is a unique field of chiropractic that does not involve the popping, twisting, or cracking that is generally associated with the practice. Instead, gentle adjustments focus on a very specific misalignment of the atlas vertebra. Why is this bone important to those suffering from chronic ailments?

When the atlas becomes misaligned, it can put pressure on the brainstem, restrict blood flow to the brain, and affect cerebrospinal fluid drainage. As a result, the body may cease to interpret pain signals properly. This can result in the body being in a perpetual state of windup where pain signals are processed more strongly such as usually only occurs during an emergency situation as a warning to the body.

A gentle adjustment may help the central nervous system to get back to normal function. This may reduce pain levels, which can help a person to get more sleep, have the energy to exercise a little more, or even provide the positive outlook needed when dealing with a chronic health trial.

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