Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition that consists of pain symptoms and fatigue that can make diagnosis a challenge. Through chiropractic therapeutics, individuals can find relief from pain, fatigue, inflammation, and improve their quality of life. Individuals dealing with fibromyalgia and searching for answers should consider consulting a chiropractor to determine what treatment options will provide the most benefits. Treatment can be as much of a challenge without clear underlying issues. This often leads to frustration when trying to develop a treatment plan that works.  

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by:

• Body aches and pain
• Tender points in muscles
• General fatigue

Accompanied issues include:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep issues
• Poor concentration

It is believed that fibromyalgia causes the brain and spinal cord to transmit amplified/overresponsive signals. The exaggerated response of the neural pathways in the spine and body generate chronic pain. This is where specific diagnostic tools for assessing symptoms, underlying cause/s, and treatment development are necessary. Risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Genetics
• Previous infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Trauma
• Mental disorders
• Sedentary lifestyle

Treatment

Fibromyalgia treatment that is most effective consists of lifestyle adjustments. These usually include:

• Gentle exercise
• Nutritional adjustments
• Stress management
• Cognitive therapy

Treatment for chronic pain, swelling, and low energy includes:

• Massage therapy
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic therapeutics

Chiropractors have a significant advantage for addressing these symptoms.  

Chiropractic Therapeutics

Chiropractic therapeutics is a safe, gentle, non-invasive treatment option that can help alleviate body pain and swelling. Options include:

• Spinal re-alignment
• Physical therapy/massage for improved nerve circulation
• Manual manipulation
• Soft tissue therapy
• Health coaching

When the body is rebalanced it can better manage symptoms because of the improved nerve circulation. Home treatments can include:

• Exercise
• Stretching
• Heat therapy
• Ice therapy

A full medical team consisting of the doctor, physical therapist, massage therapist, and chiropractor could be utilized to maximize results and ensure the highest quality of life.

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Body Composition

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Muscles and The Immune System

Increasing muscle mass is a great way to improve body composition and boost the immune system. Research shows that senior adults with greater skeletal muscle mass have an increased number of immune cells in the blood. This indicates that muscles and the immune system are interrelated. When the muscles are worked out, myokines are released. These are hormone-type proteins that strengthen the immune system that helps protect against diseases. A study revealed that regular exercise increases the release of T lymphocytes/T cells. Regular exercise also helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, various cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Schneider, Michael et al. “Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review of the literature.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 32,1 (2009): 25-40. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.08.012