Did you know that Chiropractic can help with fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a complex and mysterious disorder which has no known cure. Chiropractic has helped many people by reducing the symptoms associated with it hence improving the quality of life. Since there are no specific tests to determine if an individual has fibromyalgia, many physicians deny that the disorder exists. Many will associate the symptoms of fibromyalgia with emotional or psychological causes.

Some researchers suggest that fibromyalgia is a disorder that stems from the central nervous system. Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia appear to have abnormalities in the neurotransmitters that transmit nerve impulses. Because of this finding it has been suggested that fibromyalgia is a problem of central nervous system hypersensitivity. Since the main theory behind Chiropractic is that the health is controlled by the state of the individual’s central nervous system, it is only natural that Chiropractic could help with this disorder.

The question then arises, what is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, and not a specific disease; which means that people with this condition will have a variety of symptoms. This particular disorder is diagnosed by a process of elimination. When there is no other explanation for the symptoms it is believed that fibromyalgia is the culprit. To have fibromyalgia, the individual must have widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body that lasts more or less continuously, for at least three months. The person will also have extreme pain in the predetermined tender points in the body. There are 18 tender points in the body and the individual suffering from this disorder will experience hypersensitivity in at least 11 of the 18 points.

Some symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are, morning stiffness, chronic headaches, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, sleep disorders, muscle weakness, depression as well as anxiety.
It is difficult for a person suffering from fibromyalgia to receive the correct diagnosis. Many sufferers have sought help and because of the difficulty of diagnosing have had to endure painful surgeries and invasive methods and still get no relief. The symptoms seem very erratic and can affect the entire body in a variety of ways so many will seek relief through holistic approaches such as those provided by a Chiropractor.

In order for a Chiropractor to successfully diagnose an individual with fibromyalgia, he must be a good listener. Communication is the key in determining a correct diagnosis and the patient must feel comfortable in order for good communication to occur. Initially, the Chiropractor will take a complete health history as well as a physical assessment. An evaluation of the spine will also be performed along with palpation of muscles and thumb point pressure placed on the predetermined tender points. In a healthy individual, the tender points will hurt when pressure is applied but for one suffering from fibromyalgia, the pain will be significantly intensified when minimal pressure is applied. The Chiropractor may also apply pressure in areas where pain is not normally felt to compare the two areas.

After the tender point evaluation, the Chiropractor will adjust the neck and spine. Adjustments are done using the hands and usually consist of a short, sharp thrust that may cause a popping sound. The ultimate goal of these adjustments is to correct misalignment of the spine. Once the spine is correctly aligned, pain symptoms in any parts of the body, not just the spine and neck, should be reduced or disappear. When pain is reduced, other problems, such as disrupted sleep, fatigue, and depression, tend to disappear.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, Chiropractic treatment has been shown to help individuals suffering from this disorder and therefore reducing the symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.

Migraine headaches affect many individuals. The symptom associated with migraines produce severe pain, usually on one side of the head, along with intolerance to light and nausea. Migraine headaches are commonly seen in women as well as children.

Chiropractors can help with migraine headaches but first they set out to identify the source of the headaches to stop them before they begin. Migraine headaches are thought to come from chemical imbalances, but more research has found that migraines may be linked to spinal problems. The spinal problems migraine headaches are linked to are called vertebral subluxations. Vertebral subluxations are areas in the spine where motion is restricted or bones are out of alignment.

Chiropractic adjustments not only restore motion to the areas effected but they also create spinal alignment. This alignment removes the vertebral subluxations which in turn eliminates the major migraine risk factor. Another source that chiropractors can help in combating migraine headaches is a misaligned neck. Individuals that work at a desk all day with slumped shoulders can lead to straightening or reversal of the neck’s natural curve. This reversal of the neck’s natural curve is a major risk factor for neck and head pain and is associated with migraine headaches.

Some may think that it is easier to pop a pill instead of seeking chiropractic care for migraine headaches; however chiropractic care is more effective, safer and increases the chances of never having another headache, unlike the temporary relief of a pill. The problem with over the counter medications is that consistent use of such medications can in turn be the actual cause of the headaches. Consistent use can produce a condition called ‘analgesic-rebound headache’ which no one is immune to and it can affect adults as well as children.

Although this symptom can result from the overuse of over the counter medications it is not well known because of the pro-drug society we live in and because rebound headaches often are misdiagnosed. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to detect analgesic-rebound headaches and offer natural approaches for recovery.

The chiropractor can also provide other alternatives to over the counter medications such as herbs and vitamins. Research studies have found that supplements with Vitamin B have been successful in warding off migraine headaches. Yet high doses of Vitamin B are not always safe. Herbs such as ginger, peppermint, willow bark and Ginkgo may also alleviate migraine pain. Before starting any vitamin or herbal remedy it is wise to check with your chiropractor first.

Chiropractic care is the most effective and safer than many drugs for headache pain. Chiropractic care is also a safer and more effective method to alleviate the neck pain associated with migraines. Migraine headaches can have destructive effects on your life, why put up with head pain when you can find relief with chiropractic care.

Before we can talk about the symptoms that accompany fibromyalgia we need to discuss the meaning of fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons.  All the soft tissues of the body are composed of these elements so when a person is experiencing fibromyalgia they are experiencing pain all over their bodies.  The muscles may have the sensation of being overworked and at times will twitch or burn.

The pain associated with fibromyalgia is not associated or related to arthritis or the nervous system.  Some people will describe the pain associated with fibromyalgia as knots located in the belly of the muscles, which at times will cause restricted motion and radiating pain.  The knots that they describe are myofascial trigger points and some researchers believe that these painful areas overlap with tender points and are used to diagnose fibromyalgia.

The most frustrating part of fibromyalgia is that the symptoms are erratic. Because the symptoms are unpredictable and limiting in nature making plans is nearly impossible.  Individuals that suffer from fibromyalgia feel as though they must push themselves to get activities or projects completed.

Some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are the following:

Sleep disturbances – individuals complain of difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.  They are unable to sleep for long periods of time so they feel overly tired when they do arise from bed.

Inability to Concentrate – the symptom referred to ‘fibro-fog’ is associated with fibromyalgia and creates an inability to concentrate or retain information, therefore making it difficult for individuals to work or stay focused.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – individuals with fibromyalgia suffer from constipation, frequent abdominal pain, diarrhea as well as bloating.

Chronic Headaches – many individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia complain from tension or migraine headaches.  Most will suffer from severe headaches that occur 2 to 3 times per week.

Jaw pain – individuals with fibromyalgia also suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction which in turn causes severe jaw related face and head pain.  The joint is not usually the issue; the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint are the ones affected.

Inability to exercise – many healthy individuals exercise to activate a pain-relieving system in their bodies, but individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia, exercise simply intensifies the pain.  However some exercise is better than none, so it is wise for individuals with fibromyalgia to do mild exercises in short intervals to keep the muscles fit while not over exerting them.

Other Common Symptoms – acid reflux, shortness of breath, sensation of swollen extremities, irregular heart palpitations, dry mouth, burning of eyes, dizziness or faint feeling, sweating, muscle weakness and balance issues. Individuals that suffer from fibromyalgia also have sensitivity to loud noises, odors, bright lights and at times the medications that are prescribed.

Unfortunately the list can go on and on since the muscles, ligaments and tendons are affected with fibromyalgia.  Many factors will enhance the pain in individuals that suffer from this disorder.

Peripheral neuropathy results from damaged or diseased nerves that connect to the brain and spinal cord.  The peripheral nerves are responsible for carrying information to and from the brain.  When the nerve is diseased such as in a neuropathy, pain is evident as well as the loss and inability to control muscles.

In order to better understand the condition that arises from peripheral neuropathy we must first understand the meaning of the word.  The word peripheral refers to the nerves that go out from the center of the body and move out from the brain and spinal cord.  The word neuro refers to the nerves and pathy means abnormal.  Quite simply put, the central nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord.  All the other nerves in your body are part of the peripheral nervous system.

When the nerves are damaged or diseased it will affect the following:

• Motor nerves which control your muscles and how they move
• Sensory nerves that receive feeling signals such as heat, pain or touch
• Autonomic nerves that control blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder functions

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms will vary and mainly depend on the nerves that are affected.  Some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of are the following:

• Burning sensation and pain
• Loss of coordination
• Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
• Sensitivity to touch, especially light touch
• Gradual onset of numbness and tingling beginning in the feet and hands and possibly moving upward to the legs and arms
• Bladder dysfunction
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Difficulty breathing
• Itching
• Decreased blood pressure
• Difficulty swallowing

If the peripheral neuropathy is a result of nerve compression or impingement, chiropractic may be able to help with the symptoms.  A neurological examination is performed by the chiropractic to determine if indeed a nerve is impinged.  With chiropractic manipulations called adjustments, the misalignment causing the impingement is removed.  The misalignment or impingement is referred to a verterbral subluxation.  Once the subluxation is corrected the nerves are released and the messages that the respective nerves supply will be able to reach their destinations without  disruption.

Along with chiropractic treatments, exercise is recommended to reduce the spasms and posture is altered to relieve the stress that was placed on the nerves.  Other treatments such as physical therapy may be suggested as well as switching to a more balanced diet in order to control the disease.  Some neuropathy are associated with diseases such as diabetes and diet will definitely help with those conditions.

Can you imagine going throughout your day with back pain? Every day thousands of people suffer from the annoying back ache. Individuals are unproductive and can’t concentrate because of the back pain they are experiencing. Chiropractic can end your low back pain and get you back to feeling ‘normal’ again. Chiropractors are highly skilled in relieving back discomfort. They are able to detect the cause of your pain and stop it at its source without masking it with the use of medications.

Back pain can result from a trauma to the spine, such as a fall, or automobile accident. However, an individual may experience back pain from simply bending over. Those slight movements from reaching or bending were merely the catalyst from something else that was brewing . Some may refer to it as ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’. If you have been in auto accidents in the past, perhaps falling while rollerblading, fallen from your bike or worse yet a ladder; these activities may be the cause of future back problems. Those simple activities can cause the bones (vertebrae) of the spine to move out of alignment, a condition that is referred to as a vertebral subluxation.

Vertebral subluxations are what Chiropractors detect and correct. Vertebral subluxations are dysfunctional areas in the spine where movement is restricted or 2 or more bones are displaced. This condition leads to back pain, the inability to move and osteoarthritis. Chiropractors will work to remove the subluxations with gentle and safe maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments. The chiropractic adjustments will help to restore movement and alignment of the spine.

A common concern from many individuals is the time it will take to get out of pain. Once you have been diagnosed by the chiropractor, the chiropractor will answer your questions with an honest estimate based on research and clinical experience. Your worries and concerns are legitimate but rest assured that chiropractic is the fastest and most effective strategy for reducing and ending low back pain.

Chiropractic focuses not only on ending your back pain, but it also helps you achieve optimal health. The chiropractor will emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and provide empowering recommendations for controlling your well-being. Contrary to the belief of many that you must visit a chiropractor forever, the chiropractor may suggest regular preventative care checkups after you recover. The checkups are designed to keep your spine in alignment much like and oil change for your vehicle. The oil change will prevent further damage to your vehicle and regular checkups will ensure that you remain pain-free for life. Isn’t this what we should all strive for? Chiropractic helps with back pain without the use of medications and keeps the pain away.

In order to explain how chiropractic can help with headaches we must first identify headaches.  Not all headaches are the same.  There are many causes of headaches and several different types of headaches; determining the type and what is causing them is the first step to relief.

The two most common headaches are tension and muscular headaches.  First let’s look at the characteristics of a tension headache. 

The tension-type headache is described as less intense than a migraine, yet a feeling of tightness around the head along with throbbing pain and neck soreness. 
Tension headaches typically begin during the afternoon and may be aggravated by emotional or physical stress.  If you suffer from this type of headache, you are not alone.  Tension headaches are the most common type of head pain and an estimated 75% of the population are sufferers.

The other type of headache that is common is the muscular or muscle tension headache.  These headaches as the tension headaches are extremely painful.  The majority originate from the neck.  Neck trauma, such as whiplash or falls will significantly increase the risk of this type of headache.  Since it originates from the neck it is also known to be called a cervicogenic headache.  The risk of developing this headache after a fall or injury is very strong, even if years have passed since the injury occurred.

If you suffer from these or any other type of headache, stop living with the pain.  By seeking chiropractic care you may avert headaches for good.  Chiropractors will go to the source of the headache to stop them before they begin.  Tension-type headaches have been linked to spinal conditions referred to as spinal subluxations.  Subluxations are areas in the spine where the movement is restricted or bones are out of alignment.  Chiropractic adjustments will restore motion to these areas, creating a spinal alignment, removing subluxations and eliminating a major risk factor for tension-type headaches.

Although many will resort to popping a pill to alleviate the symptom of a headache, visiting your Chiropractor is much safer and more effective.  Consistent use of drugs, even the seemingly harmless over-the-counter remedies can actually produce a condition known as analgesic-rebound headache. Analgesic means pain reliever, and no one is immune to this disorder; it can affect adults as well as children.  Some experts also believe that continuous use of painkillers may cause changes in the brain, resulting in a lowered pain threshold.

Chiropractic care is more effective and safer than many drugs for headache pain.  Chiropractic care is also a safer and more effective way to alleviate the neck pain associated with cervicogenic or muscular tension headaches.  Chiropractors will discover the root of the headaches and treat the root which in turn will alleviate the symptom which is the headache pain.  Even frequent headaches can negatively affect your outlook and your productivity, at home or at work.  Instead of reaching for the drugs, reach for a safer and more effective form of relief.  Make an appointment to visit your chiropractor today and rid yourself from headaches the natural and safe way.

As soon as you felt that familiar twinge in your back this morning, you knew that it was going to be a long day.  The dull ache wasn’t so bad; really, it was the sudden stab of pain that radiated from your back every time you stepped a little bit out of line.  It was tough, but you made it through the day without wincing too badly.

Then you decided enough was enough.  It was time to take some action and get some help.  So you looked up some of the area doctors and chiropractors in your hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona hoping to find an expert.  You were hoping to find some sort of relief.

Thankfully, there are quite a few ads answering to a search for an Flagstaff chiropractor.  A good one will use spinal manipulation techniques to properly align your skeletal and muscles to help the body heal itself without costly surgery or medication.  The manipulation of the spinal column is also used to increase flexibility and mobility of the body, and help to relieve some of the pressure on the nerves that could be the potential source of the back pain.

The first step in any treatment of back pain is a thorough examination and diagnosis.  In order to accomplish this, the chiropractor that you choose will perform an extensive physical examination, and may even perform laboratory tests, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to rule out other, potentially serious causes for the back pain.

Once a good diagnosis is made, there are a number of treatment options available to the chiropractor and patient when it comes to back pain.  One of the most common is to manually adjust the spine and some joints with controlled force in the hopes of improving the range and quality of motion of the patient.  Other chiropractors will also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercises into their treatment plan.

Depending on the location of the back pain, there are a number of ways that a chiropractor can manipulate the muscle and skeletal system to provide relief to the patient.  For example, if the pain is centered on the lower back or lumbar area, a qualified chiropractor may choose to use a technique called Flexion-Distraction.  This technique has been used to treat pain in the lower back region that often radiates into the leg region as well.  This technique involves the use of a specialized table that can gently stretch the spinal column.  This allows the trained chiropractor to isolate the area of discs and vertebrae, as well as performing a flexing of the spine.  This allows for some relief of the pressure and compression of the various nerves that can lead to pain in the lower back.  For most people, this treatment is relatively painless if done correctly.

If the source of the pain is located in the upper region of the pack, closer to the shoulders, the culprit may in fact be a neck sprain or another injury to the upper area of the back.  One of the most common sources of upper back pain is a whiplash injury.  In this case, a chiropractor will often use stretching and flexibility exercises and controlled movements to relieve the pressure and realign the spinal column as needed.

No matter the source of your back pain, there is a very good chance that a qualified chiropractor can help alleviate your symptoms.  That way, you can wake up in the morning and look forward to a long, and wonderful day.

It has been a few days since your car accident, and you have a schedule appointment with a chiropractor.  You’ve done the research, and you know how a chiropractor can hopefully help you relieve the headaches, the dizziness, and the neck pain associated with your whiplash, or neck injury.  However, you should realize that this is a team effort, and the success of the chiropractic activities is just as dependent on what you do.  Here are a few things to remember prior to your first visit to the chiropractor’s office.

Tip # 1: Be Prepared to Supply Personal Information

In order for the chiropractor to treat you effectively, he or she must have all the pertinent information.  This includes your medical history, information about the accident that caused the injury, and any specific illnesses or injuries that you might have suffered in the past.  While it may seem a little invasive, the questions that the chiropractor will ask you serve only to help formulate an accurate diagnosis of the problem.  Once that is accomplished, the proper treatment can be devised.

Tip # 2: Be Prepared for a Physical Examination

In most cases, chiropractors will do a thorough and complete physical examination.  This helps them to identify any problem areas, or how your posture, alignment, and muscles are affecting the symptoms associated with your whiplash.  Treat the visit as if you were going to your regular doctor; a chiropractor has the same level of training, if not more than most medical professionals, and they have the expertise to do the examination effectively.

Tip # 3: Practice Relaxing

It might sound strange, but try to relax prior to the first visit to the chiropractor’s office for treatment of whiplash symptoms.  The car accident itself probably made you tense enough, and the idea of a stranger adjusting your spine can be quite disconcerting.  However, this nervous tension will lead to muscle tension and strain on the joints, making the whole process that much harder.  Therefore, before you walk into the examination room, take a few deep breaths and try to relax your muscles.  Doing so will help the chiropractor make an accurate diagnosis and plan your treatment effectively.

Tip # 4: Be Prepared for After the Appointment

Truth be told, there is a distinct possibility that you will have some minor discomfort after the visit to your chiropractor.  Sometimes the muscle manipulation used can lead to minor muscle aches for a period of time.  Conversely the relief of pain often experienced by the patients after an adjustment will often leave them so relaxed that a small nap might feel desirable.  So, it’s best to have a small ice pack and an hour or two available to relax in after the appointment.

These are just a few tips that you can use to prepare for your visit to the chiropractic office after an automobile accident.  Just remember that in order to successfully treat your whiplash symptoms, you and your chiropractor should work together to find the most effective treatment options available.

You are faced with this scenario – you feel a sharp pain running down your leg from your low back to your calf.  You find it difficult to bend at the waist or to walk and worse yet, the pain is affecting your daily routine.  Does this scenario sound familiar to you?  Like many and perhaps millions, the symptoms you are experiencing are related to sciatic pain or better known as sciatica.

Chiropractic can help with individuals that suffer from sciatic pain. Before we can explain how Chiropractic can benefit those individuals that suffer from sciatic pain, we must define sciatica.

Sciatica is a pain that radiates down the buttocks region and down the back of the leg.  Some individuals will also experience pain in the soles of the feet.  The pain associated with sciatica can be described as sharp or burning in nature.  Sciatica is also frequently accompanied with low-back discomfort but it can also occur in individuals with no history of back pain.

Sciatica is most commonly triggered by compression of the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve emergences from the spinal cord in the low back.  It passes through the bony openng in the pelvis and beneath the muscles in the buttocks and halfway down the thigh.  The compression of the sciatic nerve usually occurs at the region of the spine where the nerve is formed, in the spinal bones and pelvic region.  This compression is known as a vertebral subluxation.  Research studies have shown that vertebral subluxations are associated with increased risk or low back pain and sciatica.

Along with the vertebral subluxation, the sciatic nerve may be compressed by a rupurted spinal disc or by bony spurs caused by osteoarthritis.  Swollen or tight muscles in the buttocks region may also restrict the nerve.  In rare cases, the sciatice nerve may be compressed by a tumor or inflamed by a disease process.

Doctors of Chiropractic have a unique approach towards ending sciatic pain.  The Chiropractic will investigate the cause of your pain, rather than merely covering up your symptoms.  He will then work to correct the source of your complaint and will then strive to prevent a relapse by helping you achieve optimal health.  Ending the sciatic pain usually involves restoring the motion and the alignment of the subluxated regions in the spine or pelvis.  The Chiropractor achieves this with safe and gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments.  Along with the adjustments, the Chiropractor may recommend exercises, diet changes and perhaps some ergonomic changes to help in the recovery process.

Most days you can put up with the pain in your lower back, but the real question is; why should you?  It is not a requirement that you live with pain in your life, and it is in your best interest to do everything you can to help alleviate your back pain.  That way, you can return to your vibrant life and live it without any feelings of regret.

For some people, however, the idea of medication or costly surgery isn’t very appealing. Fortunately, there is another option available for those suffering from back pain.  A Flagstaff chiropractor can be a great source of expertise, information, and treatment.

Chiropractic medicine teaches that proper alignment of the vertebrae and discs of the spinal column allows for the spinal cord to effectively and efficiently transmit the various impulses from the brain to the rest of the body and back again.  In the case of back pain, there is the belief that various nerves, tendons, or ligaments in the back have been damaged, and the signal pathway between the back and the brain has been compromised.  Chiropractic medicine uses techniques developed over decades of study, experimentation, and experience to realign the spinal column to relieve pressure on the various nerves.  They also use massage techniques to help alleviate some of the tension on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments associated with the back.  By using this holistic approach, it is believed that a more effective reduction in pain.

The evidence provided through years of treatment and research indicates that chiropractic techniques can be used to relieve lower back pain, as well as return the patient to a normal range of motion.  In fact, it has been shown that spinal manipulations, done expertly can remove a good portion of the stress off of the surround soft tissue, such as muscles tendons, and even ligaments.

In order to treat back pain, chiropractors correct the subluxation, or partial dislocation of the vertebrae in the spinal column.  This is commonly referred to as an adjustment.  The process is usually performed manually using quick controlled thrusts.  In addition, many chiropractors utilize massage therapy to stretch muscles before the adjustment is performed.

In addition to spinal manipulation, many chiropractors also offer physical therapy to aid in the relief of back pain, and to increase the flexibility of the patient.  He may also provide advice on proper sitting and posture techniques, strengthening exercises, and flexibility exercises.  All these can help strengthen the back, and make it less susceptible to pain and injury.

There are a lot of options available today for those who suffer from back pain.  In almost every case, the pain can be managed effectively, and the cause of it can also be handled.  There is really no earthly reason why someone should have to deal with back pain.  So, with a little effort, and a little help from your neighborhood chiropractor, you won’t have to suffer anymore.