Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread pain in
joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Some other
problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia include fatigue, morning
stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet,
depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or
secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid
arthritis, or systemic lupus.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of at least three months
of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in a least 11 of 18
tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous
tissue or muscles of the Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib Cage, Lower Back,
Thighs, Knees, Arms (elbows) and Buttocks. The overwhelming
characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with
defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger
points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points,
trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of
radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.)
Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various
types of arthritis. The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is
described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and
ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferes tend to waken
with body aches and stiffness.
Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Let us know if we can help you.
SYMPTOMS
- MULTIPLE TENDER AREAS
- SLEEP DISTURBANCES
- REDUCED EXERCISE
- TOLERANCE
- FATIGUE
- BODY ACHES
- CHRONIC MUSCLE PAIN OR ACHING