3 Keys to Improving Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Redwood City

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic, widespread pain, sleep disturbances, memory problems, headaches, and numerous other symptoms.  Approximately 5 million Americans age 18 and up are affected, with 80% to 90% being women.  Treatment of fibromyalgia can be difficult, but there are some basic things you can try in order to bring some relief to your daily life.

1. Improve your sleep.  Fatigue is a major factor for fibromyalgia sufferers.  Incorporating healthy sleep habits such as going to bed and waking up at the same times daily and limiting electronic usage before bedtime can help establish a successful sleep routine.
2. Increase exercise.  Exercise doesn't have to be vigorous to be beneficial.  Gentle exercise such as yoga, walking, or swimming can help ease chronic pain.
3. Reduce stress.  Setting aside time each day for relaxation or meditation can help reduce overall stress levels, which can be very beneficial for symptom management of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and Your Spine

Your spinal cord is responsible for sending signals to and from your brain, including signals that carry pain sensations.  For fibromyalgia sufferers, research suggests that there is an issue in the way the brain is able to process pain sensations, making them feel extremely painful when they may not be perceived that way otherwise.  

When the uppermost vertebra in your spine (the atlas) misaligns, it can create tension on the brainstem and spinal cord.  This can distort the normal signals that relay information about pain processing.  This can potentially lead to the chronic pain and fatigue that fibromyalgia sufferers experience.

Upper cervical chiropractic is a way to identify whether an atlas misalignment is causing dysfunction within the central nervous system and the way your brain and body are communicating.  Using gentle, accurate methods, we are able to realign the atlas and remove the tension on the spinal cord.  This allows for normal function to be restored.  Given time to heal, your body can have the ability to start processing signals normally again, which can lead to the reduction in your fibromyalgia symptoms without the need for medications or invasive procedures.

To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.