Fibromyalgia: Know the Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Natural Care

Fibromyalgia ranks as the second most common muscle disorder. As many as 6 to 12 million people have fibromyalgia, according to the American Chronic Pain Association. Fibromyalgia sufferers experience severe pain in the muscles and bones and other distressing symptoms.

Let’s dive into the fibromyalgia symptoms, common risk factors, and a natural treatment that works to alleviate the fibromyalgia pain.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Someone who has fibromyalgia may live through some or all the following:

• Chronic body pain and tenderness
• Fatigue
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and feet
• Cognitive problems such as memory and concentration issues
• Irritable bowels
• Insomnia
• Depression and anxiety

Researchers have discovered a link between fibromyalgia symptoms and a malfunction in the central nervous system, particularly the manner in which the brain processes pain signals. As a result, people with fibromyalgia feel pain more intensely than normal healthy people.

Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia

For some people, the onset of fibromyalgia comes with no warning signs. What makes a person at higher risk to develop fibromyalgia? The following factors increase one’s chances of getting the disorder.

• Being female – As many as 90% of fibromyalgia cases are in women. They are more likely to get fibromyalgia than men due to hormonal fluctuations. Menopause increases the risk even more.
• Genes – Researchers recognize that specific genetic markers may prompt a person to have fibromyalgia.
• Lifestyle – When someone is physically inactive, he or she becomes more prone to musculoskeletal issues.
• Trauma – If you have had some head or neck trauma in the past, it could lead to the development of fibromyalgia.

Effective and Natural Fibromyalgia Care in Redwood City, California

Fibromyalgia is just one of the many illnesses that upper cervical chiropractic care can treat. Upper cervical chiropractic care addresses the root cause of fibromyalgia rather than just providing temporary relief. Here at Advanced Spinal Care, we focus on the C1 and C2 vertebrae as they protect the brainstem against damage. However, if the vertebrae are misaligned, they can put pressure on the brainstem and cause it to malfunction, including malfunctioning in the sending of pain signals to the brain.  

We specialize in misalignments of the upper spine and help those who have suffered a head or neck injury to restore full body function and be free from fibromyalgia. We will correct your vertebra misalignment through our gentle and science-based method. Once your vertebrae return to their proper position, you can expect a reduction in or complete disappearance of your fibromyalgia symptoms.

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia
• http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-causes?page=2

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.

Migraines can be a real torment for people who have them. The most common symptoms include the following:

• Throbbing or pulsing headaches, usually one-sided
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting
• Sensitivity to lights, sounds, and sometimes even smells and touch

Although severe head pain is common for people suffering from migraines, you do not always have to experience a headache to be diagnosed with migraines. Head pain merely is one symptom of the disorder. You may have dizziness, blindness, or other vision issues without having a headache.

Migraine attacks can last for 3 to 72 hours and be so disabling for patients that most are forced to stay in bed until the pain goes away. Often, they miss work or school and have their social activities and family life suffer.

Common Migraine Triggers

Every individual has different triggers, but these are the common culprits that cause the sudden onset of migraines for most people:

• Hormonal changes
• Loud noises
• Bright lights
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Diet
• Smoking

Identifying your triggers gets you one step closer to effectively handling your migraines and dodging future attacks.

Traditional Migraine Treatments

Taking medication is a common practice in treating migraines. Preventative drugs may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, and over-the-counter painkillers may help you get through a migraine attack. Although these give some momentary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of migraines. They may also come with unpleasant side effects. Overuse of pain-relieving medicines can trigger more migraine attacks. Surgery is also another option to cope with migraines, but it is dangerous and comes along with its own set of risks.

An Alternative Method to Overcome Migraines

There is one safe and non-invasive treatment for migraines that is getting ample attention for its effectiveness – upper cervical chiropractic care! Migraines have been linked to a misalignment in the top two bones of the neck, and our Redwood City, California upper cervical treatment care is here help.

• Have you had a trauma to the head or neck in the past?
• Does your headache start at the base of your skull?
• Is your neck painful, and does your head feel heavy?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, an atlas misalignment could be the reason for your migraines. The only way to be sure is to visit an upper cervical chiropractor. Call us today to set up a consultation.

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.

When asked about arthritis, most people would label it as a joint problem affecting the knees, hands, or hips. However, arthritis can involve the spine too. Also called spondylosis, it is marked by degeneration or breaking down of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine.

Little do people know, arthritis is an effort by the body to steady an unstable joint. It does so by consuming calcium to make up for the instability, combining the bones of the joint. Therefore, if any part of the body gets injured and becomes unstable, arthritis settles in to attempt to fix this problem. This results in swelling and irregular bone development. Injuries due to a car accident or similar trauma often initiate degeneration or weakening of the spine. It can take years before it causes substantial pain.

Can Arthritis of the Spine Be Prevented?

It is important to note that arthritis is a degenerative disorder, meaning it takes many years to progress to the point that the person suffering feels pain. For example, a person who fell out of bed at age 20, may only start to experience arthritis at age 40 or later.

To avoid arthritis of the spine, it is crucial to keep the joints active and healthy so that they do not merge. This can be done by regularly visiting an upper cervical chiropractor. Upper cervical chiropractors are well trained to look for irregularities in your spine. A misalignment in either the C1 or C2 vertebra can cause instability of the spine and the potential for arthritis.

At Advanced Spinal Care, we use a gentle technique to realign the spinal bones of our patients. We do not perform forceful popping or twisting. Upper cervical chiropractic care enables the body’s natural healing powers to repair any damage done by a spinal misalignment once the misalignment is corrected. Schedule an appointment with us to ensure a healthy spine and prevent arthritis from developing.

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.

We all have endured neck pain at some point in our lives. Neck pain is not only a painful physical burden but also a sure way to mess up your mood and ruin your day. Neck pain can range from a little soreness that resolves itself shortly to a powerful pain accompanied by pins and needles that makes even moving your head impossible to do. Some severe cases of neck pain include additional symptoms:

• Numbness or weakness in your arms
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches
• Muscle spasm

If you’re suffering from neck pain, relief is likely your number one wish. Fortunately, comfort does not have to be just a dream as there are several neck pain treatment options out there. Neck pain patients can resort to medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Massage therapies, surgeries, or interventions may also work. The bottom line is that while most known treatment methods provide relief, they all fail in addressing the underlying cause of neck pain.  

Lesser Known but Effective Natural Neck Pain Relief

Neck pain accounts for many of the cases we have successfully handled at Advanced Spinal Care. Upper cervical chiropractic care specializes in healing neck pain and injuries and focuses on addressing the root cause of your neck pain, rather than just chasing around symptoms.

The atlas is the uppermost vertebra in the spine and is responsible for most of your head’s movement.  Because it’s freely moveable, it is susceptible to misalignment. When the atlas gets skewed from its normal position, it generates issues throughout the neck and the rest of the spine such as inflammation and muscle strain.

If you are suffering from chronic neck pain, then an atlas misalignment may be the culprit. Our gentle and accurate adjustments will help to restore normal alignment. Once the vertebrae in your neck can move properly, then pain and discomfort will be reduced, and in most of our patients, even eliminated. Reach out to us and let us help you address the root cause of your neck pain naturally.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/basics/definition/con-20028772

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.

Headaches are a pain in the neck – literally. An article released in The News-Press, estimates that 20% of chronic headache conditions are caused by problems in the neck. The article was written by a physical therapist who went on to describe how something such as bad posture could pinch nerves in the neck and result in a headache.

Poor posture is more damaging than it may seem. Headaches are just one of the problems that can develop from poor posture. Herniated discs, scoliosis, and even the poor function of your internal organs can sometimes be attributed to poor posture. Listed below are some suggestions for improving your posture at work and at home.

• Get the right size desk and chair. Having a chair and desk that do not fit you can make it difficult to keep good posture even if you wanted to. Your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at roughly a 90-degree angle. Your monitor should be eye level and your keyboard should be approximately waist level.
• If you like to recline or lie down while watching TV, make sure your head is properly supported. Keeping your head too far forward or back, or having it tilted to the side (like when you put your head on an armrest), can cause neck pain.
• When standing, stand tall while pulling your shoulders back slightly and supporting your torso with your abdominal muscles.  

Upper Cervical Care Relieves Neck Aches and Headaches

If practicing good posture is not alleviating your neck aches or headaches, you might have a deeper issue that needs to be seen by a professional. Things like poor posture, trips and falls, and sports injuries can cause the uppermost vertebrae of the spine to move out of place. When this happens, nerves can be pinched, muscles become tense in an attempt to support the weakened area, and headaches can develop. Here at Advanced Spinal Care, in Redwood City, California, we do a careful analysis of each patient’s situation to see if upper cervical chiropractic care could be beneficial for them. If we detect a misalignment in the upper cervical vertebrae, we use a gentle technique to move the bones back to their correct alignment. Many patients experience great relief from their headaches and neck aches after receiving our care.

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.

Dealing with a sore neck is not just a bother but can also affect your performance at work, your focus in your personal life, and the daily activities you usually enjoy. If waking up with neck soreness becomes a regular pattern, it can lead you to become irritable and more and more desperate to find a solution.

Getting relief for your neck pain is a necessary for your all-around quality of life. Finding out why it is happening can help resolve more than just your pain. It can increase the quality of your life, since pain is an indicator of something gone wrong. There are a number of possible reasons for your neck pain, which have been listed below.

Possible Reasons for Neck Pain

• Muscle Tension – If you are required to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer, if you sleep in contorted positions, exercise too much, or have experienced a fall or another type of accident, your muscles may be strained or under tension from overuse or injury of those muscles.

• Trauma – Any damage to your cervical spine (an area of the spine that includes the upper seven vertebrae) can result in neck pain. This happens because of whiplash, or due to head or neck injuries.

• Poor Posture – Maintaining healthy posture is foundational for wellness and functionality for your entire body. This means being aware of the way that you are standing and sitting so that your body is positioned correctly. When you practice poor posture, it can cause weight displacement throughout the body, which can result in neck pain.

Looking Deeper into Your Neck Pain

Consider whether you have experienced some kind of head or neck injury in the past, or if you have exposed your neck to repetitive awkward movements such as from your sleep position or holding a phone between your ear and your shoulder. All of these can eventually lead to some changes in your spinal alignment. If the problem is the result of an injury, it may have happened many years in the past, but the problem took time to develop in severity. It is not uncommon for old injuries to resurface after years of being untended.

No matter what your history, if the underlying problem is due to a misalignment of the cervical spine, immediate relief could be only one upper cervical chiropractic visit away. The reason for this is that when the vertebrae in this area shift from their proper position, it places stress on the brainstem and interrupts communication between the brain and body.

Th good news is that here at Advanced Spinal Care, we specialize in the knowledge and methods necessary to restore this type of alignment and get you back to living life free of neck pain. We invite you to call us for a free consultation to see how we can best meet your specific needs.

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.

It can be overwhelming dealing with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. The population that deals with this condition is up to 5 million in the United States, and it continues to increase every year. Having fibromyalgia can be truly exhausting, but there are some suggestions that have been seen to work for decreasing the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms:

1. Reduce stress – practicing stretching and calming meditation regularly can greatly help people to cope with and lower overall stress levels.  Making this a part of your regular routine can be very beneficial for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
2. Get enough sleep – fatigue is a major component of fibromyalgia.  Developing a regular sleep routine consisting of regular times of going to sleep and getting up, avoiding electronics a few hours before bedtime, and creating a cool dark sleep environment. These habits increase the quality of rest you are getting. This can make a big difference for fibromyalgia sufferers.
3. Exercise regularly – getting daily, low-impact and moderate-intensity exercise can help alleviate some of the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. A few examples of this kind of exercise are walking, swimming, and cycling on a stationary bike.

Pain relievers, antidepressants, and sometimes even anti-seizure medications are prescribed for managing the various symptoms, but the problem is that medication only treats symptoms. It doesn’t cure the root cause.

Resolving the Root of the Problem through Natural Means

Research on fibromyalgia is on the rise, but there is still much to learn about this mysterious condition. This can make it challenging to get a diagnosis and find treatments that work for you. Recently there has been more evidence accumulating regarding the connection between fibromyalgia symptoms and the upper spine. The reason for this is because of the connection between the alignment of those bones and the function of the central nervous system, spinal cord, brain, and the brainstem. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in adjusting the top two bones of the neck, called the atlas and axis. Within them, the brainstem is located, and alignment issues here can greatly impact the body.

It is generally understood that fibromyalgia is a pain-processing disorder, meaning that pain signals are being misconstrued, causing neutral stimuli to feel painful to a person with fibromyalgia. This can be linked to trouble in the central nervous system due to a misaligned atlas vertebra. Upper cervical chiropractors are able to properly identify an alignment issue of this kind and correct it gently and effectively. Research has shown dramatic improvements for patients with fibromyalgia symptoms who have received care from upper cervical chiropractors, causing symptoms to completely disappear in some cases. If these are the kinds of outcomes you have been searching for, come in for a free consultation so we can further discuss how we can help you.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – Arthritis – Basics – Fibromyalgia – Definitions. [homepage on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 Apr 24]. Available from: United States Government, CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
2. Mayo Clinic. Fibromyalgia – Mayo Clinic. [homepage on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 Apr 24]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243

Soriano W, Apatiga A. Resolution of Fibromyalgia & Polypharmacy Concomitant with Increased Cervical Curve & Improved Quality of Life Following Reduction of Upper Cervical Subluxation: A Case Study. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2014 [cited 22 February 2016];2014(October):61-67. Available from: http://uppercervicalsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2014_1337_fibromyalgia.aspx

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.

The jaw is composed of a complex pair of joints called the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), that are located on each side of the face. These joints are advanced moving parts that allow the mouth to hinge open and close, as well as do a sliding motion so the jaw can move side to side.  The TMJ is what connects the lower part of the jaw, called the mandible, to the rest of the skull. The parts of the bones that interact with each other in the joint are covered with cartilage and have a disc between them to assist with keeping jaw movements smooth. TMJ pain could happen for several reasons:

1. The disc can wear out or misalign
2. The cartilage can become damaged
3. The joint can be hurt from an injury or impact

The range of TMJ disorder symptoms can vary from mild pain to being unable to open and close the jaw to eat, speak, or yawn.

The Neck and the Jaw

It is very common that the same people who have TMJ pain and problems also have neck pain.  This is not a coincidence. The atlas (the uppermost vertebra in the spine) is located very close to the TMJ on either side of the face.  The slightest misalignment of the atlas vertebra can lead to unequal muscle tension in the jaw, resulting in one side working harder than the other.  An atlas misalignment can negatively affect the nerves that assist the muscles of the jaw and face, resulting in abnormal function.

We highly recommend contacting an upper cervical chiropractor if you think that the cause of your TMJ could be related to an atlas misalignment.  At Advanced Spinal Care, this is the area of the spine that what we specialize in. By taking a detailed examination at the way that the atlas is positioned, we can identify even the most minor deviation of normal alignment that could cause serious problems.  After a gentle correction to realign the atlas, the body naturally begins to correct any imbalances so that normal jaw function can be restored.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/home/ovc-20209398

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.

Neck pain is so prevalent that it would be difficult to find someone who has not had some kind of neck discomfort at some point.  For many people, neck pain is just something that they cope with since it is a normal and constant part of life. Neck pain could feel like a continuous dull ache or like a paralyzing, sharp pain that suddenly spikes due to certain movements.  In cases that are particularly severe or have been happening for a long period of time, here is a list of several other symptoms a person may suffer from as well:

• Numbness and/or weakness in the arms
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches
• Muscle spasm

Obviously, finding a solution for their neck pain is a high priority for those suffering with it. For most people, they find their relief in a bottle of medicine, such as anti-inflammatories or pain relievers.  Other options are certain therapies, surgeries, or interventions. The problem with the most commonly recommended treatments is that they only deal with the symptoms instead of addressing the underlying cause.

Natural Neck Pain Relief

Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in the area of neck injuries, and it is one of the top complaints we handle with patients at our offices at Advanced Spinal Care.  We see so much success with our neck pain treatments because our focus is on tending to the root of the problem instead of short-term relief of the symptoms. The uppermost vertebra in the spine, the atlas (C1), is unique because it is the most freely moveable bone in the entire spine. Unfortunately, this special attribute makes it more susceptible to misalignment.  If there is a shift out of alignment for the atlas from its normal position, it can result in problems throughout the neck and rest of the spine, like muscle spasms and inflammation.

If you have a neck injury resulting from something as minor as a fender bender or your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, the ongoing neck pain could be the result of an atlas misalignment.  When you come to our office, we will do a thorough examination to identify whether this is the case of you. If it is, we will apply a gentle, precise adjustment to restore your normal alignment. When the vertebrae in your neck are able to move properly, then pain and discomfort will decrease.  If you have tried everything and have experienced only temporary relief, then give us a call.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/basics/definition/con-20028772

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.

Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear that is known for the following:

• Vertigo – a false sensation of movement
• Tinnitus – ringing in the ears
• Temporary hearing loss that may become permanent if not cared for
• Dizziness
• Nausea and possible vomiting

Most people who are diagnosed with Meniere’s disease are between the age of 20 and 50. A Meniere’s episode can last for 20 minutes or up to 4 hours.

The specific reason that people get Meniere’s is still yet to be fully discovered and agreed upon. There is one fact that researchers do agree upon and that is that it associated with the vestibulocochlear nerve and a fluid build-up within the inner ear. This area of the body is part of the system responsible for balance and providing information to the brain regarding the body’s location in its environment.

The Best Way to Deal with Meniere’s Disease

The general treatment protocol for Meniere’s symptoms by most medical doctors is to prescribe a drug or suggest an over-the-counter option. The problem with this route is that it does address what is causing the condition, which in many cases lies just below the head. The role of the bones of the upper neck is to protect the brainstem. When a misalignment happens to this part of the spine, it can put stress on the brainstem, causing it to malfunction. This disrupts normal communication between the brain and body, and it also hinders proper blood flow to the brain and ears.

At Advanced Spinal Care, we give our attention to ensuring the C1 and C2 vertebrae are in proper alignment and functioning optimally. When we find that there is an issue with the alignment, we apply a gentle method that returns them back into place naturally, avoiding the type of force that causes popping or twisting of the spine. Our method allows the bones to realign in such a way that the spine maintains the correction for longer, giving the body more time to repair the damage done by the misalignment and to eventually hold the correction continuously.Studies conducted involving Meniere’s patients have shown that a spinal adjustment of this kind provides an alleviation of symptoms in as little as one adjustment for some patients. Many patients experience an improvement in their Meniere’s symptoms, particularly of vertigo.

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.