Fibromyalgia is defined as a sensitization of the central nervous system. This essentially is when the body is stuck in ‘fight or flight’ mode. The following symptoms can be associated with Fibromyalgia:
Widespread Pain
Extreme Sensitivity
Stiffness
Fatigue
Poor Sleep Quality
Cognitive problems (‘fibro-fog’)
trouble remembering and learning new things
problems with attention and concentration
slowed or confused speech
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dizziness and clumsiness
Feeling too hot or too cold
Restless legs syndrome
Tingling, numbness, prickling or burning sensations in your hands and feet
In women, unusually painful periods
Depression and anxiety
Fibromyalgia Treatment: Start With a Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome-- a collection of symptoms, rather than a specific disease. Some of the most recognizable fibromyalgia symptoms are:
Widespread pain
Severe fatigue
Tender points on the body
Anxiety or depression
Doctors often diagnose fibromyalgia by considering criteria such as how long you’ve had pain and how widespread it is, and by ruling out other causes. This can be tricky, however, because symptoms associated with fibromyalgia can be caused by other conditions. So it’s best to see a doctor who is familiar with fibromyalgia.
There is a blood test that can help diagnose fibromyalgia. The test identifies markers produced by immune system blood cells in people with fibromyalgia.
Reversing the presence of fibromyalgia is possible. The occurrence of the condition develops both physical and psychological issues including pain. Central sensitization provides the information about why fatigue, stress, anxiety, sleep disorder, trauma, and cold temperatures occur. All these tell the brain about the condition, and they trigger the flare-ups. On the contrary, understanding it also helps why it is possible to reverse the action. For instance:
Exercising – including light to moderate exercises as part of daily routine will reduce the response towards pain experienced by the body.
Sleep Schedule – cognitive behavior therapy is proving to be positive for many patients, as it is helping them attain more sleep and reduce the symptoms of the pain.
Managing Stress – managing stress is crucial for fibromyalgia patients. Participating in interested hobbies or meditation is helping turnaround the situation with increased success rate.
Aligning The Upper Cervical Region – a simple alignment to the upper portion of the spine also has a meaningful purpose to play in central sensitization by correcting vertebral blood flow, brainstem function, and cerebrospinal fluid damage.
