Fibromyalgia Treatment from our Cumming Chiropractor

According to the latest research, fibromyalgia is a stress-related condition in which the immune system is affected and attacks its healthy body. Fibromyalgia patients have system-wide problems over every part of their body; in fact, having multiple symptoms is a beginning clue for the condition's diagnosis. At Watts Chiropractic Clinic we successfully treat patients for a wide variety of fibromyalgia symptoms. It can be difficult to treat, often requiring multiple healing techniques for a combined approach.

Our Chiropractor Defines Fibromyalgia

At heart, this condition is defined as having pain in all four quadrants of the body, meaning left and right as well as above and below the waist. There are also 18 characteristic tender points on the body associated with fibro, and patients must have at least 11 of them for a positive diagnosis. All patients have pain and fatigue, but they may also have other symptoms such as:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Painful menstrual periods
• Restless leg syndrome
• Memory and cognitive problems, often known as "fibro fog"
• Sleep disturbance
• Tingling or numb hands and feet

True fibromyalgia often begins in early adulthood and comes on very slowly. It's a chronic condition, which means it can last for years or even for the rest of your life. Treatment consists of attempts to deal with your symptoms, not to cure the condition.

Chiropractic Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Fibro causes muscles to tighten up and lose their flexibility, so chiropractic care is crucial for keeping the spine and muscles from losing movement. If movement is lost in the spine, it can cause muscles to react, causing a vicious circle that can spiral the condition worse and worse.

The only way to prevent this from happening is to adjust the spine on a regular basis. Some of our patients come in to be adjusted on a weekly basis in order to keep their spines flexible. Because of the way fibro diminishes a body's capacity for healing, chiropractic adjustment is done in a more gentle, modified manner. 

Other Treatment Methods

Besides spinal adjustments, fibro patients can and do benefit from a list of other treatment techniques. Some of the other treatments our patients regularly receive are trigger point therapy and cold laser therapy. Some of the most important treatments for fibro patients are those they can do themselves. These include:

• Improving fitness through daily exercise
• Getting enough good, restful sleep
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Taking nutritional supplements
• Making changes in the workplace to make daily activities more comfortable

Treating fibromyalgia is a team effort between health professionals and patients. If you've been diagnosed, Dr. Watts is ready to consult with you to create a treatment program that works with your lifestyle. Call our office in Cumming at (770) 886-7070 for an appointment today.