What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain throughout the body. The pain may be long-lasting dull aches in certain areas of the body, or in worse cases, it may involve sharp, shooting pains in the muscles and joints. Because sufferers of fibromyalgia experience a wide range of generic symptoms, the condition can be difficult to diagnose.
Fibromyalgia Signs and Symptoms
While pain is a very common symptom, people with this condition also experience chronic fatigue, headaches, tingling in the extremities, or stiff muscles and joints (particularly in the morning). Fibromyalgia may interfere with one’s ability to sleep and may contribute to sleep disorders.
Fibromyalgia can affect anyone of any age, but it is most common in women, middle-aged people, or people with other diseases, such as arthritis or lupus. It is unclear exactly what causes this condition, but researchers have found a strong link between fibromyalgia and traumatic injuries, particularly to the head and/or neck.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Fibromyalgia
Research into fibromyalgia has revealed that the condition stems from abnormal sensory processing. The central nervous system uses a protein called cytokines to regulate the function of the immune system. In different areas of the body, a concentration of cytokines can cause pain, fatigue, fever, and many other symptoms.
The upper cervical spine sits just below the brain stem and protects the spinal cord. Changes in the alignment of the vertebrae in this area can impact the nerve centers and disrupt the signals between the brain and the spinal cord. Left untreated, a misalignment can result in an overload of cytokines, leading to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Conventional medical treatments usually involve pain medications to help patients live with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, correcting the misalignment of the upper cervical spine gets to the root of the problem. The right chiropractic care can offer a drug-free way to treat this painful condition.
How Our Treatment Works for Fibromyalgia
Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder specializes in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern technique that pays specific attention to the upper cervical spine. Unlike the harsh twists and cracks associated with traditional chiropractic techniques, the Blair Technique involves precision corrections using gentle movements and minimal force to help bring the vertebrae back into their natural alignment.
Treatment with Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau begins with state-of-the-art 3D diagnostic tools to pinpoint any misalignments. The technologically advanced CBCT imaging helps eliminate guesswork, making treatment more effective and comfortable for patients. Doctors trained in the Blair Technique can then apply quick, light adjustments so that the body’s natural processes can resume and healing may finally commence.
We strive to help improve the lives and quality of life of our patients by offering safe, non-invasive methods to alleviate the pain of fibromyalgia. Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau services the areas of Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Denver in Colorado.