Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the central nervous system just as much as it does the musculoskeletal system. With that in mind, we would like to tell you how you may be able to naturally reverse fibromyalgia symptoms by means of upper cervical care in Farmington, MI.

First, let’s discuss some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, as these will give us an indicator of a potential underlying issue.

Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Here are some of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms and a little bit about what they reveal regarding the condition:

• Fibromyalgia tender points – There are 18 points on the body that are associated with fibromyalgia pain. These are not the only places where a patient may hurt, but they are the common pain points that help a person get an accurate diagnosis. The 18 points are found in pairs of two, located symmetrically throughout the body. Interestingly, only the two points on the inside of the elbows and the two points on the inside of the knees are not in close proximity to the spine. This indicates a link between fibromyalgia and the spine as well as the central nervous system.
• General pain throughout the body – As we mentioned, the fibromyalgia tender points are not the only places you may feel pain. Generalized pain can be ramped up in the body when a person exercises less, gains weight, or doesn’t sleep as well. All of these can play a role in fibromyalgia because the pain can lead to less activity and greater weight gain. It is important to note that sleep is also regulated by the central nervous system which lets the body know when to release sleep hormones such as melatonin.
• Migraines or headaches – Migraines and headaches often have to do with everything from proper brainstem function to how much blood is reaching the brain. Once again, the spine can play a vital role. In this case, the bones of the neck are responsible for the facilitation of blood to the head. The top bone in the neck, the atlas, is the protector of the brainstem.
• Cognitive symptoms – Brain fog or fibro fog is the term used to describe the vast array of cognitive symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia. Some of these symptoms include memory problems, mental fatigue, confusion, and a lack of focus. Again, these symptoms are clearly related to the central nervous system.
• Sensory symptoms – Fibromyalgia patients are often very sensitive to lights, sounds, smells, and even gentle touches (which can be very painful). You may even be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Food sensitivities may also lead to needing a special diet. These sensitivities are also linked to the CNS since the brain interprets what is fed in through the senses. When something that should be within the limits of the body to endure but the experience is painful, this can be due to a process called central sensitization in which the body ramps up the senses (including the pain sensors) in order to protect the body in emergency situations. This process should only occur when danger is imminent but can occur at other times due to a malfunction in the CNS.
• Other related conditions – From IBS to depression and anxiety, there are many other conditions that are not necessarily symptoms of fibromyalgia but are separate conditions often experienced by the patient. Many of these related conditions are also tied to the central nervous system.

While this is not a comprehensive list of every possible fibromyalgia symptom, you are no doubt beginning to see the pattern. If you are suffering from this painful condition, you want to give your central nervous system everything it needs to function optimally, and that means looking at the top of the neck. Here are some of the reasons why.

How Fibromyalgia May Be Helped by Upper Cervical Care

Upper cervical chiropractors focus on the top bones in the neck. These bones are in a unique position to help or hinder the central nervous system depending on whether they are properly aligned. Here are some potential effects of a subluxation.

• Intracranial pressure – A misaligned atlas and axis can affect cerebrospinal fluid drainage causing it to pool in the skull. This may increase intracranial pressure.
• Inhibited blood flow – The cervical spine facilitates blood flow by means of tiny loops of bone found only on these vertebrae. However, a misalignment can impede the blood flow these bones are meant to protect.
• Brainstem function – When positioned properly, the atlas protects the brainstem, right at the sensitive area where it meets the spinal cord. When misaligned, the atlas can apply pressure to the brainstem and constrain proper function.

As you can see, the upper cervical spine plays a vital role in helping the CNS function properly. That makes the work we do here at Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care really important for patients suffering from fibromyalgia and many other conditions. In fact, some patients in case studies have seen fibromyalgia completely reverse thanks to upper cervical chiropractic care.

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, especially if you have a history of head or neck injuries that could have led to an upper cervical misalignment, come and see our fibromyalgia chiropractor in Farmington to find out if upper cervical care is the right solution for you. This is a safe and natural way to help the body get back on track. Call 248-478-6203 today to schedule an appointment.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area

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