Fibromyalgia is the second most common musculoskeletal condition affecting more than 12 million Americans. Most of the affected patients (approximately 80%) are women between the age of 25 to 60. Fibromyalgia is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread joint pain and fatigue, depression, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness and tingling in the fingers and feet, stiffness , and other symptoms. It is believed that mental, physical and emotional stress, central sensitization, neuro-immuno-endocrine problems and trauma or injury to the upper cervical area are likely related, however the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Trauma or injury to the upper cervical area can be caused by a car accident, falling, injury to another part of the body such as the head or back and even contact sports.
Treatment for fibromyalgia is used to improve quality of life, minimize the symptoms and help decrease the need for medication. There are many over the counter medications used to treat the pain. Other medications both over the counter and prescription as well as alternative remedies can be used to help with sleep and depression. However there can be lifestyle changes done to decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia including finding stress relievers, reducing the use of artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, eating more protein to help get rid of sugar in the body, taking care of the thyroid by eating foods rich in iodine such as seaweed, making sure posture is correct when sitting and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Aerobic exercise and relaxation is also used to help reduce the pain.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Upper cervical chiropractic can be used to correct underlying misalignments that are leading to nervous system dysfunction. When upper cervical chiropractic is used to specifically correct certain vertebrae in the cervical region, it can directly relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies are documenting that upper cervical doctors are getting drastic improvement in patients with fibromyalgia.
Upper cervical chiropractic is used to precisely put the head, neck and spine in the correct position. Considered extremely gentle, upper cervical chiropractic has no twisting or pulling but instead used a controlled and precise movement. Upper cervical chiropractic helps relieve irritation to the brain stem and allows nerve impulses to flow properly. This form of chiropractic was developed by B. J. Palmer around the 1930s and tends to only cost a fraction of what traditional medicine does.
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Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/