Fibromyalgia is a complex medical disorder characterized by extreme fatigue, muscle stiffness, and skeletal pain. Many fibromyalgia patients also suffer from mood and memory disorders. Although doctors are not sure of the exact causes of this disease, genetics, infections, and physical trauma are all thought to play roles in its development. Conventional treatment includes prescription pain relievers, antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs, but these medications are not effective for all patients. Some patients experience the greatest relief from symptoms when they turn to these alternative treatments, either in conjunction with, or in place of prescription drugs.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is gaining popularity among fibromyalgia patients. Once approached with skepticism, chiropractic adjustments are now commonly accepted as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain. Many fibromylagia patients suffer from compressions in the spine throughout the neck and back, and relieving these compressions can relieve pain all over the body. Spinal manipulations carried out by a licensed chiropractor may also increase blood flow to the painful areas in your neck and back, leading to improved healing. Adjustments also lead to the release of endorphins, hormones that serve as your body's own natural pain relievers.
Visit Ireland Chiropractic if you're interested in giving chiropractic care a whirl.
Acupuncture
A recent study showed that acupuncture is capable of relieving both pain and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients for up to seven months after treatment. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that has recently become more popular in the western world. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points in the body. These needles, it is said, alter the flow of energy through the body, leading to relief from pain and suffering. Keep in mind that in order to experience the maximum benefits of acupuncture, you may have to undergo treatment quite regularly. The patients in the aforementioned study were given six treatments in a 2-3 week time period.
Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your body's sleep cycle. Some patients with fibromyalgia have found that taking melatonin supplements helps relieve their chronic fatigue symptoms. Others have found the treatment ineffective. Side effects of melatonin supplements are mild and include headache, dizziness and nausea, so it's worth trying this treatment to see if it works for you.
St. John's Wort Supplements
Not enough research has been done to determine whether St. John's wort supplements are truly effective for relieving fibromyalgia symptoms, but many patients have reported experiencing relief when using this remedy. St. John's wort is an herb, and extracts from its flowers is used to make the supplements which are sold in health food stores and pharmacies. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide array of ailments including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis, and nerve pain. Although it is safe for most people, you should not use St. John's wort if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. If you are taking prescription medications, check with your doctor before taking St. John's wort, since it does interact negatively with some drugs.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves placing a patient in a chamber that is pumped full of oxygen until it reaches twice the pressure of the normal atmosphere. This procedure is said to improve circulation, stimulate white blood cell production, and reduce inflammation. Several studies have found it effective for relieving a wide array of fibromyalgia symptoms, including migraine headaches and tender spots. If you do decide to try HBOT, make sure you visit a technician who belongs to the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society; this assures that he or she has been properly trained.
Every case of fibromyalgia is different, so you may have to try a few of the above treatments before you find one that works well for you. Don't lose hope -- keep tying new combinations of treatments until you find a system that has you back on your feet and enjoying life again.
Share12 August 2014
Ever since childhood, I’ve been a driven person. Even as a young kid, I always strived to make good grades. With my schoolwork, I was never satisfied unless I made a perfect score. As an adult, I still tend to be a perfectionist. For instance, I won’t leave my home until every hair is in place on my head. In my career, I work diligently to please my many clients. Unfortunately, my perfectionist nature often causes me to become tense. Whenever I’m stressed about something, the muscles in my neck and shoulders become extremely tight. Sometimes, this issue leads to tension headaches. Thankfully, I know where to go when I begin experiencing muscle tightness. I visit my trusted chiropractor. On this blog, you will discover the methods a chiropractor uses to relieve tension headaches.
