Have you been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and still don’t understand where the causes of your symptoms came from? Were you just put on antidepressants or anti-inflammatory drugs? Fibromyalgia did not emerge in the medical literature until the late 20th century and to this day does not have clear diagnostic criteria. In 1990 the American College of Rheumatology published their criteria for the classification of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). These criteria consist of only two parts: (1) chronic, widespread pain that has been present for three months, and (2) pain elicited by palpation of specific tender points, more specifically 11 of 18 predetermined sites. Today FMS include chronic pain, specific tender points, fatigue, irritable bowel, headache, cold sensitivity, atypical patterns of sensation, exercise intolerance, anxiety, depression, dysmenorrhea, bruxism, and other symptoms associated with increased nervous system activity.
Muscle biopsies of FMS patients revealed no changes in muscle tissue, which discredit the theory of Fibromyalgia being an inflammatory disorder of soft tissues. However, it was found that antidepressants did help to reduce patient symptoms by lowering nervous system hyperactivity. No underlying cause of Fibromyalgia was ever found and thus the cluster of symptoms became Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
Dr. Schneider and Dr. Brady have classified Fibromyalgia into “Classic FMS” and “Pseudo FMS.” Classic FMS consists of the following criteria: sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, alterations of brain and central nervous system chemistry, and brain injury/trauma. Classic FMS patients have low serotonin levels. Serotonin can become depleted after a major traumatic event or chronic stress. Serotonin is the target of many antidepressant medications but it can be boosted without drugs. 5-HTP and vitamin B6 can support serotonin levels as well as meditation and psychotherapy.
Pseudo FMS is broken down into three categories: Organic disease such as anemia, Lyme’s disease, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and multiple sclerosis. Functional disorders such as improper diet and nutritional deficiencies, intestinal dysbiosis, and dysfunction of liver detoxification. Musculoskeletal disorder such as multiple trigger points, joint dysfunction, muscle imbalances, postural distortion, and undiagnosed disc/facet lesions.
While no one solution is a magic bullet for everyone, many fibromyalgia patients have found significant help with chiropractic care. Gentle adjustments have helped calm the overactive response, between the muscles and the nervous system. These improvements are often enough to help patients manage their own care successfully, with diet and exercise. You don’t have to live with chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety etc., there are answers for you.
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