Massages have been used therapeutically for thousands of years, with styles and techniques evolving throughout the centuries. Today, there are more than 100 varieties of massage being used in countries all around the world, helping to relieve back pain and muscle stiffness in millions of patients.

Although chiropractic care is not the same as massage, an increasing number of chiropractors are offering massage therapy to help alleviate pain and rehabilitate injuries in patients suffering from problems with their musculoskeletal system. Most qualified and experienced chiropractors agree that while massage therapy can be beneficial as a standalone treatment, it is far superior when performed alongside conventional chiropractic adjustments. 
 

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy refers to the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are many different techniques, with some of the most popular being:
 

Swedish massage

A gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, deep circular movements, kneading, vibrations, and tapping to relax your body and help you feel revitalized.
 

Sports massage

Similar to Swedish massage, but targeted at people heavily involved in sport, and used to treat or prevent injuries. 
 

Deep massage

With slower, more forceful strokes, this type of massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue with the aim of stimulating blood flow to the area so that they can heal.
 

Trigger point massage

Focused on specific areas of tight muscle, this massage helps to loosen and relax these areas that tend to tighten with overuse or injury. 

Many businesses today are struggling to navigate the world of health care in order to maintain a healthy workforce. While the markets may be changing, chiropractic care is a stable avenue that keeps employees feeling better, increases productivity, and strengthens retention. Let’s take a better look at what corporate wellness programs can offer your company and why you should consider increasing the options for employees.
 

Improved Employee Health

It is hard to imagine that any employer would say that they don’t care about the health of their employees, but many companies feel that wellness programs are an excess expense. The companies that cut back on wellness expenses soon find that they have increased their costs in other areas. When employees feel that their health is valued, they are more likely to be motivated to be at work and when they have access to adequate medical care, they can catch illness or injury before it affects their work performance.
 

Reduction in Unnecessary Surgeries

Employees with access to health care services are more likely to be well-versed on any issues they may be having as well as seek professional guidance when these issues occur. With this access, employees will feel like they can take control of their health and make healthier lifestyle choices when it comes to diet and exercise. When employees stack the deck in their favor, they are less likely to be diagnosed with conditions that require surgery or are able to look into less invasive options first.
 

Overall Cost Savings

Health insurance costs increase as the number of people requiring expensive medical care goes up. As companies expand their costs in preventative care, education, and incentives – they see an overall reduction in health-related expenses. This can be seen in the reduced number of missed workdays, lack of productivity, and expensive specialists or doctor visits. A recent study even suggests that for every $1 spent on corporate wellness, the companies saw a savings of $2.13 to $10.10 through lower medical costs, reduced number of missed workdays, and increased productivity.
 

Employee Retention

There are several factors that relate to employees seeking other work options. One common issue is that employees don’t feel like they matter to the company. Wellness programs are an excellent option for corporations to directly demonstrate their view on the value of the employee and their well-being. When companies make investments in their employees, employees are more likely to feel invested within the company. The building of strong bonds between employees helps to increase retention which lowers overall costs in training, hiring, and all the issues that are related to the termination of poor-performing employees.
 

Chiropractic and Wellness Programs

If you are looking at wellness programs for your company, you should consider many of the options that are offered including chiropractic services, which can be especially attractive for employers to add to their package. Chiropractic adjustments are commonly linked to reduced workplace injuries and illnesses and can help to alleviate or reduce the adverse effects of the workplace on your employees. Additionally, your chiropractor may even travel to your company location which will result in an increase in time at work and participation in the wellness program. Chiropractors offer a cost-effective way to reduce headaches, back or neck pain, poor digestion, and many other issues commonly associated with today’s working professionals.
 

Overview

The workplace is becoming increasingly competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining the best talent for your company. If you are considering making an investment in your employees, you should contact a chiropractor today to discuss the many benefits that they can offer for your staff. When employees feel that they are valued at a company, they return the investment to your bottom line.

How to Reach Your Goals with a Health and Wellness Coach

In today’s world, there is a growing group of people who are putting their personal health at the forefront. These people strongly believe that having a positive outlook on their health can increase the chances of reaching their goals and increase their quality of life.

If you are considering making a healthy change, congratulations! Improving your health and quality of life can be exciting and when you begin your transformation, you may want to consider enlisting the services of a health and wellness coach.
 

What is Health and Wellness Coaching?

A health and wellness coach is an individual or team of people that help you create a vision for your journey. They help break down your overall goal into individual steps and create manageable milestones for you to accomplish on a short-term basis. They also help you to develop a positive mindset around your goals and push you to achieve your vision.

Health and wellness coaches will typically be available to you at every step of your journey and can provide valuable insight and encouragement to keep you motivated to continue to push through barriers.
 

Items Included in Coaching Plans

Health and wellness coaches can personalize a plan for your needs, but traditional plans will include:

• A method for stress management

• Tips for healthy eating

• How to prioritize your care

• Help to maintain your positive outlook

• Insight into balancing your schedule
   

These coaches are typically concerned with the overall well-being of their clients and their interest can offer a valuable perspective on all aspects of your life and how that relates to your health. The more open and honest you are about your personal life, the more tailored a plan will be in order to help you achieve your dreams.
 

What Coaching Will NOT Do

Health coaches have specific training that qualifies them for the specific approaches that they advertise. However, you should not expect a health coach to act as your dietitian or personal trainer. While they may be able to offer some advice, it may be wise to bring on additional specialists to your health team.

Health coaches are also not usually licensed psychologists or therapists. While they can help you to set and achieve positive goals, they are not qualified to work with or diagnose mental health or psychological disorders.
 

What Your Coach Will Do

Health and wellness coaches are there to hold you accountable for your specific goals. They will check in with you at regular intervals to see how you are progressing and discuss any setbacks that you may be having in order to help you make changes to your plan when needed. Health coaches may also be able to identify any other issues you may be having and guide you toward professionals related to those issues for advice.

Health coaches are there to pull you back on track when you feel like quitting as well as to help remind you of your day one goal and how you can achieve it. We all have challenging days, but when you have a partner on your side, it makes those days less frequent and more manageable.
 

Finding the Right Coach for You

Coaching in this market is a blossoming economy that is growing every day. Therefore, it is important to find a coach that fits your needs and complements your goals. If you are considering a coach, you should look at their qualifications, check their reviews, and ask to speak with some of their previous clients.

You can also ask to see examples of coaching plans they have designed for others with needs similar to yours. If you are considering hiring a health and wellness coach, you should call today and set up an initial consultation. There is no better time to start your wellness journey than right now!

Many people who have back pain have been experiencing it for so long that they believe that it’s just a regular part of their life. Even after you have taken pain relievers, used heating pads, ice packs, and maybe even bought an expensive, specialized mattress, your pain can still remain. While all of these tools can be used in an attempt to manage your back pain, the actual root cause of the issue has yet to be addressed.

Many chiropractic patients suffer from conditions that can't be corrected through temporary measures. When you must sit at a desk for eight or more hours a day, your mattress and pain relievers just can’t fix it. If you’ve tried these options but are coming up short in managing your pain or range of motion, you may want to consider a chiropractic adjustment.

If you’re still weighing your options, here are some benefits to consider if you are thinking about scheduling your first chiropractic adjustment:
 

Reduce Your Blood Pressure

Some studies suggest that receiving chiropractic adjustments can have the same effect on your blood pressure as some medications that are specifically designed to lower your blood pressure without the side effects often associated with blood pressure medications such as fatigue, nausea, dizziness, weight loss, and anxiety. The study also found that these effects were not just short-term and that the benefits of an adjustment could last up to six months after your appointment.
 

Adjustments Can Help with Neck and Back Pain

Individuals that have a misaligned spine or pain in their spine often try to adjust their position in an attempt to reduce pain in a specific area. Unfortunately, this shift in posture can result in poor alignment in other areas. Your chiropractor can help to align your problem areas which can result in better overall posture and reduced pain throughout your back and spinal column.
 

Chiropractic Adjustments Help Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine. The back can curve and twist causing difficulty with mobility, range of motion, pain, and may even affect your ability to breathe. While there are several options available to help cope with scoliosis, chiropractic adjustments have been shown to help treat the disease. When chiropractic adjustments are used in tandem with physical therapy, the progression of scoliosis can even be halted.
 

Reduce Your Inflammation

Many patients believe that the only way to reduce inflammation is with medication or heat therapies. However, these treatment options are only temporary and can’t correct the underlying problems, but when you utilize chiropractic adjustments, you can often stop the issues that are causing the swelling in the first place.

Since properly aligned joints are not as likely to experience irritation that leads to inflammation, chiropractic adjustments can reduce or eliminate your inflammation as well as eliminate the need for medications.
 

Stop Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that many patients experience that causes pain to radiate down your spine and into your legs. This is the result of a damaged or pinched sciatic nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve which can lead to a reduced need for pain medications and a reduction in overall pain.
 

Adjustments Can Help Headaches

Both migraine and tension headaches can be linked to problems with the back or spine. In fact, headaches are the top reason that people seek the help of a chiropractor. A properly aligned spine helps with both muscle tightness and pain which can cause both types of headaches. This means that there is a cascading positive effect of your chiropractic adjustment as an aligned spine does not strain the muscles and therefore won’t trigger your painful headaches.
 

Overview

If you are experiencing pain in the back, neck, or any associated pain it is a good time to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. A licensed chiropractor can review your case to identify the best options for you. Call to schedule your appointment today.

As people age, it is a common often belief that the pain and discomfort associated with our joints is a normal occurrence that we are forced to live with. While our joints can experience levels of degradation as we age, the pain and reduced mobility that is often associated with arthritis don’t have to be something that we suffer through. Instead, let's review some of the facts about chiropractic care and how it can be beneficial in treating the pain associated with arthritis.
 

Chiropractic Care and Your Joints

Many people believe that chiropractors don't do any work beyond that focused on the spine. And while It is true that the majority of work that chiropractors do surrounds issues associated with the spine, if you think this is the only work that chiropractors do, you are likely to miss a lot of the additional benefits of chiropractic care. 

In addition to spinal work, chiropractors also specialize in issues that surround our joints. Since the vertebrae that make up our spinal column contain joints between each individual vertebrae, it becomes more apparent how chiropractors are able to help with your arthritis when you think of them as joint specialists.
 

The Effects of Arthritis

Arthritis typically occurs when something irritates the joints, which can be a deterioration of the joint itself. As joints deteriorate, they may become irritated more frequently by multiple factors such as increased movement, regular movement, or changes in temperature which can cause inflammation and pain.

This chronic pain and inflammation are what we refer to as arthritis. Many patients take prescription or over-the-counter medications to manage the effects of arthritis, but medications will only treat the symptoms and don’t get to the root cause of your discomfort.
 

Chiropractors and Arthritis

During your first visit, your chiropractor will conduct an initial exam. In this exam, they will review your medical and family histories as well as conduct a physical exam. It is during this initial visit that they usually issue a diagnosis and design a treatment plan that is best suited for you.

Typically, patients who are experiencing issues related to arthritis can expect their chiropractor to suggest gentle manipulation of those joints over the course of several weeks. You should start to notice the benefits of your treatment plan between two and six weeks.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in treating the issues and symptoms associated with arthritis. So much so that patients may not require the use of potentially addicting medications in order to manage pain during their treatment.
 

When to Avoid Alignment

If you are experiencing active swelling in your joints, it may be a bad time to have a chiropractor adjust the joint. If you are unsure if you are a good candidate, you should visit your chiropractor to get their advice.

However, even if you cannot receive a physical adjustment due to swelling, it is likely that your chiropractor will be able to suggest and conduct other therapies to grant you some relief. Some of these therapies that can be performed in their office include:

• Ultrasound – While ultrasounds are typically thought of as an imaging tool, they can also produce gentle massage to the offending joints. This massage can decrease swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joint.

• Electrotherapy – These gentle electric pulses are designed to stimulate nerves and muscles near the painful joint to reduce pain and swelling.

• Infrared sauna – These rooms are specifically designed and heated to a temperature that provides adequate therapy for relaxing the joints. The warming of the joints allows for a reduction in swelling.
   

Overview

If you have been diagnosed with or think that you might have arthritis, you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor today. They will help design a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. Chiropractors are a beneficial, but often overlooked option for the treatment of your arthritis discomfort.

As the professional community ages, the diagnoses of carpal tunnel syndrome continue to rise. Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly associated with the repetitive movement related to typing on a keyboard with improper hand positioning. Carpal tunnel syndrome creates a burning, numbness, or tingling sensation in the hands or wrists and can occur on one or both sides.

Carpal tunnel release and surgeries associated with relieving the pain associated with carpal tunnel are increasing every year. Unfortunately, the success of these surgeries is only seen in about half of the population. If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and are currently considering your options for pain relief, one you should definitely consider is chiropractic care.
 

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist where the median nerve passes through and then into your hand. Any inflammation or swelling of the carpal tunnel can constrict or cause pressure to occur on the median nerve. This interruption of your nerve's ability to function can cause the suite of problems associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome and while scientists are not certain why this occurs, they suggest that it may be due to the smaller size of the carpal tunnel in women when compared to their male counterparts.
 

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can be notoriously difficult. Any issues with the median nerve anywhere in the body can cause similar problems, making it difficult for an initial diagnosis. Some of the other possibilities that your chiropractor will try to rule out are arthritis, subluxations, or herniated discs in the spinal column that may interfere with the medial nerve before it reaches the carpal tunnel.
 

Conducting Invasive Treatments

While your doctor may suggest surgery as a possibility, it is essential to recognize that there are many possible misdiagnoses and complications associated with this procedure. The high number of ineffective operations suggests that there may have been a misdiagnosis in the first place.

 Additionally, surgeries require significant preparation, cost, and recovery time. So before you schedule an invasive procedure, it would be wise to meet with your chiropractor and get their opinion first.
 

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Chiropractic Care

Many people overlook the potential option of chiropractic care before they schedule their surgeries. This may be because many people think that chiropractors only deal with issues as they relate to the back and neck.

However, chiropractors are trained to deal with issues concerning the nerves that travel throughout the body. They have specific knowledge about non-invasive techniques that reduce or eliminate the problems that may be associated with nerve damage or restriction.

In the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, your chiropractor will review the entire course that your medial nerve travels throughout the body to ensure they can identify where the issue is occurring.

The median nerve originates in the cervical spine and your chiropractor will follow the path of the nerve to the hand and then use techniques to help alleviate your pain.

One of these techniques involves the gentle manipulation of the cervical spine, elbow, and wrist to try to reduce pressure on the nerve. Your chiropractor may also use other non-invasive techniques such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat therapies to alleviate your pain.
 

Overview

If you opt to not get carpal tunnel syndrome treated, it may lead to long-term or permanent damage to the median nerve which can cause permanent numbness, tingling, or pain in your hand. If you are concerned with any of these issues, schedule an appointment with a licensed chiropractor today. They can quickly help you identify some of the potential issues and get you started on the path to recovery.

Many people have heard about chiropractors for years and may have even wondered if they can help with some of the pain that they’ve been in, but until now, something has been holding them back from scheduling an appointment. This is often the case for many first-time patients. Understanding some of the things that you should look for when “shopping” for a new medical provider can help relieve some of your apprehension. Here are a few components to help you choose the right chiropractor for you before scheduling the first appointment.
 

Check the Reviews

This doesn’t mean that you should simply do an online search and trust everything that you’ve read. Ask some of your friends, family, or neighbors to see if they have any suggestions or cautionary tales about chiropractors in your area. These suggestions are invaluable because they want you to receive the best care possible and won’t hold back when letting you know if there are any issues.

You should also check online reviews. While these aren’t always accurate, and often overrepresent negative aspects, they can be helpful to see if similar issues occur and how responsive that office is to their patients’ needs.
 

Check with Your Insurance

Chiropractic care is often a covered practice, but that doesn’t mean that all providers are covered by all insurances. You can ask the chiropractic office if they accept your insurance, but it’s also important to verify that information with your insurance carrier. Many insurance companies will identify all the covered providers in your area, which can help you narrow your search.
 

Research your Condition

While you shouldn't depend entirely on your internet search to understand your condition, it can be helpful to gain some insight. If you think that you can identify what issue you might be having, it can be helpful to investigate the potential treatments and causes. As you continue your research, be sure to write down some questions for your chiropractic office. This can help to ensure that you receive the care that you want and that the office has experience with your specific concerns.
 

Call the Office

Now that you’ve gathered your background information, it’s time to make some phone calls. When you call the office, you should ask some of your questions in order to get a general feel for the professionalism of the staff. Are they attentive to your needs? Do you feel like they took the time to adequately address your questions? Were they competent? Does the chiropractor have experience dealing with your specific issues?

If you feel like the office is a good fit, you should then see about scheduling. While many offices are busy, you’ll want to make sure that you can be seen in an acceptable amount of time.
 

Analyze Your Appointment

After your first appointment, you should evaluate your care to make sure that you’re receiving everything that you need. Just because you visit a chiropractor doesn’t mean that you are locked into that provider if they don't seem like a good fit. Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself to make sure that your chiropractor remains an adequate choice for you:

• Was the office environment suitable?

• Did your chiropractor spend the time to answer your questions and explain your treatment?

• Are the treatments helping your condition?

• Is the treatment comfortable?

• Does your chiropractor seem invested in your health?
   

If you answer yes to these questions, you should be confident that you are receiving excellent care. However, if you have any concerns, you should discuss them with your chiropractor so they can correct any issues.
 

Overview

If you’ve been holding off on seeking chiropractic care, now is the time to book your first appointment. Many people don’t get the help that they need and continue to live in pain. And those who do seek help, often talk about their hesitations to call, and that they wish they had made an appointment sooner.

Physiotherapy is a branch of therapy that is specifically concerned with the treatment of an injury, disease, or disorder with physical approaches. These approaches include massage, exercise, and physical manipulation rather than invasive medical procedures or the use of medications.

While some people believe that physiotherapists work specifically with athletes on sports-related issues, their patient base is actually much broader. Physiotherapists also work with patients who are in different age groups or demographic categories. They help patients recover from injury, disease, illness, and even some of the effects of aging. Physiotherapists aim to help individuals achieve a higher quality of life through pain relief, increased range of motion, or recovery from damage to the body.

In order to achieve their desired results with a wide range of their patients, physiotherapists must employ a wide range of possible treatments.

There are three basic types of physiotherapy:

• Musculoskeletal – This therapy focuses on the treatment of sprains, strains, arthritis, incontinence, posture problems, workplace injuries, surgery recovery, and many other physical conditions.

• Neurological – This therapy works with issues associated with the brain. Potential injuries include stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, and Parkinson’s disease.

• Cardiothoracic – This branch of physiotherapy works with issues associated with breathing and can include emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other cardio-respiratory illnesses.
   

Treatment Options

Physiotherapists work with their patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits their specific needs. Some patients may only require a single treatment style while other patients may require more intensive plans. There are three primary treatment options that physiotherapy uses. However, within those options, there are a variety of additional techniques that your medical professional may use to help you improve your quality of life.

• Manual Therapies – Manual therapies can include joint manipulation or adjustment, manual resistance training or stretching. These therapies are usually conducted in an office setting with hands-on work from your physiotherapist.

• Exercise Therapy – Exercise training focuses largely on strength training, cardiovascular stretching, and re-training proper posture.

• Electrotherapy – Electrotherapy isn’t the electrodes hooked up to your brain that deliver a painful shock anymore. Instead, electrotherapy is used to deliver a gentle current to your affected muscles in order to help promote healing and growth. This category also utilizes laser therapy and ultrasound to help heal and reduce pain.
   

Manual Therapies

Many patients’ treatment plans will include a core portion of manual therapy. This includes:

• Joint Mobilization – Joint mobilization is designed to relieve joints and get them moving freely again. Joint mobilization is also called the gentle glide technique.

• Physiotherapy Instrument Mobilization (PIM) – This technique utilizes a handheld spring-loaded tool and is used along the spine to help reduce pain and increase mobility.

• Stretching – Stretching exercises help to loosen muscles and tendons that are tight. In a therapy setting, this is to help reduce pain associated with overly tight or shortened tissues and train them into their proper position. Stretching also helps to increase your overall range of motion and can help with overall strength as well.

• Neurodynamics – This technique looks at the nerves and their pathways to identify any areas where the nerve may be damaged or impeded. Adjustments or corrective procedures can be performed to try to restore normal nerve function.
   

Overview

Physiotherapy is another option that patients should consider when developing a treatment plan. These plans can be used for a variety of conditions including disease, illness, traumatic injury, or even routine checkups. If you are considering using a physiotherapist or chiropractor, call today to schedule an initial consultation. It’s never too soon to start feeling better.

Chiropractic care can offer benefits to so many people with drastically different conditions. While the conditions that are commonly linked to chiropractic care generally surround spine and back health, it can also help with intestinal health and ear infections as well as a multitude of other issues.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, you should consider a visit to your chiropractor to get a diagnosis and see what they can do to provide relief. Chiropractors offer many services without harsh or dangerous medicines or invasive procedures that can cause hospitalizations and time off work.
 

Expectant Mothers

Growing a life is an incredibly difficult job for your body and creating a new life comes with some side effects that may not always be seen as awe-inspiring. As a woman’s body changes to facilitate the growth of the fetus, several conditions can be caused for a visit to a chiropractor. Some of these conditions include:

• Nausea

• Posture changes

• A protruding abdomen that curves the spine

• Changes to the pelvis

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
   

All licensed chiropractors are required to take specific classes that focus on the treatment of expectant mothers. Some chiropractors receive additional education that further allows them to treat the specialized needs of pregnant women and their unborn children. Mothers should also consider visiting their chiropractors for postnatal adjustments to speed their recovery.
 

Infants and Children

At first thought, it may seem overbearing to think about infants receiving chiropractic care. However, positioning in the womb or difficult labor can result in increased strain on the spinal column. Chiropractors can help infants with adjustments to align their spine and promote healthy immune system responses.

Chiropractors can also help when infants have trouble breastfeeding, sleeping, have colic, or many other issues. If your newborn child is having any issues, you may want to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor to see if they can help.

Our kids are often very active and seem to be growing out of their shoes, shirts, and pants almost as soon as we buy them. This rapid growth and along with an active lifestyle can often lead to small injuries in the spine. When you combine an injury to the spine with the need for rapid growth, kids need to be in tip-top shape so that their bodies can grow and develop in a healthy and natural way. Chiropractors can even help kids (and adults) who suffer from ear infections.
 

Adults

Today’s adults have increasingly stressful jobs. Whether you sit at a desk for eight hours a day, which can result in poor posture and pinched nerves, or have an active job where you may have to stand for several hours or lift heavy objects throughout the day, these motions can result in back, neck or muscle pain. Luckily, chiropractors are able to help all of these individuals.
 

Elderly

As our bodies age, it’s natural that some of our joints deteriorate and we feel more discomfort than we used to.  While many people believe that this discomfort is a natural part of the aging process and something that must be dealt with, proper spinal alignment can actually help alleviate many of the aches and pains that people may just attribute to their age.

It should be clear by now that there are no contraindications for chiropractors when simply considering your age.
 

Who isn’t a Good Candidate?

There are a few patient types that may not benefit from a chiropractor if they are looking to receive an adjustment. These patients include those with:

• Broken vertebrae

• Fused spine

• Failed back surgery

• Multiple back surgeries that have not completely healed

• Certain types of spinal implants
   

Overview

While spinal adjustments may not be the right course of action for every patient, there are many other treatments available to choose from that may be the right fit. Make sure that your chiropractor is aware of your condition so you can discuss what the best treatment options for you will be along with the benefits and risks associated with each. Please don't hesitate to call your chiropractor and schedule an appointment to help alleviate your pain today.

Fibromyalgia diagnoses have been increasing as awareness has risen. Many individuals now feel that they can seek help from the medical field for their issues, although treatments are generally more difficult to understand. Many people who have fibromyalgia also complain about the lack of effectiveness that many treatment options offer. However, chiropractic care has become an increasingly common and successful treatment option for patients with the disease.
 

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is characterized by a laundry list of signs and symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Widespread musculoskeletal pain

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Sleep loss

• Memory issues

• Mood changes
   

While the cause is still being investigated, researchers believe that the disorder amplifies pain signals that are sent to the brain. This means that the normal pain sensation of a pinprick to the finger can instead feel like a searing stab wound.

While fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed in women, individuals that suffer from headaches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), anxiety, depression, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The disease is also commonly linked to another traumatic injury or surgery. Symptoms may appear instantaneously or gradually increase in severity.

As fibromyalgia research continues, we can expect to see more definitive answers to our questions. Currently, researchers believe that the disorder may be caused by genetics, past infections, physical trauma, or a combination of the three.
 

Treatment Options

• Medications – A suite of medications may be an option for patients. These medications can include pain relievers, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure medications. Pain medications can help to reduce the pain experienced due to fibromyalgia and can offer some comfort. Anti-depressants have been used to help treat or lessen the effects of the disorder on fatigue and sleep habits. Anti-seizure medications help reduce the overall impact of fibromyalgia, and some have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, many medications contain serious side effects and should be used with caution under the direction of medical professionals.

• Counseling – While counseling may not directly reduce the effects of fibromyalgia, it can be helpful for patients to talk with a professional about some of the issues that they are facing. Therapy can be beneficial in teaching patients how to cope with the effects of the disorder and strategize effective solutions in dealing with future difficulties.

• Chiropractic – Several modern studies have reviewed the effects that chiropractic care and adjustments offer to individuals that are suffering from fibromyalgia. The results suggest that chiropractic isn’t just helpful, but that it is “Quite Effective.” Another study indicated that patients saw significant improvement in their sleep, fatigue levels, and the amount of pain they experienced after just 15 adjustments.
   

It’s not a tough decision for many health-conscious patients to decide to make chiropractic care a critical component of their overall treatment plan. The potential adverse effects that medications pose can help to make that decision even easier. As medications that contain addictive chemicals such as opioids are more prominent in the news, many physicians are also more likely to suggest non-addictive treatment options.

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia does not have any known cures. This means that your potential treatment options may need to be considered as long-term options to contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of your life.
 

Overview

Many people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia are faced with numerous difficult decisions when it comes to their treatment. The pain can be debilitating, but the addictive nature of many pain medications can leave people feeling scared and helpless and with no known cures, it may feel challenging to face the future. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective treatment option that can be continued throughout your treatment. If you are considering chiropractic care as a part of your treatment plan for fibromyalgia, please call and schedule an appointment with a chiropractor today to see what they can offer to help alleviate your pain and discomfort.