Fibromyalgia Spotlight: 8 Facts Patients Need to Know

Fibromyalgia remains one of the most poorly misunderstood chronic pain disorders. Although thousands of patients seek help from professionals like a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Kissimmee, many are still confused about why they experience so much pain and discomfort. That’s why we took it upon ourselves to discuss everything a patient needs to know about fibromyalgia. 

We believe that the more you know about your condition, the better you can manage its symptoms and take control of your life. So, here is our roundup of facts about fibromyalgia:

1. Anyone can develop fibromyalgia.

Currently, about 4 million or 2 percent of the adult population in the USA have fibromyalgia. It affects both sexes and develops in a broad spectrum of age groups, ranging from the early teens to the seniors. 

Notably, the first signs of this disease appear during childhood, but patients only get an official diagnosis much later in life. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and it goes on for a long while. Most people diagnosed with fibromyalgia cope by addressing the most apparent symptoms, such as musculoskeletal pain, neck pain, and brain fog. 

2. Smoking can worsen fibromyalgia pain.

Smoking is one of the worse habits to have when you have fibromyalgia. According to a study, smokers diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience worse pain and brain signal interference. Additional studies note that it can also aggravate your pre-existing health conditions and impede your body’s ability to heal independently.  

So, if you test positive for fibromyalgia, it would be best to quit smoking. If you have been smoking for years or decades, seek help from your loved ones or a health professional like your doctor or therapist.  You can also consult your GP on how you can cope with smoking withdrawal symptoms.  

3. Stress can cause fibromyalgia.

Stressful events like a family member’s death, sudden unemployment, divorce, and childbirth can trigger fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, when such events take a toll on your mental health, your body weakens. You become highly vulnerable to fibromyalgia symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, widespread body pain, and muscle numbness. Our fibromyalgia chiropractor in Kissimmee recommends the following de-stressing methods:

• Make good sleep a priority.
• Take breaks in between work or studies.
• Dedicate enough time for exercise or other physical activities. 
• Ease your mind from worries by finding new hobbies like painting, gardening, and knitting.
• Go out for a walk or a jog around your neighborhood.

4. Fibromyalgia results in memory and concentration problems.

Fibro-fog, confusion, and memory problems are twice as common in people with fibromyalgia than in patients diagnosed with other chronic diseases. It’s a frustrating symptom because it causes disorientation, a significant problem when you have a lot of things on your plate. 

Thankfully, several things can help you overcome fibro fog and other cognitive impairments from your flare-ups. Some examples of these include:

• Using a journal to track your activities and write reminders
• Engaging in physical activities exercises to improve your mood 
• Establishing a detailed routine for your daily tasks
• Talking to your physician about the medications prescribed to you 
• Avoiding multitasking until your flare-ups improve

5. There isn’t a specific diet used to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

Some patients with fibromyalgia experience relief after eating certain foods. However, there aren’t enough studies to establish the effects of specific diets that some recommend for fibromyalgia relief. So, instead of relying on a set of instructions on how and what to eat, we recommend eating intuitively and minding the nutrition you get from your food. This way, you can keep your body in tip-top shape and prevent other complications. 

6. Fibromyalgia can impact your sleep and cause fatigue and lethargy.

Besides causing pain in various body parts, fibromyalgia also triggers fatigue and lethargy. Many people diagnosed with this condition share that they struggle to get out of bed in the morning because they don’t have the energy. Some note that it’s because they don’t get enough quality sleep. 

All the tossing and turning at night can definitely leave you sleepless and tired in the morning. If this sounds very much like your story, here are practical tips you can follow to work on your sleep hygiene: 

• Try doing mindfulness meditation.
• Take Vitamin D supplements.
• Follow a consistent sleeping and waking schedule.
• Make sure you have a comfy bed.
• Keep the lights dim when you sleep.

7. Fibromyalgia doesn’t have one specific cause.

Medical experts are not sure about the specific cause of fibromyalgia. In fact, studies suggest varying triggers, including infection, arthritis, genetics, stress, gender, and sedentary lifestyle. Notably, several case studies found a strong link between neck trauma and the onset of fibromyalgia among patients seeking upper cervical care. Therefore, if you suspect that your fibromyalgia stems from a healed neck injury, you should consider seeing a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Kissimmee. 

8. A fibromyalgia chiropractor in Kissimmee can help.

Upper cervical chiropractic care is now among the most sought-after ways to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. That’s because studies prove that it helps re-established severed or disrupted connections between the brain and body due to cervical subluxation. 

The procedure focuses on realigning the atlas and axis bones which usually shift from their position due to a blunt force on the head or rapid overextension of the neck. It’s an all-natural approach to healing and recovering from the impacts of fibromyalgia. 

Dr. William Scott Pancake, our licensed fibromyalgia chiropractor in Kissimmee, FL, will assess your neck for misalignment and provide you with the required adjustments. As you receive the adjustments and have your atlas alignment corrected, you can gradually eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms that prevent you from doing activities and engaging with people you love. 

Experience a life-changing journey like no other with the help of Pancake Wellness Center. Schedule your first-ever upper cervical care consultation or call us at 407-258-2860 today.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, call our Kissimmee office at 407-846-9355, or you can also click one of the buttons below.

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