Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome is chronic disorder which includes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points in the body. Fibromyalgia affects 3-6 million people in the United States, most of which are women.  

In order to get a fibromyalgia diagnosis, you must be able to identify 11 or more tender points in your body. Fibromyalgia is caused by a stress-induced change in metabolism and healing. Unfortunately, it is a chronic condition. It won't however, cause damage to your joints, muscles, or internal organs. People with Fibromyalgia may experience some or all of these symptoms:

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

•    sleep disturbances
•    morning stiffness
•    headaches
•    irritable bowel syndrome
•    painful menstrual periods
•    restless leg syndrome
•    temperature sensitivity
•    cognitive and memory problems

One of the major physical abnormalities noted with fibromyalgia lies in the actual muscle itself.  It has been found that in people with fibromyalgia, there is a buildup of a protein called "Ground Substance." This ground substance is normally found in muscle, bone and connective tissue all over your body. It is responsible for making the tissues stronger and less susceptible to tearing. In a person who does not have fibromyalgia, when a muscle is injured, the muscle tissue is able to regenerate and over time, completely heal itself. In a person who has fibromyalgia, the muscle is unable to do this. Instead of healing itself, an abnormally large amount of ground substance builds up in the injured area. It is the ground substance, in addition to muscle spasm that creates the muscle 'knots' associated with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome Treatment

Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach, utilizing chiropractic care, trigger point therapy, massage, dietary changes, as well as exercises and stretching. Another great option for treatment for those suffering from fibromyalgia that we offer in our office is something called Rapid Release Therapy.  Rapid Release Therapy is focused on relief of muscle and joint pain. It uses targeted high speed vibration to deliver compression waves to the muscles and joints. It uses the optimum frequency along with a short 2mm stroke, resulting in a powerful yet gentle therapy. It offers relief of soft tissue problems affecting the nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Are you experiencing pain from fibromyalgia syndrome? If so, don't hesitate to give your Duluth Chiropractor a call today and stop living in pain.Call us today for a FREE consultation!