Not only do fibromyalgia patients have to suffer from chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, they also have to deal with the increased risk of developing various health disorders associated with fibromyalgia. No wonder many are turning to an upper cervical chiropractor in South Dakota to ease their agony. What are some of the devastating conditions related to fibromyalgia? Let’s look at four of them and learn one natural therapy that can help. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Researchers have reported that as much as 30% of fibromyalgia patients also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS often involves bloating, pain, and bowel problems such as diarrhea and constipation. Stress can worsen this condition, and suffering from a chronic illness can be very stressful. As a result, IBS and fibromyalgia often go hand and hand. 

Tension Headaches and Migraines

We store stress or tension in many places in our body. Common areas of tension include the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This results in tension headaches. However, some fibromyalgia patients experience migraines.

Tension headaches bring about mild to moderate pain or pressure around the forehead that feels like a tight band wrapped around the head. On the other hand, migraines are moderate to intense headaches that involve a pulsing or throbbing sensation. Sensitivity to sounds, light, and smells as well as nausea may also accompany migraines. 

Besides headaches that stem from stress in managing a chronic illness, fibromyalgia patients may also face headaches due to the overuse of medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. This type of headache is also known as a rebound headache. Doctors do not advise the use of pain medication for a long period as it can cause even more headaches. 

General Anxiety Disorder

Another ongoing issue for people with fibromyalgia is anxiety. Fibromyalgia can impact every facet of a person’s life, leading to anxiety. For example, if fibromyalgia costs someone his or her job, financial problems can generate anxiety. 

Social anxiety is also a fact of life if you have fibromyalgia. Many patients are anxious that people may judge them for their condition. Some worry about getting their friends upset for cancelling plans. Even planning vacations with the family can be stressful as you worry about the possible expenses of nonrefundable hotel rooms and plane tickets. 

Depression

Depression often goes hand in hand with fibromyalgia. Several reasons can cause a person to become depressed when coping with a chronic condition such as fibromyalgia. The combination of daily pain and lack of sleep can result in a mood disorder. You may also get depressed if you are unable to do what you once enjoyed doing such as a night out with friends or your favorite hobby. The strain on personal life or the loss of a job can make anyone feel sad. Doctors and healthcare professionals always look for the signs of depression when helping fibromyalgia patients since the two conditions often co-exist. 

A Natural Solution for Fibromyalgia

There is still hope for fibromyalgia patients as a natural therapy has been providing relief and benefits for many patients. In a study, a 32-year-old woman became free from fibromyalgia after just half a year of receiving upper cervical chiropractic care. What is special with this form of care, and how does it help people living with fibromyalgia?

A niche within the chiropractic alternative medicine, upper cervical chiropractic is a unique form of care for a couple of reasons: 

Focus

Traditional chiropractors adjust all parts of the spine. Upper cervical chiropractors focus on the two uppermost bones of the neck (upper cervical spine). This is a top-down method to maintain a healthy spine and overall health. Proper alignment of the C1 and C2 helps ensure a fully-functioning central nervous system. In other words, the brainstem works at its best, and the blood flows properly to the brain. 

Gentleness

Unlike traditional chiropractic, upper cervical chiropractors use low force in every adjustment. You may feel very little force during an adjustment. 

Precision

Upper cervical chiropractors utilize x-rays and diagnostic imaging to measure misalignments with accuracy. This enables precise adjustments that are tailored to each patient’s specific needs. 

Frequency

Upper cervical chiropractors only adjust the bones when needed. Every visit, they will assess if your adjustment held from your last appointment. If it did, there’s no need to adjust you again. If your atlas or axis is still misaligned, they will make a gentle correction. Your visits will become more spread out over time, making it a cost-effective therapy.

The changes in blood flow in the brain and malfunction of the brainstem play a part in fibromyalgia. Fortunately, upper cervical chiropractic care can help maintain or restore the function of the nervous and vascular systems. By relieving undue stress on the brainstem and allowing unrestricted blood flow to the brain, upper cervical chiropractic can resolve chronic pain and fibromyalgia. 

To find out more about this form of therapy with a high success rate, schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. The best way to keep in touch with us is by calling us at (605) 275-6900. Do not delay your first step toward regaining a pain-free and better life.