Fibromyalgia: Cultural Phenomenon or Real Disorder?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects many people. At Marc Bony Chiropractic Center in Mataró, we explore how chiropractic can help relieve your symptoms.

FIBROMYALGIA: CULTURAL PHENOMENON OR TRUE DISORDER?

The word Fibromyalgia comes from the Latin “fibro” meaning fibrous tissue, and from the Greek “myo” for muscle and “algia” for pain. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and various stiff spots. It affects 3 to 6 million Americans and more and more people in Spain every day. Due to undetermined reasons, more than 85% of the people who develop fibromyalgia are women. It is not yet known whether this predominance is a phenomenon of socialization in Western cultures or whether it comes from a combination of the hormones of the female reproductive system and other genetic predispositions.

According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia is defined as a history of pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least 3 months. This means that pain is felt on both sides - left and right - as well as above and below the midline of the belly. In addition, RCA is associated with the disease. 18 sore spots and the diagnosis is verified when 11 or more of these points appear stiff. In addition to pain and fatigue, the following symptoms may be associated:

- Sleeping difficulties / insomnia

- Morning stiffness

- Headache

- Irritable bowel

- Menstrual pain

- Tingling in the extremities

- Restless legs

- Temperature sensitivity

- Memory problems

THE BASIS OF FIBROMYALGIA

The latest research indicates that fibromyalgia is a stress-related condition as are the following two diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus more commonly known as “Lupus” and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These 3 conditions have the same characteristics: predominant in women, chronic fatigue, sleep disorder, irritable bowel, etc....

All 3 conditions come from an abnormal response of the body to stress. If with Lupus, it is the immune system that is affected causing an autoimmune reaction of the body, in fibromyalgia, metabolic abnormalities are noted. These metabolic changes are the result of a decrease -due to stress- in blood flow to a part of the brain called “the Pituitary gland”. Consequently, there is a decrease in a significant number of important hormones, such as growth hormones (somatotropin) and thyroid-stimulating hormones. These hormonal variations lead to abnormal muscle repair, hypothyroidism, and/or memory loss.

Some of the most noticeable changes in fibromyalgia are located directly in the muscles where there is a significant accumulation of a protein called “ground substance”. This protein is usually found in muscles, bones and connective tissues throughout the body and is responsible for strengthening the tissues. In a healthy person, when a muscle is injured, the muscle tissue is able to regenerate and heal itself. But in a person with fibromyalgia, too much protein builds up in the tissue and in conjunction with muscle spasm creates the “knots” associated with the disease.

Many tests can determine if a person has the characteristics of Fibromyalgia but there is no test (as in the case of Lupus) to say for sure. Thus many times, the word Fibromyalgia is used incorrectly. There are women diagnosed with the disorder only because they have persistent pain throughout the body. Or on the other hand, some doctors will not pay much attention and prescribe medications such as antidepressants that are likely to have significant side effects. However, it is proven that chiropractic care coupled with lifestyle changes are very efficient and effective in reducing or completely alleviating fibromyalgia pain while promoting the proper functioning of the body and promoting the health of the whole organism.

CHIROPRACTIC AND FIBROMYALGIA: THE MOST NATURAL OPTION

Imagine a hose (the spinal cord). Its “job” is to carry water (nerve messages) from its source (the brain) to the plants (the organs and tissues of the body). If we put a stone (vertebral subluxation) on this hose or make a knot at the beginning where the water pressure is stronger, what happens? Well, the water cannot pass or the flow is weakened. Concretely, the spinal cord cannot transmit the necessary information for the proper functioning of each organ, tissue or cell of the body. Thus many disorders, disorders or diseases occur with various symptoms, depending on the case.

The role of the Doctor of Chiropractic is to get the stone out of the way, in order to allow a good flow of information from the source to the rest of the body.

When the subluxation is located at the level of the 1st cervical, besides occluding the nerve messages, it can at the same time press on the vertebral artery which decreases the blood flow to the brain. And this can affect the functioning of the pituitary gland and provoke the series of mechanisms listed above.

Also because Fibromyalgia affects the soft tissues, we notice an increased tension and a loss of the natural flexibility of the muscles resulting in a loss of overall movement of the spine. And this results in a neurological reflex that causes even stronger muscle tension. It's a vicious cycle that will continue until it leads over time to more pain, more muscle tension, loss of motion, more difficulty sleeping, etc. .... In fact, with spinal adjustments we also prevent the spine from losing its characteristic movement.

HELP YOURSELF: A FEW TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, there are many simple lifestyle changes that can positively affect your life. The difference between people with fibromyalgia who take care of themselves and those who don't is very noticeable. The former suffer less, are more active and enjoy a better quality of life when the latter get worse every day.

1. SLEEP WELL AND SUFFICIENTLY

This may decrease the pain and fatigue associated with the disease. But it can be difficult since insomnia is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. Better to avoid alcohol before bedtime or pills that if they seem effective actually cause deep sleep but without rest and interfere with the functioning of the rest of the body. They also alter the chemistry of the internal environment resulting in more problems. We advise to create a routine before going to bed. Something that will relax the mind as well as the body to promote a calm environment conducive to restful sleep. For example, listen to soft music and breathe deeply. Read our box on relaxation on the page

2. EXERCISE

We recommend regular exercise - daily or weekly. Research has shown that regular aerobic exercise decreases the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Pain and fatigue can decrease your ability and desire to exercise or do activities every day, but it is very important to be as active as possible. The best way to begin a physical exercise program is to start with something very gentle such as walking or swimming. Starting slowly allows you to stretch and move stiff and sore muscles. Hard impact exercises or weights can increase discomfort. So listen to your body!

3. MAKE CHANGES AT WORK

Most people with fibromyalgia continue to work but can make some changes to make themselves more comfortable and promote better performance. The most common changes - other than a change of schedule, or decreasing physical work when possible - are ergonomic. The chairs used, the position of the desk, the counter, the computer, etc. .... are so many things that are easy to modify (ask for more information in the consultation on the best ergonomics at work).

4. EAT WELL

Food, like anything else, has the ability to stress the body or help it heal. For example, the following foods tend to be stressful to the body: dairy, eggs, yeast, corn, and anything with monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates or nitrites (found in prepared foods). Because of the toxins found in certain environments, it is preferable to avoid fish. Always favor organic foods and base your diet on whole foods such as brown rice, legumes, rice milk, soy, nuts and red fruits.