Sunday, June 24, 2012

Top Minneapolis Chiropractor Actively Educates Community About Fibromyalgia

By Clinton Arnhold


Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and extreme fatigue. It is relatively common, affecting about 2% of the adult population. Sufferers usually take medications to manage the symptoms. A Minneapolis chiropractor regularly speaks to community groups about fibromyalgia and a drug-free therapy that offers effective pain relief.

People with fibromyalgia feel persistent pain, stiffness, or tenderness in many areas of the body. The neck, back, and pelvis are typically the most painful regions. Elbow and knee joints may be sore and even fingers and toes may be affected. Headaches are common. The severity can vary from day to day. Cold, stress, or physical activity may aggravate the discomfort.

Fibromyalgia is associated with a range of other symptoms. Sufferers tend to have problems sleeping and feel exhausted throughout the day. This often leads to chronic fatigue syndrome. Many people with fibromyalgia have irritable bladders or bowels. Emotional symptoms include depression and anxiety.

According to the chiropractor, fibromyalgia is caused by misalignment of the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine. Membranes called the meninges are attached to nerve roots running between the spine and brain. When neck vertebrae shift out of position, they compress the meninges. This causes nerves within the spinal cord to fire inappropriately and send constant pain signals.

Chiropractors can perform gentle manual adjustments to realign vertebrae and release the compressed meninges. Once the source of irritation is removed, damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord begin to regenerate and pain diminishes. When patients are able to rest comfortably and resume normal sleep patterns, other symptoms naturally improve.

The Minneapolis chiropractor warns fibromyalgia patients about the dangers associated with prescription painkillers. Many medications have side effects which can be mistaken for fibromyalgia symptoms. Some carry a risk of dependency. Chiropractic care is a safe alternative for patients worried about the effects of long term drug use.




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