Fibromyalgia Treatment in McLean, VA
So many people suffer from so many different disorders that make everyday functions extremely difficult. For some people, waking up in the morning and walking to the bathroom is not an easy task. They may have experienced a relatively ordinary life, then suddenly found themselves the victim of an automobile accident and subjected to extreme physical trauma. In some cases and under some extreme conditions, they might develop symptoms of fibromyalgia. The best way to determine if you have fibromyalgia is to consult with a doctor and get diagnosed. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, your doctor will discuss a fibromyalgia treatment plan for relieving symptoms and managing discomfort. The chiropractors at RxWellness McLean, Va will discuss your symptoms with you and recommend the best next step.
What is Fibromyalgia
Many experts believe that exposure to traumatic situations may cause a trigger in fibromyalgia symptoms. These situations are thought to result in an increased level of brain chemicals that signal pain. This results in brain receptors becoming extremely sensitized and overreacting to painful and nonpainful signals alike.
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disorder that affects a variety of systems in the body. It is identified by constant musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, memory problems, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms usually begin after being exposed to extreme physical trauma, infection, or prolonged psychological stress. There are no tests that help with diagnosis. Identifying fibromyalgia requires a skilled doctor’s expertise in recognizing symptoms. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, so unfortunately the best course of treatment is pain management.
While certain environmental conditions may trigger fibromyalgia, certain people are at a greater risk for developing symptoms than others. Women, for example, are more likely than men to be affected. Genetics might also play an effect. Your chances of developing fibromyalgia are significantly higher if someone in your family already suffered from symptoms.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
People suffering from Fibromyalgia often find themselves suffering from immense pain, and because tests are often not needed for a diagnosis, doctors have to pay close attention to the symptoms. Some of the primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Widespread pain, which is characterized as a dull ache that has lasted at least 3 months. The pain has to be present on both sides of the body and above and below the waist.
- Fatigue, which is described as restless sleep. This means that regardless of how many hours of sleep you have, you still wake up feeling tired. People suffering from fibromyalgia also report sleep being interrupted by pain, and others may also have other sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea.
- Cognitive difficulties usually referred to as fibro fog, are characterized by low focus, inability to concentrate or pay attention to mental tasks.
Some other Secondary symptoms that are typically present with people suffering from fibromyalgia are:
- Migraines
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Anxiety
- Depression
Common Fibromyalgia Treatments
There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, so the most current treatment is pain management. When symptoms flare, people typically use painkillers to reduce inflammation, minimize muscular aches, or improve sleep. Some doctors may even prescribe antidepressants to help ease pain or fatigue.
Benefits of Working With a RxWellness Chiropractor to Treat Fibromyalgia
If you are looking for a fibromyalgia treatment plan that centers around drug-free options, then consider working with a chiropractor. The chiropractors at RxWellness in McLean, VA can help you manage and treat painful symptoms by stimulating your body’s ability to relieve its own pain without the need for medication.
When you meet with the chiropractor you will first have a consultation to discuss your pain symptoms and your concerns. The doctor will actively consider the description of your experience and then make the best recommendation for treatment. Some of these recommendations may include massage therapy or active release technique.
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia
When done by a trained professional massage therapy can be very useful for managing some of the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. A massage can relax your muscles and help you improve your range of motions.
Fibromyalgia causes an over sensitization to pain, so many patients tend to avoid massage therapy altogether. For constant sufferers, the thought of applying pressure to an already painful area seems incredibly unappealing. However, when done correctly, massage therapy can improve pain symptoms.
Benefits of Active Release Technique for Fibromyalgia
Active release technique is a noninvasive chiropractic technique performed by a skilled practitioner with a mastery understanding of human anatomy. It is designed to improve soft tissue restrictions and increase limited mobility. The doctor will apply gentle pressure to specific areas to help relieve some of the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Benefits of Exercise for Fibromyalgia
You should always consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
Some of the primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are fatigue, restless sleep, and depression. When patients suffering from fibromyalgia participate in activities like walking, swimming, or biking, they often report improved energy levels. Exercise triggers the production of endorphins in the brain, which are chemicals that the brain produces to reduce stress. This means that exercise can often improve the quality of sleep for patients, allowing them to wake feeling more energized. Studies have shown that exercise has a lasting effect on managing some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Contact Us
If you are suffering from symptoms of fibromyalgia that make simple tasks extremely difficult, then it is important to consult with the chiropractors at RxWellness in McLean, Va, and discuss your fibromyalgia treatment plan. Taking control of your healthcare and making active decisions to reduce symptoms is the best way to reduce discomfort. The human body can endure a lot of pain and still function in relative normalcy, but fibromyalgia stresses the limits of that capacity. So if you are tired of suffering through the day, then consult with a chiropractor and seek immediate treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, you can give us a call at 1+(703) 904 9666 or book an appointment online.