Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Natural Fibromyalgia Relief

If you are struggling with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome and had a history of head and neck injuries such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries etc. keep reading.

In the June 2011 edition of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research a case study is presented that is typical of the type of history we see in our office with people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

A 45-year-old female with a history of two major head traumas and 10 car accidents leading to complaints of an 11 year history of fibromyalgia.  The history from the study is quite remarkable:

The patient was a 45-year-old female with Fibromyalgia.  Symptoms included migraine headaches, chronic pain in the neck, upper and lower back,  numbness in fingers, sciatica, right knee pain, depression, and duodenal ulcer.

She sustained a traumatic injury from diving head first into a shallow pool at the age of 15. The patient was then in 10 car accidents over 25 years.

She was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia by her medical doctor. Five years after the diagnosis, she had another traumatic head injury, when she fell head first down a flight of stairs. This increased her sciatica, neck, and back pain.

The patient had been to five general chiropractors over 12 years, who provided temporary relief of her Fibromyalgia symptoms. She was in chronic pain and suffered from depression. She was given Vicodin, Flexeril, or Soma at different times for her pain and soft tissue injuries. Her activity levels were limited in that she could not use stairs, swim, or walk further than 20 feet. She used a wheelchair as it helped her complete her daily routine and limit her tiredness.

Not All Chiropractors are the same

A history of head or neck trauma should always be investigated by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained in the detection and correction of the Atlas Subluxation Complex (A misalignment of the top bone in the neck).  This misalignment causes brain stem dysfunction which can lead to all sorts of changes in the way that all the body systems work.  Specifically important in patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia is the brain stem connection to the immune system, circulatory system, respiratory system and digestive system.  Along with the connection of the brain stem with the postural muscles up and down the spinal column.

Here is the results for the patient in the study who was able to get the proper upper cervical chiropractic care needed to correct the underlying Brain Stem Subluxation.

Within six months of the first upper cervical correction, the patient revealed that she no longer needed wheelchair assistance. At the first re-evaluation, she reported that her fibromyalgia and left leg sciatica had resolved. She was able to move and perform basic daily functions and sleep in any position. She was feeling more relaxed and had more energy throughout the day. She stated that the sciatica in her right leg improved by 60% and was no longer on any medications.

At second re-evaluation, she stated that her chronic back pain and headaches had resolved. She only continued to have minor right sciatica. By the fifth re-evaluation, 6 months into care, her knee tenderness had also resolved. Her sciatica on the right had 98% improvement.  She stated she was able to perform house and yard work. She was also able to swim, walk distances, and stand for long periods of time without taking Tylenol or Advil. The only complaint she had at this point was right hip pain.

Keep reading to learn more.

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Upper Cervical

Frequently what we find with patients is Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue will be associated with an undetected brain stem injury.  The Brain Stem is very important for regulating our energy level.  If the brain stem is not functioning the way it was designed you will have a hard time recovering.

When someone has accidents and injuries that have torn loose the connective tissue that holds the spine in place it will allow the spine to breakdown and lock into a stressed position.  The area of the spine that is most frequently affected is the upper neck area because it is the most movable and the most vulnerable to injury.  Once this upper neck area is misaligned it will begin to affect the function of the brain stem.  This brain stem pressure can lead to a variety of problems including dysfunction with the release of cortisol.  Altered cortisol levels can have many different affects on both the mind and the body.

The Mayo Clinic states that “the long-term activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:

• Sleep Problems
• Digestive problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Memory Impairment

These are some of the most common symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

One of the top upper cervical chiropractors in the world Dr. Marshall Dickholtz Sr. along with a medical doctor and a psychiatrist did some very interesting research several years ago looking at the connection between the upper cervical spine and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Here’s what they found when they compared quality of life measurements using a survey called the SF-36 six months after the initial correction to normal subjects:

• Physical      Functioning increased from 58% to 85%!
• General Health      improved from 35% to 55%
• Vitality      improved from 17% to 55%
• Social      Functioning increased from 40% to 70%
• Mental Health      improved from 50% to 70%

In addition, both the quality and quantity of sleep improved based on all testing and there was significant decrease in sleep medication usage.  And maybe most remarkable all subjects in the study found a normalization of cortisol levels in the morning and evening readings at 6 months into care!  Amazing improvement!  Not only were they feeling better but their bodies were actually working better.