Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can cause constant or recurring pain that affects most or all of your body. If you’re finding each day a challenge because of fibromyalgia symptoms, visit Steven Zimmerman, DC, of Zimmerman Chiropractic in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Zimmerman offers innovative treatments for fibromyalgia, including chiropractic care and BrainCore™ neurofeedback. To learn more about these effective fibromyalgia therapies, call Zimmerman Chiropractic today or book an appointment online.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term health problem that causes pain throughout your body. This pain typically affects your musculoskeletal system — muscles, connective tissues, bones, and joints.

The reason why some people have fibromyalgia isn’t clear. There could be a genetic link, as fibromyalgia often affects several members of the same family. Excessive inflammation in the tissues could also be the reason.

There might be problems with your immune system, similar to when an autoimmune disorder causes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Other theories include nervous system dysfunction.

If you have fibromyalgia, it’s important to see a doctor specializing in the disease, like Dr. Zimmerman.

What symptoms does fibromyalgia cause?

The primary fibromyalgia symptom is pain. It might be an intense aching, soreness, or a feeling that you’re covered in bruises. What sets fibromyalgia pain apart is that it affects all or most of your body, rather than a specific part like one leg or your back.

People with fibromyalgia often have specific points in areas like the sides of the knees, neck, and shoulders, where pain is particularly intense. Pressure on these painful spots can cause a flare-up of pain that persists for several hours in some cases. Identifying these pressure points can help diagnose fibromyalgia, but their absence doesn’t exclude a diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia can also cause other distressing symptoms, including:

• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulties sleeping
• Headaches
• Depression
• Allodynia (heightened sensitivity to touch)
• Hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain)
• Memory and concentration problems (fibro fog)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleep apnea

People with fibromyalgia are more prone to arthritic conditions and autoimmune disorders, including arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

These symptoms could be due to other conditions, and there’s no definitive test for fibromyalgia. Therefore, you need to see a specialist who can rule out other causes and make an informed diagnosis.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Dr. Zimmerman offers several effective fibromyalgia treatments, including:

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic manipulation can resolve spinal or joint misalignments, helping you heal and reducing pain.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

LLLT targets the painful points on your body, easing inflammation and stimulating healing.

BrainCore™ neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a painless, drug-free way of improving brain function. Problems with the alpha waves in your brain can increase your risk of fibromyalgia. Neurofeedback can adjust the alpha waves to relieve your symptoms.

Dr. Zimmerman also offers expert nutrition advice, helping you improve your diet and, consequently, your overall health.

To benefit from innovative fibromyalgia care, call Zimmerman Chiropractic today or book an appointment online.