There is a very possible link between head and neck injuries and fibromyalgia. Consider the case of a 45-year-old woman that had the following symptoms:
- Sciatica
- Migraine headaches
- Pain in her upper and lower back
- Numbness in her fingers
- Right knee pain
- Depression
- Duodenal cancer
Her history revealed that she had endured two head traumas and ten car accidents before having fibromyalgia symptoms. Over the next 12 years, she regularly visited 5 general chiropractors. While this provided some temporary relief, she still suffered from depression and chronic pain. Her medical doctor prescribed a variety of medications at different times. These included Vicodin, Flexeril, and Soma. She could barely complete her daily activities and began to use a wheelchair to preserve her energy. She could not walk more than 20 feet, use the stairs, or swim.
Why Isn’t General Chiropractic Care Enough?
There is a difference between general chiropractic and upper cervical. As upper cervical chiropractors, we have been trained to specifically look for problems within the upper neck vertebrae. If a misalignment is found, we know how to correct the problem using a specific, scientific method that does not involve popping or twisting the spine. A misalignment of the upper neck can place pressure on the brainstem and hinder communication between the brain and body. This wreaks havoc on a number of systems of the body, such as the digestive system, the immune system, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system. These problems set up the perfect environment for a person to develop the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The Outcome of Upper Cervical Care for Fibromyalgia
- In the case mentioned above, the woman began to see an upper cervical chiropractor. After her first adjustment and reevaluation:
- She no longer was in need of her wheelchair
- Her fibromyalgia and left leg sciatica resolved
- She had more energy and less anxiety
- Sleep improved
- She was able to perform daily activities
- She no longer needed medication
As she continued care:
- Her headaches, back pain and most of her sciatica had gone away
- She could swim, walk long distances, and stand for long periods
- She could do yard and house work
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