Is Treating Fibromyalgia with Prednisone Safe?

Prednisone, an anti-inflammatory drug, is often prescribed by doctors to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. While it may help with inflammation and, therefore, help a person feel better, it is important to note that it comes with some very dangerous side effects. Before a person agrees to this type of treatment, we encourage him or her to become well informed. Here is a list of possible  side-effects from Prednisone.

• Problems falling asleep and staying asleep

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Moodiness

• Personality changes

• Acne

• Thin skin

• Bulging eyes

• Blotches under the skin that appear red or purple

• Irregular menstruation

• Slowed healing of cuts and bruises

• Changes in hair growth

• Decreased sexual drive

• Increased sweating

• Suppression of immune system

• Increased or loss of appetite

• Black or tarry stools/diarrhea

• Indigestion

• Puffy face

One other serious side-effect to be aware of is due to prolonged use of this drug. Using it over a long period of time can cause the adrenal glands to stop working. Doctors will recommend taking a break from Prednisone for a time to give the body a chance to recover, but will ultimately want the patient to go back on the drug. If the drug is not discontinued for a time, a person can go into what is called  adrenal crisis. Symptoms of this condition include nausea, vomiting, and going into shock. 

Helping Fibromyalgia by Natural Means

After educating oneself on the side effects of prednisone, a person may wonder if there is anything else that can be done. Thankfully, there is an all-natural solution that is often effective in treating people with fibromyalgia. It is upper cervical chiropractic care. This is a gentle procedure that focuses on realigning the upper neck vertebrae. 

If a misalignment exists at this location, the brain and body do not communicate properly. This can give rise to symptoms of fibromyalgia. By using a natural, pain-free method to correct the misalignment, the body can use its restorative powers to heal itself, decreasing fibromyalgia symptoms or relieving them altogether. 

About the Author

Dr. Miguel Flores, D.C

N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic

When I discovered Chiropractic. My father took me to see a chiropractor, the first in the Philippines at the time. He examined me, found the cause of the problem and gave me my first adjustment- one that would set me towards a path of true health and well being.