Newsletter

Newsletter Archive

July 2006 - What is Chiropractic? August 2006 - Sports and Chiropractic September 2006 - Neck Pain October 2006 - Subluxations are Scary! November 2006 - Asthma: Breathing Clearly December 2006 - Stress January 2007 - Headaches March 2007 - Ear Infections April 2007 - Omega 3 Fatty Acids

May 2007 Newsletter

May is Fibromyalgia Month

Pain, muscle stiffness (especially in the morning), fatigue, headaches, depression--these are all symptoms that people with Fibromyalgia (FM) experience every day. Until 1992 when the World Health Organization classified it as disease, most FM sufferers' complaints were ignored. Even today FM is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

There is no known cause or cure for FM, and there is no "fibromyalgia test." However, tests are normally done to rule out other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or its variants, and Lyme disease. Another criteria of diagnosing FM is that at least 11 of the 18 specific tender points are painful to the touch. Symptoms can range from muscle pain and stiffness, jaw pain (T.M.J.), headaches, restless sleep, fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome.

The good news is that there are a number of ways to manage FM naturally. Exercise can help reduce FM symptoms and keep them from worsening. Exercise is also beneficial to emotional well-being because it promotes endorphin release. Stretching is beneficial because it enhances blood flow to the muscles relieving stiffness. Sleep is a significant factor in FM. Lack of, or disrupted sleep has been associated with worsened FM symptoms. Improving your diet can help symptoms of FM. Patients should eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit and avoid refined sugars, flour and alcohol. It is also recommended that animal fat consumption be reduced and replaced with lean turkey, chicken and fish. Keep reading for more diet tips!

Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic

Chiropractic can be one of the most effective treatments for FM symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments help remove stress on the spinal cord by correcting vertebral subluxations. Subluxations can cause the body to function less efficiently along with other symptoms such as tight, sore muscles. Dr. Matt's adjustment will effectively realign joints that are "locked" and not moving properly. The adjustment will allow proper movement and function which in turn, will help relieve muscle pain and tightness. Ask Dr. Matt for more details and how chiropractic can help FM symptoms.

Reference: Koren, Tedd. Fibromyalgia, 2003 and Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. Fibromyalgia, 1996.

Did You Know??

Your diet can affect your fibromyalgia symptoms.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia there are certain diet recommendations you can follow to decrease fibromyalgia symptoms.

• Try eating a diet that consists mostly of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, skinless poultry and deep water fish.
• Take a Omega 3 fatty acid supplement. We sell a great one called Coromega--ask for a free sample!
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out toxins. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices help supply necessary vitamins.
• Avoid meat and dairy products that are high in saturated fats. Also, avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, processed foods, pasta, shellfish, and fried foods.
• Tomatoes, green peppers, and white potatoes are high in solanine, which interferes with enzymes in the muscles and may contribute to pain.
• Eating four or five small meals a day helps to keep a steady supply of fuel for the body. If the body does not have enough fuel, it will take nutrients from the muscles causing muscle wasting and pain.

Reference: Balch, James & Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997.