Much of what we do at Haas Chiropractic Clinic is the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. One of the more difficult conditions to treat is fibromyalgia.

This condition is characterized by wide spread chronic musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue and stiffness affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. This disorder is especially common in women between 20 and 50 years old.

Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood condition and there appears to be no universal cause, and no single treatment that is effective for every person.

When we make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, other blood tests are already ruled out for more serious diseases. The diagnosis is based on the tenderness of specific anatomical sites (at least 11 of 18 points) and pain in all four quadrants of the body that has lasted for a minimum of three months or longer.

Fibromyalgia mostly affects the neck, shoulders, lower back, chest and thighs.

 Some other symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia are: fatigue, disrupted sleep, jaw pain, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, irritability, poor memory and concentration, headaches, tingling in the extremities and digestive problems.

That is why this condition is challenging to treat.

There are some basic protocals we use to treat fibromyalgia at our office.

The first is chiropractic care to improve structural balance and function of the spine and nervous system. Second, is to check the patients diet, what they eat and when they eat it. We strive for an anti-inflammatory diet.

 The third point is checking for food allergies. Wheat and dairy are the most common.

Fourth is bowel transit time. The ideal window for a bowel movement is 12-18 hours with once every 24 hours being acceptable.

Fifth is heavy metal toxicity which we check through hair analysis. Common metals found are aluminum, mercury, chromium, cadmium and lead.

The sixth point is evaluate for other conditions that may amplify the symptoms of fibromyalgia such as arthritis, viral,  bacterial or parasitic infections and IBS. Also, assess stress and depression (anxiety levels).

Checking essential fatty acids and magnesium deficiency are important. Deficiencies cause increased symptoms of FM.

Every patient is different so we address the most prominent symptom to treat. It is like pealing an onion, only to find other conditions the deeper you go.

Along with the treatments listed so far, an aerobic exercise program and nutritional medical foods would be recommended with plenty of filtered water.

For more information on the treatment of fibromyalgia, feel free to call our office at 424-6531.

Dr. Richard Haas DC, FACO