Denver Fibromyalgia Health Center

Many times people have all the symptoms of fibromyalgia but still may not have fibromyalgia.  Read this clinical case history from one of our many patients and decide for yourself whether or not they had fibromyalgia?

“First of all, I must admit I was skeptical about going to a chiropractor.  A year of deep muscle massages every 10 days, plus another 6 weeks of physical therapy, two to three times per week had given me very little relief.  A friend at work suggested I try a chiropractor.  A couple of weeks after that, I saw Dr. V’s infomercial and decided to come in.  In less than three weeks of treatment, I’m feeling much, much better.  The pain in my neck, shoulders, spine, hips, and tailbone was constant with occasional intense muscle spasms that were excruciating.  I was so weak and fatigued all the time, and I couldn’t work a full day. Now, I am virtually pain free.  I still have a bit of morning stiffness, but it passes.  My posture is better and I feel more alert and less tired.”                                                                               – Harold A.

Oddly enough, even though he had many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia:

Muscle pain,

Overall body aches,

Fatigue

Weakness,

Insomnia, etc.

He did not have fibromyalgia.  His examination did not reveal the discrete tender points in enough places to warrant that particular diagnosis.

If you wonder if you’ve been diagnosed correctly, or are receiving proper care, call our center now, (303) 394-CARE (2273).  If you mention this article, you will receive a FREE examination without obligation.

Denver Chiropractor

Dr. Visentin, D.C.

Care Chiropractic

Denver, CO 80220

©2010

There are many questions about fibromyalgia that are asked constantly. Hopefully this will help you in your quest for relief.

What is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia?

Pain has been documented in more than 97% of all patients with fibromyalgia.  This pain forces a person to see his or her doctor. The pain of fibromyalgia is felt throughout the entire body. It is felt in the joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles and can be sharp, throbbing, or aching. This pain can come and go for some fibromyalgia sufferers.

Does anything accompany fibromyalgia pain?

The body aches and deep muscle soreness can be accompanied by painful tender points or specific areas of tenderness around the joints that throb when pressed by a finger. In these cases, it’s the tissue around the joints and not the joints themselves that the pain emanates from. These are generally superficial areas of pain, residing just under the skin surface.

The location of tender points in patients with fibromyalgia is predictable. Pressure applied to these specific spots on a person without fibromyalgia would just result in the feeling of pressure. A patient with fibromyalgia will feel extreme pain when certain tender points are pressed.

Is fatigue a major symptom of fibromyalgia?

After complaints of pain and tender points, fatigue is the next most common symptom. Fatigue refers to a lingering exhaustion that is much more evident and debilitating than normal. Patients have complained of feeling tired, despite getting a full night of sleep and being fully rested. This type of fatigue is often compared to symptoms like the flu.

What about having trouble sleeping?

Sleeping issues are another common symptom in fibromyalgia patients. They do not necessarily have difficulty falling asleep. The problem is that they never truly reach that deep sleep we all need to refresh ourselves each day. They fall into a light sleep that is easily disturbed. They awaken each morning feeling exhausted. This creates a constant state of fatigue. Tests in sleep labs have shown that fibromyalgia patients are constantly interrupted by bursts of brain activity while sleeping. This activity is similar to what occurs in their brain while they are awake.

Is morning stiffness an issue in many fibromyalgia patients?

More than 75% of all fibromyalgia patients feel stiffness when they wake up in the morning. This stiffness can be extensive. It will affect the joints and muscles of the arms, legs and back. Morning stiffness can last from only a few minutes to 15-20 minutes each day. In some extreme cases, the stiffness has lasted hours.

I have chronic headaches. Are they a symptom of fibromyalgia?

Chronic headaches are common in about 70% of fibromyalgia patients. These headaches can be debilitating and can be a major issue in the ability to deal with this illness. They often result from tightness and the contraction of the muscles in the neck, which causes a type of headache called tension headache or muscle-contraction headache. Tender points on the back of the head and neck can also be the cause of these headaches.

If you are looking for fibromyalgia relief and are in the Denver, CO area, or if you have any questions about this topic, contact Dr. Visentin D.C., your Denver fibromyalgia specialist at (303) 394-CARE (2273).

Written For Dr. Visentin, D.C.

Why are so many fibromyalgia sufferers seeking our care?  Don’t chiropractors help with spinal problems?

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows that the relationship between the spine and nervous system determines how susceptible we are to fibromyalgia. The article below is still another example of why our care can be critical for fibromyalgia in particular.

The clinical syndrome of fibrositis.  Wolfe F, American Journal of Medicine 1986 vol. 81 (suppl 3A) Sept 29, 1986;7-14

Researchers found that 45.9% of people who had fibromyalgia and went to a chiropractor experienced moderate to great improvement.  In the same study, antidepressant medication benefited only 36.3% of those studied and exercise was limited to a 31.8% rate of improvement.

If you hurt all over, feel exhausted all the time, have muscle tenderness and want relief, call (303) 394-CARE (2273).  Let’s talk.  You may have fibromyalgia, and I can help.

Dr. Visentin, D.C.

Care Chiropractic

Denver, CO ©2010

How do you know if you may have fibromyalgia? Check this list of symptoms:

o Widespread pain?
o Tenderness?
o Fatigue?
o Nervousness?
o Poor sleep?
o Painful menstruation?
o Bowel or bladder problems?
o Mood swings?
o Anxiety and/or depression?

Don’t diagnose yourself. If you have any of these symptoms, call my center for a free fibromyalgia examination. (303)394-CARE
(2273)
Dr. Visentin, D.C. c2010

One of the most important things you can do to help yourself with fibromyalgia is to eat right and avoid sugary foods at all costs. These foods get your blood sugar concentration up for awhile and then send it plunging down leaving you feeling tired and miserable in the end. Avoid any foods with high sugar content, like; corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, maltose, cornstarch, sweet wines, pasta, white rice, dried fruit, molasses, honey, and maple syrup. All these foods will spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling tired.

You could eat a small portion of meat, have some nuts, and eat raw fruit and vegetables instead.

If you’re struggling and need help, call (303)394-CARE(2273) for a free dietary analysis of what you’ve been eating.

Dr. Visentin, D.C. c2010