Owasso, OK Chiropractor

Fibromyalgia is a perplexing health condition that physicians are still learning about.

Fibromyalgia literally means achy muscles and joints, and is commonly misdiagnosed and therefore mis-treated.  The American Medical Association’s CPT Manual¹ classifies Fibromyalgia as a symptom, rather than a condition, which means it is usually considered to be a minor problem associated with more serious health problems.  Most diagnosis are made when certain specific criteria are met, and correlate with the patient’s symptoms.  Many times the diagnosis is made after ruling out other similar disorders that can mimic Fibromyalgia, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

There are no specific tests, such as blood work that can definitively diagnose the condition, which causes many physicians to speculate that the problem is “all in the patients head” and not take the patient seriously.  This commonly frustrates those people who suffer from generalized aches and pains common to Fibromyalgia.

One of the biggest problems with treating Fibromyalgia is the lack of a direct cause.  Specific treatment cannot be suggested without knowing what you are treating, therefore it is best managed rather than treated.  It is for this specific reason that treatment works for some, and not for others.  Common management procedures include deep muscle massage, chiropractic care, nutritional advice, and exercise.

Exercise seems to be the best treatment for people with Fibromyalgia, but is not considered by most victims because they rationalize that exercise will only aggravate their already achy muscles.  However, this is the opposite of the truth.  Exercise beyond 30 minutes a day will cause the body to release endorphins which actually ease pain.  Improving the diet can also have a tremendous impact on the management of Fibromyalgia.

In closing, I suggest you read up as much as you can on management suggestions.  There are several books and websites that have wonderful information on management of the symptoms related to Fibromyalgia.  Persistence will almost always prove worthwhile in any treatment plan, given time.

Some massage therapists have special training for treating Fibromyalgia.

For more information on how we can help you, simply contact us at 918-274-3888 today!

¹ Physicians Current Procedural Terminology, American Medical Association, 2002

Yes.  Let me explain.  Whiplash is also known by it’s technical terms, HyperFlexion-HyperExtension Sprain or Acceleration-Deceleration Strain.  These technical terms describe what happens in many motor vehicle accidents.  These injuries stretch and tear tissues in the neck resulting in inflammation and pain.

God in his infinite wisdom created our bodies to heal on their own, without any medical attention.  Whether it is a bruise or broken bone, the body attempts to heal itself.  However, if a broken bone is allowed to heal without a cast, it can grow back crooked causing problems later.  The soft tissues of the spine are no exception.  They need assistance, similar to a cast, to heal properly.

So what about the permanent damage?  The permanent damage is a result of scar tissue formation that develops within the torn soft tissues.  These ligaments, tendons and muscles heal by laying down fibrotic tissue that is stronger, yet less flexible than the original tissue.  Fibrotic tissue that does not lay down in the proper pattern is similar to a broken bone that heals crooked.  When this occurs, these tissues are considered permanently damaged, and will cause repeated episodes of pain and stiffness in the future.

One key ingredient in the successful treatment of whiplash injuries is beginning care soon after the injury occurs.  Have your spine checked after any accident over 5 MPH to be sure these tissues were not stretched or torn.  These tissues can tear and not cause pain or other symptoms for weeks or even months after the accident.

For more information on Whiplash, visit our website at: Whiplash Care