Chris Davis posted on May 03, 2010 12:53
Lynn came in as a new patient with mid-back pain; however, she spoke about her episodes of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Fibromyalgia has no definitive known cause. Having witnessed a family member with this disorder, I know it to be real. However, fibromyalgia has been a trash-can diagnosis and is often entirely misunderstood. I guess before FMS had a name, people were told by their doctors, “It’s all in your head.”
According to the American College of Rheumatology, women are five times more likely than men to experience these point tender muscles and the accompanying fatigue. Clinically, if a person has these symptoms, they must also have at least 11 of 18 common identifiable tender points on their body. When one studies this FMS chart of tender points, it is apparent the points seem to be oddly distributed in areas that we would use to defend ourselves from attacks. That said, the most overwhelming correlation to FMS is poor sleep or the inability to reach the deepest stage of sleep. It is in this deep stage of sleep that our bodies produce human growth hormones that are essential for healing. It is theorized that, over time, poor sleep taxes the adrenal glands leading to fatigue, but this inability to revitalize our tissues is the eventual source of FMS pain. Over time, crystallized-calcium deposits develop in tissues that are under significant strain and/or tension. In fibromyalgia, these deposits lead to painful nodular masses within muscles and other tissues.
During Lynn’s exam, we spoke about the importance of sleep, how to use natural aids to not just get to sleep but to stay asleep. In my opinion, both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are spectrum disorders related to overtaxed adrenal glands. Lynn will admit she is a type-A personality, especially with respect to her occupation as a nonprofit fundraiser. Lynn said during her exam, “In fact, right now I feel an edgy, agitated buzz.” To understand this is to visualize our autonomic nervous system as a thermostat, the colder or more calming side is our parasympathetic sub-system, and the opposite sympathetic sub-system is a primitive fight or flight response, which in Lynn’s case is overused by her body in managing stress. Lynn is sympathetic dominant, or her thermostat runs hot. Our objective is to stimulate the parasympathetic nerves by only manipulating her sacrum and upper neck. Great care was used to balance her pelvis and in restoring symmetry and range of motion in her upper neck. These procedures are known as cranial sacral therapy.
Lynn noticed how relaxed she became, which is good because it was time to use some acupuncture. Acupuncture was used to support the functions of her adrenal glands. The fibromyalgia syndrome is very complex; nutritional therapies also are needed to aid sleep and support the adrenal glands. Apologizing for not attending to her mid-back pain, she responded, “I’m just thrilled you can really help me with my fibromyalgia.”
The Back to Wellness mission is to provide quality chiropractic and acupuncture care to the community in and around Evergreen. By appointment only. Visit our website www.btwchiro.com or call Dr. Christopher Davis at 303-674-3012 to schedule your appointment.
Mountain Connection article