Are you or a loved one suffering from fibromyalgia? A chiropractor from the team at the Texas Clinic of Chiropractic in New Braunfels would love to help. Our staff wants to make sure you know what this condition is and how we can treat it. We are particularly adept at this form of treatment as we are one of the four of Fibromyalgia Centers of America in the whole state of Texas. Members of this organization are experts at identifying and treating fibromyalgia.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is chronic pain that involves widespread pain, sleep disturbance, headaches, digestive dysfunction and heightened skin sensitivity. Typically, lab tests come back "normal", and therefore help little. However, people with fibromyalgia know that they are not "normal."

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

There is no known cause of fibromyalgia, although some doctors believe that somehow the spinal cord and brain incorrectly process pain signals to the nerves. A person is more likely to have fibromyalgia if they are a woman if it runs in the family, you have another disease related to pain, such as an infection or arthritis, you don't exercise much, you have depression or anxiety, and if you were ever emotionally or physically abused.

Who is Affected by Fibromyalgia?

The statistics* below give us an idea how many people are suffering with fibromyalgia:

• Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million (or as many as 1 in 50) Americans
• It occurs seven times more frequently in women than in men
• Women who have a family member with fibromyalgia are more likely to have it themselves
• It is the 2nd most common rheumatic ailment after osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia primarily occurs in women of child bearing age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected
• 90% of fibromyalgia patients have jaw and facial tenderness that could produce symptoms of TMJ dysfunction
• 50% of all fibromyalgia patients suffer from sensitivities to odors, noise, bright lights, medications and various foods

*American college of Rheumatology, 2004: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 1999; and the Fibromyalgia Network, 1999

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

A patient must have several symptoms present so that the diagnosis of the fibromyalgia can be confirmed. First is widespread muscle and skeletal pain.Widespread is defined as pain occurring on the right and left sides of the body. above and below the waist, and along the spine. Localized pain also must occur in a majority of identified "tender points" all over the surface of the body. The pain continues for months at a time and is most often accompanied by stiffness. Second is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS. The constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBD are common for sufferers of fibromyalgia. 

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain felt throughout the entire body. Other symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, feelings of depression, tender points on the body, not being able to sleep well, and having a hard time concentrating. There are other symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as headaches, numbness, belly pain, peeing more, being sensitive to heat, cold, sound or light, and a dry nose, mouth, or eyes.

Here is a list of general signs and symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Memory loss or "fibro fog"
• Trouble sleeping
• Depression or mood swings
• Chronic headaches
• Tempo mandibular (jaw) joint dysfunction
• Bowel disturbances
• Anxiety
• Racing heartbeats
• Allergies
• Decreased coordination

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

Most fibromyalgia sufferers who come to us have already been to multiple doctors and had many tests. They've spent thousands of dollars on many different powerful medications, and are typically miserable and not doing the things that once brought them joy.

If this describes you, if you are tired of being in constant pain, having constant fatigue, and are looking for relief, then you must be willing to try something you've never tried before. At Texas Clinic of Chiropractic, we have helped many with this condition to the point where they no longer need their medications.

New Braunfels Chiropractor

At Texas Clinic of Chiropractic, our unique approach will let us know quickly whether or not we can help you. Our trained doctors have helped thousands of fibromyalgia sufferers find the cause of their pain and regain their lives. It is our passion and commitment. If you think you have fibromyalgia, please make an appointment at your earliest convenience so that we can help give you pain relief from your fibromyalgia. You can visit us at the Texas Clinic of Chiropractic, 1932 South Seguin Ave. Suite 207, New Braunfels, TX 78130. You can also contact us at 830-609-9288 to schedule an appointment with our certified doctor.