Migraines and Fibromyalgia Often Go Together
Migraines are not just simple headaches; migraines are a neurological condition that causes severe attacks of head pain that can be debilitating for days at a time.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes heightened sensitivity to pain, tenderness, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems. This is a life-long condition that scientists are still struggling to understand.
One recent discovery is that people who suffer from fibromyalgia also often suffer from migraines. When fibromyalgia and migraines go hand-in-hand, the pain is amplified. Let's take a closer look at these two conditions, and what might be an underlying cause contributing to the problem.
Migraine-Fibromyalgia Link
One thing fibromyalgia and migraines have in common is an increased level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid is made in the brain and flows around the brain and spinal cord to provide a cushion that prevents injury. Excessive production of CSF may cause a build-up of pressure, contributing to central sensitization.
The central nervous system (CNS) has many jobs. One job is sending signals to the brain in response to stimuli (pain). When someone has central sensitization, it distorts the signals and makes the brain think pain is a lot worse than it is.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Plays a Role
The upper cervical spine consists of the uppermost seven vertebrae which run from the base of the skull down the neck. The top two vertebrae—the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2)—protect the brainstem. If these two vertebrae are misaligned, it can cause pressure in the brainstem and lead to distorted signals.
How We Treat Migraines and Fibromyalgia
At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Gordon Elder has a three-step treatment plan to help bring relief to patients suffering from migraines and fibromyalgia. Dr. Elder is an upper cervical specialist and an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique involves the use of advanced diagnostic tools and unique manipulations by specially trained practitioners to restore a healthy alignment to the upper cervical spine.
The first step of Dr. Elder's treatment involves a thorough assessment that includes a consultation and scans with cutting-edge 3D diagnostic imaging tools. This allows the doctor to understand your unique anatomy and calculate the angles of your spine accurately.
The second step is the healing phase, during which Dr. Elder uses specialized adjustments. Because of the superior technology used during the assessment, the doctor can make adjustments with more precision and a much gentler touch. Once the upper cervical spine is aligned properly, it will reduce inflammation and relieve pressure.
For the final phase, Dr. Elder recommends regular chiropractic check-ups to help prevent problems in the future. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free, natural treatment for fibromyalgia and migraines that bring many patients a great deal of relief from painful symptoms.
If you're dealing with a terrible combination of migraines and fibromyalgia, or if you're suffering from just one of these conditions, Dr. Elder can help. Call for a consultation. The doctor's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico..
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.