Usually, I try to insert a pinch of humor into the Gulph Mills Chiropractic blog, but this week, I simply can’t do it. This week is going to have to be strictly informational, because this week, the blog focuses on Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), which is no joke.

Thanks to Big Pharma and the many, many commercials they put out, we’ve all heard of it. But not many of us realize how truly devastating Fibromyalgia is. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder involving widespread pain and sensitivity throughout the entire musculoskeletal system. Imagine that for just a moment. Pain and sensitivity all the time, all over your body. I am suddenly very grateful for just having an occasional ache and oof.

To be diagnosed with FMS, a patient typically has a minimum of 11 out of 18 specific tender points on the body. In addition to pain, patients also report long-term fatigue and/or disturbed sleep and mood. And as if the pain and fatigue alone weren't enough, FMS also effects some bodily functions, so Irritable Bowel Syndrome, TMJ, psychological conditions and some autoimmune diseases also get thrown into the mix of pain and discomfort.

Not surprisingly, it's often difficult for patients to find solutions for all of their symptoms, but recent studies show that chiropractic adjustments combined with a soft tissue technique called ischemic compression can help FMS patients.

In one study, 60 percent of the subjects treated with chiropractic adjustments experienced a significant improvement; their pain was reduced, sleep was improved and fatigue was decreased.

How can Chiropractic Relieve FMS?

• Chiropractic adjustments can improve an FMS patient's nervous system by aligning the spine so that nerve function is improved, which gives a patient a better chance for recovery.
• Dr. Roger Walker, of Gulph Mills Chiropractic, specializes in extremity adjustments, which means that he can directly treat pressure points and shoulder pain in addition to back pain, neck pain, headaches and pain from musculoskeletal injuries.
• Spinal adjustments increase the mobility between spinal vertebrae which have become restricted, locked or slightly out of proper position, thereby increasing cervical and lumbar range of motion.

Call Gulph Mills Chiropractic Center to schedule a

Complimentary Initial Assessment, including x-rays if necessary: 484-751-5037