Second to osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia is one of the most commonly diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions. It’s also the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Characteristics of fibromyalgia include widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and anxiety and depression. The effects of fibromyalgia can be debilitating and the fact that doctors have yet to determine the cause causes much frustration for patients seeking relief. To date, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, nor is there a standard procedure for treating it. Medications are usually prescribed as a form of pain relief however they do not fix the problem, only mask it.
Are you or someone you know, one of the million of Canadians suffering from fibromyalgia pain?
Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain, Naturally.
Here are 5 Tips to Help Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms
1. Watch what you Eat! Certain foods (especially those with additives like MSG and aspartame) have been known to trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. Keep a food journal and mark down how you feel after eating certain foods. Eliminate the foods that elicit pain and discomfort.
2. Take a Vitamin D Supplement. Studies show that vitamin D deficiencies can cause bone and muscle pain. This means that upping your vitamin D may help reduce pain symptoms. Prevention.com writes that, “A 2008 study found that pain patients with low levels of vitamin D required almost double the dose of painkillers as those with adequate levels. Holton recommends taking a supplement, especially during the wintertime.”
3. Fish are Friends Not Foe. Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to reduce inflammation and help ward off cardiovascular disease. Incroporate fatty fish like salmon into your diet. Not a fan of fish? Walnuts and flaxseeds can also help, or invest in a high-quality EPA-DHA Fish Oil like we have at the clinic.
4. Exercise. When you are in pain and exhausted the last thing you want to do is exercise. But exercise is vital in your fight against fibromyalgia pain. Take baby steps, start by walking for 20 to 30 minutes per day. If walking is bearable ease yourself into some strength training but be sure to use elastic bands before moving onto heavier weights. Don’t push yourself too hard, it’s important to listen to your body. If you need a break, take one!.
5. See a Chiropractor! Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the agonizing pain, debilitating fatigue, and joint stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. Dr. Gerry Clum, D.C., states: “Fibromyalgia involves turmoil of the central nervous system, yielding a situation known as central sensitization, which causes heightened nervous system responses. Overall health and wellness is affected by an individual’s nervous system, an area in which chiropractors are proficiently trained to address, making chiropractic care a viable option for fibromyalgia patients. Interested in seeing if one of the chiropractors at Sante Chiropractic and Wellness Centre can help you find relief? Click here to book an appointment.
Be sure to share this blog with friends or family members suffering from fibromyalgia it could help them find the relief they’ve been searching for!
References
5 Ways to Control Fibromyalgia with Diet
New Canadian Guidelines for Treating Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia: Debilitating But Treatable With Chiropractic Care
Treating Fibromyalgia Pain