Many fibromyalgia sufferers report reduced ability to sleep. This is typically due to achy pain that tends to get worse at night. Researchers have found that if a fibromyalgia patient is able to achieve a normal amount of restful sleep (8+ hours per night), then pain may decrease. (1) The following are some tips to help improve sleep quality (2).
Try to get aerobic exercise during the day. This can cause a deeper sleep at night.
Avoid any use of lights while you are trying to fall asleep. Do not look at your phone. Having a very dark room helps contribute to the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps aid sleep.
Avoid eating heavy meals before bed. Make sure to have at least 2 hours between dinner and bedtime.
Avoid having caffeine within 4-6 hours of bedtime
Medical management of fibromyalgia typically involves prescription medication and injections. Some may find symptom relief through these methods; however, they do not address the root cause of the condition. Many fibromyalgia sufferers are looking for alternative treatment methods.
How is my neck related to my fibromyalgia pain?
When the top bone in your neck (atlas) misaligns, it creates tension in your spinal cord. Your spinal cord is responsible for sending messages to and from your brain. When there is tension in your spinal cord, the messages are distorted. This can potentially lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
Miguel Flores, DC Specialist and Gabriel Flores, DC Specialist are trained in upper cervical chiropractic – a gentle, specific type of chiropractic that is aimed at correcting the atlas. Through realignment of the atlas, there is reduced pressure on the spinal cord. This allows for proper messages to be sent to and from the brain. This may lead to a reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms.
In a study by Tedder et al., a 32-year-old female fibromyalgia patient presented with severe pain and fatigue. She suffered from sleep disorders as a result of her fibromyalgia. After 6 months of upper cervical chiropractic care (in which she received 8 adjustments), she was free of her fibromyalgia symptoms. (3)
If you are interested in more information on how we at N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic may help your fibromyalgia symptoms, give us a call at (63 2) 553-6218.
References
1. Chetlin S, Landis C. Fibromyalgia and Sleep [Internet]. Sleepfoundation.org. 2015 [cited 23 November 2015]. Available from: https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders-problems/fibromyalgia-and-sleep
2. WebMD. Tips for Better Sleep With Fibromyalgia [Internet]. 2015 [cited 23 November 2015]. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/sleep-tips
3. Tedder N, Tedder A, Gorshack S. Resolution of Chronic Fibromyalgia and Improved Spinal Curves Following Correction of an Atlas Subluxation: A Case Report & Selective Review of the Literature. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2015 [cited 23 November 2015];2015(July):24-29. Available from: http://www.mccoypress.net/juccr/docs/2015-1375_fibromyalgia.pdf
To schedule a consultation with N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic clinic, call (02) 8553-6218 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.