Getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be a long and frustrating process and once you get through that, you are still left coping with a chronic health condition that has no cure. But before we start to sound bleak, this article is going be about how a Winona, MN upper cervical chiropractor can help fibromyalgia patients. Don’t give up hope until you have tried everything. Here is what you need to know about upper cervical chiropractic care.
A Case Study Involving Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Fibromyalgia
A 2016 case study shows that significant relief from fibromyalgia symptoms is possible to attain with upper cervical chiropractic care. In this case, the woman who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia was only 31 years old, and there were concerns that another serious condition (something autoimmune in nature like lupus or multiple sclerosis) was increasing the problem. Pain, weakness, and fatigue were being compounded by dizziness and general balance issues that resulted in the patient needing assistance to walk. She had been told that she would need to get a wheelchair.
It was at this point that she came in contact with an upper cervical chiropractor who was shocked to learn about her history of trauma. She had experienced serious car accidents on three different occasions between the ages of 12 and 19. Her first symptoms, back pain and headaches, began after her very first accident. The rest of her symptoms set in quickly between the ages of 29 and 31.
X-rays revealed an upper cervical misalignment, which had already been expected due to a high left shoulder and right tilt to her head posture. For the first month, she was examined three times per week. This was decreased to twice per week in the second month and once per week in the third month of care. Once the atlas began to hold, she began to be able to walk on her own again and visits were spaced even further apart. By the end of six months of care, the patient had her life back. She could exercise once again and quickly lost the weight she had put on during her ordeal. Her pain levels and spasms significantly decreased.
How did these seemingly miraculous results occur?
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps Fibromyalgia
The researchers postulated that benefits came from the removal of impediments to central nervous system function by means of correcting the upper cervical misalignment. How can a misalignment in the top of the neck affect the function of the CNS? Here are the three biggest ways:
- Communication – The brainstem is the hub between the spinal cord and the brain, so the signals of the body pass through this station. Since the top bone of the spine (the atlas) surrounds the area where the brainstem and the spinal cord meet, even a slight misalignment can throw off the communication within the body.
- Blood flow – The cervical spine supports blood flow to the brain by means of tiny loops of bone on each vertebra called vertebral foramen. The vertebral arteries pass through these loops as they bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Even a minuscule misalignment in the neck can affect this proper blood flow and thereby throw off proper CNS function.
- Cerebrospinal fluid flow (CSF) – Upright MRIs have been able to detect changes in CSF drainage when the upper cervical spine is misaligned. This inability for CSF to drain properly can increase intracranial pressure as the fluid begins to pool. Again, optimal CNS function is dependent on a properly aligned atlas.
The connection between the proper alignment of the upper cervical spine and the optimal function of the central nervous system is clear. It, therefore, makes sense that correcting a subluxation in the neck could potentially help a patient with a chronic health ailment such as fibromyalgia. What can you expect from the specific form of upper cervical care that we provide at Woolley Chiropractic Center PLLC?
The Atlas Orthogonal Approach to Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Atlas Orthogonal is a safe and painless way to correct upper cervical misalignments and restore balance to the body. There is no popping or twisting of the spine. In fact, some patients wonder if the gentle adjustments can possibly accomplish anything, at least until they begin to see the astounding results.
There are a number of things you may experience following your first ever atlas orthogonal adjustment. The most obvious result should be the reduction in symptoms thanks to the healing process that is beginning within the body. However, the healing may also result in some tiredness or even a little soreness in the neck. Most patients start to get real results and see the adjustments hold longer and longer after just one or two visits.
As your body heals and the adjustments hold, you can space out your appointments. Fewer appointments mean less cost to you, so our patients really appreciate this cost-effective form of care, especially when so many other forms of medicine are so costly. In fact, we’ll provide you with some things you can do to maximize how long your adjustments last. We’re not in this business to keep you coming back as often as possible. We want you to find real relief as quickly as you can.
If you are suffering from a chronic condition such as fibromyalgia, give Woolley Chiropractic Center PLLC a call today at (507) 452-4490. We’re trying to make Winona, MN a healthier place, one precise adjustment at a time.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Winona office at (507)452-4490.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
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