The upper cervical chiropractic methodology is very different than it’s more classic counterpart. Before any adjustment is made, x-rays are taken and very specific calculations are made. For some chiropractors the next step includes measuring the temperature of the neck and upper most part of the back are with a computerized thermometer. A pattern of heat is then stored in the computer to be compared for follow-up visits. Lastly, as the patient lies face down the leg lengths are measured. It is probable that the leg lengths will denote that the hips/pelvis are twisted in some manner. The top vertebra, called the atlas, is manipulated very gently and very minutely. There is no “crunching” as in the classic chiropractic method. Follow-up is also different than the classic method. Spinal manipulation is only performed if the temperature of the neck and the measurement of the legs indicate the need. After manipulation with this method each person will usually present with a variety of positive changes depending on how their own body responds. As for me, one of the most significant changes I experience is that I sleep better.
Other more traditional and non-traditional methods to help FS are available as well. With all the following links, I have no monetary connection. This information is only offered as a beginning of your search. They include, but certainly are not limited to the following:
Supplement list includes (but not limited to): 5-HTP, Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, L-Glycine, L-Glutamine, Magnesium & Malic Acid, Malic Acid, Mangosteen, Melatonin, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NADH, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Ribose, and Vitamin D3.- Topicals: Biofreeze, O24, and Zheng gu Shui
- Devices:
Chi Machine: Chi machines offer passive exercisers stress-free exercise while the user is lying down relaxing. Chi, also spelled ‘Qi’, is the Chinese word for ‘life force energy’ ~ also known as ‘Ki’ in Japanese. If you want to take a look at what the machine looks like and some reviews, go to http://www.energywellnessproducts.com/testimonials.htm
Rife Devices: Work on the theory of light and sound vibration to eliminate the microbes to recharge the body by cleansing and strengthening the immune system. For this one you check out http://truerife.com/TrueRifeDownload.html
Infrared Heating Pad: Infrared rays penetrate as deep as 2.36 inches to deliver heat to body tissues and joints to help the body speed up the natural healing process and provide a safe, natural alternative to pain medications. They do not dry out or burn the top layer of skin when used properly. You can find one link for this devise at http://www.backpainalternatives.com/thermotex.html - Therapies helpful for FS include Cold Laser Therapy which is a light therapy, also known as phototherapy. It delivers light beams to various areas of the body in order to trigger hormone release and healing. For more information you can visit http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_light.html. Prolotherapy is a natural non-surgical method of assisting the body to heal injured or weakened joints, ligaments and tendons. The weakened areas are injected with a solution that stimulates the growth of healthy, strong tissues. As the tendons and ligaments grow stronger and vibrant, the pain is alleviated and motion is restored. One site answers 20 questions about prolotherapy and I found it very interesting. Find it at http://getprolo.com/twenty_common_prolotherapy_questions.htm
- Self-Care Treatments are probably the most important of all the treatments because this is the one that can be utilized and manipulated to fit the personal needs of FS patients. Reducing Stress is a necessary step in caring for FS since stress can and will increase the symptoms. It is possibly the most difficult to accomplish also because in this day and age the world is based around stress and getting things accomplished. We are constantly running the “rat race.” Suggestions to reduce stress may include, if working, switching to part time or quitting altogether, if at all possible. And probably most important when it comes to reducing stress is to not overload your time…learn to say “NO.”
- Sunlight therapy, for me, is a vital link in feeling better. Vitamin D is present in very few foods but is endogenously produced when ultraviolet rays from the sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. This not only helps the FS and chronic fatigue but it helps with depression that so often accompanies FS. It also helps and the depression caused by S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is a biochemical depression caused by insufficient light. Those who live in cold damp weather during the winter months are often very familiar with this disorder. It should be reminded that along with a good multivitamin, 400 IU of vitamin D should be ingested daily even with sunlight therapy. Vitamin D is also found in cow’s milk, organic soy milk, salmon and eggs.
- Gentle Exercise: Likely to be one of the best mechanisms for FS relief and for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) which more often than not accompanies FS. Exercise releases one’s body’s own opiates called endorphins to relieve the symptoms. The object is to just keep moving. The other benefit is that gentle exercise helps to improve circulation. Elaborate exercise programs are not required but offered at least three times a week will give structure to help encourage a consistent attendance.
The need for Sleep cannot be stressed enough. The National Sleep Foundation states, “For people with fibromyalgia, the combination of pain and sleep disturbance is a double-edged sword: the pain makes sleep more difficult and sleep deprivation exacerbates pain (Staff). Natural sleep aids include:
Valerian: Although it does not work for everyone, it has long been an accepted form of sleep aid and is not believed to be addictive or to cause grogginess in the morning.
Melatonin: A hormone found naturally in the body, melatonin helps with the sleep/wake cycle. People who work late night shifts and/or those with jet lag are examples. Those who should not use it include but may not be limited to those with depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases and pregnant and nursing women
A cold gel pack is particularly helpful to me. My chiropractor son suggested this one. I place it on the back of my neck when I lie down and it helps me to relax and to ease into a meditative state. (Note: If you keep your gel pack in the freezer, put a cloth over it before you put it on you to prevent damage to the skin and vessels). - Heat is another self-treatment that helps me. Going to the YMCA and swimming in the warm water, going in a Jacuzzi, taking a hot bath, or even using a damp heating pad helps to relax the muscles. Or, great, hot bath with a cold pack on the neck…add some music and the treatment is complete. Just relax and enjoy
I had heard that FS is directly correlated to the immune system so I went searching and found one journal article which suggests that FS is related directly to the immune system (Yangming Xiao, 2011). It stands to reason that boosting the immune system can only help, not hinder the body’s ability to cope with FS. Some believe that boosting the immune system is the single most important act you can do for your health. Natural ways to boost the immune system include putting some color on your plate by eating 9 ~ 10 servings of fruit and vegetables each day. The first fruit/veggie next to its vitamin/mineral is the preferred.
- Vitamin C Preferred Fruit: Strawberries, cherries, peaches cantaloupe, apples, apricots,
- Vitamin C Alternatives Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, watermelon, nectarines, tangerines, bananas,
- Vitamin C Preferred Veggie: Bell pepper, spinach, celery
- Vitamin C Alternatives Veggies: Green peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, radishes,
- Potassium Preferred Veggies: Green beans
- Potassium Alternative: Green peas, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, asparagus
Vitamin E is another important supplement on our list. A good “Vitamin E Quickfacts” can be found at http://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/VitaminE-QuickFacts-en.pdf#search="vitamin e".
The Top 12 anti-inflammatory herbs and spices include Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, cardamom, chives, cilantro, cloves, garlic and parsley. Not only are they good for you, but they taste great as well.
Knowing your fats also helps the immune system and the circulation to work more efficiently. Eat the good fats, not the bad! The good fats include traditional, naturally occurring fats full of nutrients including butter or ghee, coconut and sesame oils, olive oil, flax and fish oil, chicken, goose, and duck fat, and beef and lamb tallow. Newfangled fats…to AVOID include ~ hydrogenated oils, including margarine, soy and corn oil, peanut oil, canola and grape seed.
There are a couple theories about fluid, specifically water. One belief is that you should drink half of your body weight in ounces. For instance, if a person weighed 120 pounds, that person would drink 60 ounces of water a day. The other states everyone should take in at least 10 8-ounce glasses a day, or 80 ounces. There is a real nice article entitled, “Why Drink Water,” by Dr. Brett, a naturopathic physician with practices in Connecticut. It can be found at http://viewzone2.com/waterx.html
One responsibility we should take seriously is to learn diseases found in our family history. Almost any doctor one sees will ask what diseases run in your family. It gives them a base of diseases to watch for as they treat you. As a side line, while you are searching for diseases that run in the family, it is also fun and enlightening to search out relatives for genealogy. There is a free program available to everyone. It is easy to use, but if anyone would like help with it, you can contact me on the contact page at www.TLCShoppe.co and I will be more than willing to answer any questions. The free program can be found at http://personal-ancestral-file.en.softonic.com/
Resting and pacing yourself, when afflicted with FS, should be a priority. Taking 10-30 minutes after lunch to rest rejuvenates the body and restores mental faculties. It is not necessary to sleep. The purpose is to slow the mind down and think peaceful thoughts. Mental Relaxation during that time will allow the mind to “unwind” by listening to soft, soothing music, avoid mentally stimulating activities such as intense conversations, paying bills, studying intently or getting the mind in a “high speed mode.” This reduces the chance of stimulating the brains arousal mechanism which will prevent falling asleep.
Self-care treatments can only go so far. At some point it may become necessary to seek outside help. Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on the whole person through their activities of daily living (ADL’s). The goal is to find a balance between work, rest and play. Techniques that help patients to achieve their goals include adaptive techniques which are alternates to redesign lifestyles. An example of this might be a woman with cerebral palsy utilizing an augmentative communication system and a powered wheelchair to be able to function. Other ways OT can assist are pain management techniques, relaxation techniques, energy conservation, problem solving, communication techniques, sleep hygiene, and goal setting. These are taught to allow patients to optimize their function within their limitations.
Physical Therapy (PT) patients develop an exercise program that they will continue after being discharged from therapy. Patients are taught stretching, aquatic exercise, strengthening TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit trial and, how to determine their target heart rate and apply that to their exercise program.
Very recently I was introduced to “Feldenkrais Exercises” by a friend. I researched, as suggested and found it, to me, to be a sensible therapy for a couple reasons: First, the movements that are suggested are manipulated in stages so as not to place too much stress on any one place. The theory states that “most people have learned to move incorrectly by straining with more than the needed effort to do what is required…lessons are designed to call into awareness the basic movement habits that cause stress, and then to systematically release the body into more effortless motion (Frank Wildman).” The second reason I particularly like the theory of this therapy is based around improving movement, flexibility, relaxation and posture. For much more information than I can share here, go to http://www.feldenkrais.com/method/article/anti_exercise_for_the_older_and_wiser/
One treatment only done by physicians is called trigger point injections. Painful “knots” in muscles are treated by injecting lidocaine, procaine, or other local anesthetics. After injecting the medication, the physician will stretch or massage the area to relax the muscle spasm thereby relieving the pain. I found this one to be more painful than helpful, however other people swear by it. It is important that each of us find what works for us personally.
Medications for FS are based around treating the symptoms since there is no “one drug of choice” that will mend all the difficulties surrounding FS. No two people will present with exactly the same symptoms. Physicians, therefore, need utilize medications for pain, depression, anxiety, and all the other signs and symptoms earlier mentioned. The best person to advise about medications is your physician. I mention these medications for information only as education. FS medications are broken up into categories, including:
- Chronic Pain: Avinza, Baclofen (muscle spasms), Darvocet, Duragesic, Klonopin, Lyrica, Marijuana, Methadone, Morphine, Neurontin, OxyContin, Percocet, Tylox, Tramadol, Ultram, Vicodin,
- Muscle Spasms: Baclofen, Flexeril, Robaxin (methocarbamol), Soma, Zanaflex
- Fatigue: Xyrem
- Sleep: Ambien,
- Wakefulness-Promoting: Provigil
- Memory and Concentration: Adderall,
- Anxiety: Atarax, BuSpar,
- Arthritis/rheumatic: Celebrex, Mobic, Depression: Cymbalta, Trazadone (desyrel), Effexor, Elavil, Lexipro, Savella, Prozac, Seroquel, Zoloft
Recently I heard about a treatment called the “Myer’s Cocktail” which is an intravenous nutritional therapy consisting of vitamins and minerals. The “cocktail” contains magnesium, calcium, B12, B6, B complex, and vitamin C and is injected directly into the bloodstream to increase energy stores and cell function. There were a few mixed reviews that I found. One review stated she did fine the first four treatments but found no relief and that the fifth treatment she became extremely ill. She stated she would never do it again. However, the other four reviews were positive with one reviewer giving an almost perfect score on all counts http://www.scoopshare.com/Health/Fibromyalgia/Thp_Myers_Cocktail.cfm It should be noted that these reviews were not part of a professional study, just opinions offered by FS patients who had undergone the Meyer’s Cocktail Treatment.
On the other hand, Vitamin B injections are something that I personally receive on a monthly basis. I can only speak for myself and one relative who also receives them. I have been getting vitamin B injections for five years for the fibromyalgia as well as for anemia. The day after I receive the injection the neuropathy in my feet eases some, my energy improves, and the pain from FS is reduced. The doctor will do a blood test to check your B12 level first and then, depending on level, will prescribe the amount of injections and how often. The good thing about B12 injections is that they have no adverse side effects since it is simply a vitamin.
There are numerous links to evaluate whether Vitamin D injections work, although I suspect they do because of how much better I feel after spending time in the sun. My pain reduces dramatically! All you need do is open a browser and type in “Vitamin D and Fibromyalgia” and see what happens.
I would be neglectful if I did not mention the emotional stress present with those who suffer with fibromyalgia. I read recently somewhere that even veterans of FS experience a rollercoaster of emotions that become a permanent part of their lives. Depression and helplessness can lead to anger if we allow them. Doctor after doctor and tests after tests without any cure can lead to frustration. Friends and relatives mean well but truly cannot understand. The only solution is to take control of our own emotions and make choices to take several steps emotionally.
- Release your friends and family from the expectation that they need “be there for us.” Instead, build a positive support group. If this is not done, disappointment will be a constant millstone around your neck. Stay as far away as possible from negative relationships which tend to “drain you mentally and physically. Utilize your energy stores for more positive ventures.
- One of my favorite songs has the phrase, “Count your many blessings; name them one by one…” and this is something that I recommend highly. If you need to, make a list so that you can read the list over and over until you can remember them even at your lowest times, and then keep adding to the list. Focus your energies toward bringing more positives into your life. Find your own personal passions and develop them. If you have been down so long that you cannot remember the things you used to love to do, go to http://www.notsoboringlife.com/list-of-hobbies/ That site has a list of 238 hobbies that are sure to give you some ideas. Read them and feel for that little spark inside that can develop into a passion, and then run/walk with it.
- Develop and use your talents and skills. There was life before FS and talents and skills were learned and, hopefully, enjoyed. Those talents and skills are still valuable. Maybe not in the same way, but be creative. Volunteer or even work part-time. Take a class to continue growing professionally. Rather on focusing on what others are doing or not doing for you, do for another. It takes your mind off yourself and feels so good! This is one of my personal favorites.
Become involved with others with chronic illnesses. Mentoring can be a great way to turn your illness into a positive. Taking your mind off of yourself and placing it onto what another feels helps psychologically. There are a few reasons to become a mentor. Mentor/mentee relationships are built upon the following optimistic values:
- Mentees need your expertise in dealing with your illness – You can give ideas, express feelings, evaluate situations… Many people could benefit from grasping even one thing you know.
- Mentees need your particular slant on your experience – No one person experiences illnesses in the same way. FS is such a diverse illness that your version of it can benefit even those who have other illnesses. Many other diseases cause pain, fatigue, depression… Your sensitivity and empathy is invaluable at this point.
- Mentoring takes as much time as you want/allow it – A little mentoring goes a long way! A little talking, a hug, a card, lunch, a movie…good for both parties!
o A legacy! If you have a family and loved ones, this is a natural way leave a legacy to the world through the love and caring you exhibit. If you can touch only one person on the road of life, influence one person, encourage, support and care for even one person, a part of you, your experiences and your character will be a part of that person’s journey through life with fibromyalgia or other type of pain. Mentors can help the world one person at a time.
Though people around us may not understand this invisible syndrome called fibromyalgia, it is a suggestion that we take responsibility to evaluate our physical and mental circumstances. Our illness is our obligation to research interventions that will ease our own particular symptoms and to then utilize those interventions to ease our own lives. It is also suggested that we release our loved ones from “always being there for us” and to build our own positive -support systems and to help others to deal with their own illnesses. In this way we can not only assist in our own well-being but to affect other’s lives in a positive way. Albert Schweitzer said, “Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”
Bibliography
- New recommendations for fibromyalgia relief: heated pool therapy, certain medications among new treatments. (2006). Health News, http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-157589865/new-recommendations-fibromyalgia-relief.html.
- Deluze, C. B. (1992, ). Electroacupuncture in fibromyalgia: results of a controlled trial. Geneva, Switzerland: BMJ.
- Dommerholt, J. (2006). Trigger point dry needling. http://www.dgs.eu.com/uploads/media/Trigger_Point_Dry_Needling.pdf: The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.
- Kim, T. F. (2004). Acupuncture not effective in depressed fibromyalgia patients. (Rheumatology). Internal Medicine News, http://business.highbeam.com/4288/article-1G1-127205026/acupuncture-not-effective-depressed-fibromyalgia-patients.
Lewis, D. (n.d.) - Fibromyalgia and Meditation. FMOnline, p. http://www.fmaware.org/News28b55.html?i=g6jyL5vriNaHZxABsr2ZKA..
Staff, M. C. (n.d.). Fibromyalgia symptoms or not? Understand the fibromyalgia diagnosis process. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia-symptoms/AR00054. - Staff, N. I. (2009). Fibromyalgia, questions and answers. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
