Fibromyalgia On The Farm

elderly farmer seeking chiropractic treatment

Working for years on the farm can leave you with lower back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Tossing bales of hay all my life has also left me with some shoulder pain. Recently, a good friend was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and sought out chiropractic care to ease some of the pain. The chiropractic adjustments he received from Dr. Mark Taylor really helped him recover. So on behalf of him and every other rancher, farmer, and laborer out there, here is an in-depth perspective on chiropractic care for Fibromyalgia.

How Can Chiropractic Help With Fibromyalgia?

Also known as FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome), fibromyalgia is a condition that comes with a number of different symptoms. Generally speaking, the condition causes pain in different areas of the body. However, fibromyalgia sufferers will tell you that the following are also common; 

  • Muscle stiffness 
  • Sensitivity to pain 
  • Fatigue 
  • Lack of concentration 
  • Problems with memory 
  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome
  • Migraines and headaches 

Even after this, sufferers may have difficulty getting off to sleep in the evenings. With poor-quality sleep, we wake up fatigued and with a lack of energy; this creates a nasty spiral of negative events. Since there’s no real treatment for the health concern, some people feel as though they need to live with the pain and many side effects…but this isn’t necessarily the case. 

Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic Care 

In years gone by, people would laugh and look elsewhere when chiropractic care was mentioned. Today, we’re starting to see the true value of the practice in several fields. For example, most NFL franchises now employ a chiropractor as part of the medical team. As more and more studies consider the effectiveness of chiropractic care, doctors are starting to suggest the practice as a complementary treatment to relieve pain and stress in the body. 

The Art of Chiropractic

If you haven’t learned about this field previously, chiropractors essentially believe that everything is connected in some way inside the body. With a particular focus on the musculoskeletal system, the treatments target joints, muscles, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue. If something is wrong with any of these, it can affect the whole body. 

With this in mind, the goal for chiropractors is to restore some form of balance. With a strong skeletal structure, the body remains stable and ready to take on the world. For example, one of the most common treatments is called an ‘adjustment’. Through a series of manipulations and movements, the spine is aligned, and pain is removed. 

Helping with Fibromyalgia

treating fibromyalgia with chiropractic

If you suffer with fibromyalgia, you’ve probably done all sorts of research as to treatments that may or may not help (perhaps this is how you found our short guide!). Although this isn’t the magical cure that we all need, it is quickly gaining attention from this particular community. Why? Because it can alleviate the pain that comes with fibromyalgia. 

More and more, people are starting to see a difference in back, neck, and leg pain after chiropractic appointments. By adjusting the neck and spine, you’re encouraging a healthier structure in the body and this reduces the risk of chronic pain

Sadly, upper cervical spinal stenosis is another common problem that comes with fibromyalgia. When this happens, the upper spine coverings (known as meninges) compress. Even while sitting down, this causes pain and it’s incredibly difficult to get comfortable. Fortunately, there are a growing number of chiropractors familiar with the condition and this particular side effect. After adjusting the neck and head, the spine is no longer compressed, and this puts an end to the pain. 

Should I Contact a Chiropractor?

As time goes on, more and more studies draw the connection between fibromyalgia relief and chiropractic care. In truth, there’s a double effect. Not only do you reduce pain, you give yourself an opportunity to sleep well. With stronger sleep at night, you aren’t quite so tired the next day and the negative spiral we mentioned earlier is finally broken. 

We recommend talking to your doctor about the possibility of chiropractic care. From here, find a reliable and experienced chiropractor who will listen to your concerns and help relieve the fibromyalgia pain!