Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disorder characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional distress. Given the complex nature of fibromyalgia, healthcare professionals often recommend a multi-modal approach to management that includes medication, cognitive-behavioral therapies, dietary changes, and exercise. Increasingly, research suggests that exercise can play a critical role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Role of Exercise in Fibromyalgia Management
The pain associated with fibromyalgia can make the prospect of exercise daunting. However, physical activity can serve as a vital tool in managing the condition. Evidence indicates that regular exercise can decrease pain, improve physical function, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia.
Reducing Pain and Fatigue
Exercise stimulates the body’s natural production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers. Furthermore, physical activity encourages the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in mood regulation and pain perception. Regular physical activity can gradually reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors, helping to lower the intensity of fibromyalgia pain over time.
Enhancing Physical Function
Exercise, particularly strength and flexibility training, can improve the overall physical function of individuals with fibromyalgia. By strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, exercise can help reduce the stress on joints, reducing discomfort. Improved physical function also supports greater independence in daily activities, which can positively impact self-esteem and quality of life.
Improving Sleep and Mood
Physical activity can also promote better sleep, a common challenge for those with fibromyalgia. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to deeper, more restful sleep. Additionally, the production of mood-enhancing chemicals during exercise can alleviate some of the emotional symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as anxiety and depression.
Guidelines for Exercising with Fibromyalgia
While the benefits of exercise are significant, it’s essential to approach physical activity mindfully when managing fibromyalgia. Here are some general guidelines:
Start Slow: Begin with low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Starting too intensely can lead to post-exertional malaise (PEM), a severe increase in symptoms following physical exertion.
Pace Yourself: Balance activity and rest periods to avoid overexertion. Breaking exercise into shorter periods throughout the day can make it more manageable.
Progress Gradually: Increase intensity and duration incrementally. A gradual approach helps to build strength and stamina without overloading the system.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to exercise. If pain or fatigue increases, it’s crucial to rest and possibly adjust your routine.
Incorporate Variety: Include flexibility, strength, and aerobic exercises in your routine to gain comprehensive benefits. Gentle exercises like yoga or Tai Chi can be beneficial.
While fibromyalgia can present significant challenges, integrating exercise into a broader treatment plan can provide substantial relief. While it may seem counterintuitive to move more when in pain, the benefits of exercise in managing fibromyalgia symptoms are increasingly recognized. Always consult with healthcare professionals before starting a new exercise regime. Tailored to individual abilities and needs, exercise can offer significant advantages for those living with fibromyalgia, fostering pain relief, improved function, and an enhanced quality of life.
How We Treat Fibromyalgia
Upper cervical chiropractic care, which centers on rectifying misalignments in the top section of the spine, has been found beneficial in managing conditions such as fibromyalgia. The objective of this treatment is to restore normal nerve function and mitigate pain by aligning the upper cervical vertebrae.
During an appointment with our specialist, Dr. Bello, a comprehensive treatment plan is formulated to detect and correct any deviations in your upper cervical spine. The exact location and angle of the misalignment may be determined through diagnostic tools such as a cone-beam computed tomography scan or X-ray.
Upon identifying the position and extent of the misalignment, Dr. Bello will employ a series of gentle, non-invasive procedures to adjust the upper cervical spine. Unlike conventional chiropractic treatment, this method does not entail any popping, clicking, or uncomfortable twisting. The adjustment helps alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and reestablishes normal nervous system function. Consistent adjustments over time can potentially alleviate or even eradicate fibromyalgia symptoms.
If fibromyalgia is causing you distress, do not endure it alone. Dr. Bello provides an alternative, natural treatment option. He extends his services to patients in and around Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and Brentwood.