Fibromyalgia is a condition in which, essentially, a person “hurts all over.” Difficult to diagnose, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons and creates tender spots all over the body. In some cases, symptoms have begun to appear after a physically traumatic event, like a fall or car accident; after surgery or an infection; or in the aftermath of severe psychological stress. In other cases, though, symptoms may just build gradually. For some reason, women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men.

There is no cure for the condition. While there are medications available, chiropractic treatment and a variety of therapies that involve exercise, relaxation and stress reduction— including yoga, tai-chi, acupuncture and massage therapy, are helpful in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Chiropractic treatment is based on the premise that any impairment to the body’s nervous system, which can stem from a misalignment in the spine, will prevent the body from functioning properly and curing itself. Those misalignments of vertebrae — technically called subluxations — can produce pain in joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Talk with your chiropractor if you suffer from fibromyalgia. As with any other condition, if the chiropractor feels you need the attention of another type of health care provider, he or she will refer you.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com