As an experienced chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez has treated numerous types of injuries and conditions, primarily those focused on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Dr. Jimenez has learned the basics of fibromyalgia and he understands the best options an individual with the condition should take, to achieve overall relief from their pain, fatigue and discomfort. Before following any form of alternative treatment option, however, it's important for the individual to be aware of the basics behind their condition. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). People with fibromyalgia have pain and tenderness throughout the body. People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as: Trouble sleeping Morning stiffness Headaches Painful menstrual periods Tingling or numbness in hands and feet Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”). A person may have two or more coexisting chronic pai

It’s estimated that 6 – 10 percent of people in the United States have fibromyalgia. This chronic pain disorder impacts millions of men and women of all ages and ethnicities all around the world—but fibromyalgia is decidedly more prevalent in women, as is the case with a number of other pain disorders, such as temperomandibular joint disorder, headache, and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies in both humans and animals have shown that pain is experienced differently by males and females. In general, females (both animal and human) are more sensitive to experimental pain, and women have more pain-related clinical conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. In addition, studies have suggested that cultural factors may also play a role. For example, it is generally thought that feeling pain is “okay” or even expected among women, and that an emotional response is socially acceptable. On the other hand, traditional male roles in society dictat

Learn about living with fibromyalgia and the lifestyle changes that may help you find chronic, widespread pain relief. Life with fibromyalgia can be a challenge. But you can take steps to proactively manage your health—and your life. Action is empowering. Your doctor is your most important resource. Work closely with your doctor and talk about which steps might help you find fibromyalgia pain relief. You have options such as lifestyle changes, support groups, and medication. Some Lifestyle Changes May Help You Find Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Exercise A healthy and active lifestyle may help you decrease your fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies show that second to medication, the actions most likely to help are light aerobic exercises (such as walking or water exercise to get your heart rate up) and strength training. But always check with your doctor before you start any exercise program. These tips from the National Fibromyalgia Association may help you get started. Sta

One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is extreme sensitivity to touch, so it’s understandable that some people with fibromyalgia avoid getting massages. However, they are missing out on something great. Massage might seem like the very opposite approach to take for fibromyalgia pain, but the right amount of pressure and manipulation can actually do a lot for your congested muscles and tissues. In reality, massage is a perfect natural remedy for fibromyalgia. Therapeutic kneading will stimulate blood flow, eliminate metabolic waste, and lengthen muscle fibers.  The right fibromyalgia massage will work within the limits of your condition to release pockets of tension, and improve your physical wellbeing and quality of life. Recommended Fibromyalgia Massage There are many types of therapeutic massage, and the right style for your fibromyalgia pain will respect your muscle sensitivity and particular pain issues. Stick with these massage techniques for the most healing

Many patients are labeled with fibromyalgia simply because they have chronic soft tissue pain. But it is important, at least for the sake of correctness, that not all chronic soft tissue pain be called fibromyalgia. In fact, localized or regional pain is often due to myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a rather common condition which affects certain muscle areas. MPS is often present in the fibromyalgia patient, but not all MPS patients also suffer from fibromyalgia. MPS generally involves pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, back, jaw and head. This pain is often accompanied by stiffness or tightness. It is important that the doctor listen to the patient to learn where the pain is most intense. And because MPS is not diagnosed with a lab test or x-ray, it is important that the doctor carefully examine the patient. Trauma is a common cause of MPS, in the form of muscle strain or ligament and tendon sprain; or as a result of chronic trauma due to repetitive work injury, or

Fibromyalgia symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain can be tied to your environment. Learn how pain can be affected by reactions to light, sound, or smell. Sensitivity to environmental stimulation, including bright lights, loud noises, and even certain smells, can make living with fibromyalgia particularly challenging. You might wake up each morning wondering what new trigger may exacerbate your fibromyalgia symptoms. "I deal with everything on a day-to-day basis," says Stephanie Parker of Dover, Del., who believes her symptoms are consistent with fibromyalgia but has not yet been formally diagnosed. The symptoms keep her from participating in daily family activities, such as watching her kids' ballgames in the afternoons. Tina Pringle, who was diagnosed 16 years ago with fibromyalgia, says that her fibromyalgia symptoms have been overwhelming at times. "The symptoms all merge together, and because of the fatigue and brain fog, everything becomes

A number of studies have shown a link between anxiety and fibromyalgia, however, the nature of the link is not yet understood. Some experts, according to a report, "Fibromyalgia," in The New York Times, "believe that fibromyalgia is not a disease, but is rather a chronic pain condition brought on by several abnormal body responses to stress." Others believe that physical injuries, emotional trauma or viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr trigger the disorder. Fibromyalgia causes widespread and chronic pain the joints and symptoms are similar to arthritis, however, unlike arthritis, there is no inflammation in the joints. Karen Lee Richards, a patient expert at HealthCentral.com, states the additional symptoms of fibromyalgia include: Fatigue Sleep Problems Cognitive Dysfunction Sensitivity to Cold and/or Heat Depression Anxiety Digestive Problems Headaches Hypersensitivity The Anxiety Disorders Association of America indicates that approxima

Many people who battle fibromyalgia symptoms also deal with depression. Discover five fibromyalgia therapy strategies that may help relieve depression. Most fibromyalgia patients are exhausted all the time and suffer from painful muscles and joints. But these aren’t the only common symptoms of fibromyalgia — at least one fourth of fibromyalgia patients also have some form of depression. In fact, adult fibromyalgia patients are much more likely than those without fibromyalgia to be depressed. The link between fibromyalgia symptoms and depression makes sense. First, coping with the severe pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia can be frustrating and disruptive to your lifestyle. And fibromyalgia symptoms can also lead you through unchartered territory as you work through a maze of health care providers. How Depression Can Make Fibromyalgia Symptoms Worse Like other people with depression, fibromyalgia patients often experience a loss of interest in their favorite activities

Some patients fear that chiropractic care for fibromyalgia may aggravate pain. But it is both safe and proven to reduce pain from fibromyalgia. Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia: Does It Work? Many fibromyalgia patients seek natural treatment for fibromyalgia, and chiropractic care is one of the most frequently considered, especially for pain management and to improve the range of motion of joints. This form of medicine is based on the principle that the body has the ability to self-heal and recover from a disease. The nervous system runs between the spine and carries messages from the brain to every cell of the body. When the vertebrae are restricted, locked or misaligned there will be pressure on the nerves and symptoms will occur. For this reason, a chiropractor will perform “adjustments” using gentle pressure, stretching or certain high velocity thrusts to bring the vertebrae to optimal position and restore health. Research Studies on Chiropractic Care for Fibromy

Terren D. Klein, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who provides excellent orthopedic treatment, procedures and care to their patients to heal them faster. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, Dr. Klein strives to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties. As told by Dr. Klein, he had always wanted to be a physician, following in the footsteps of his father. He would make hospital rounds alongside him, remembering how content he would feel by helping other feel better. Then, it wasn't until his years in medical school, rotating in orthopedic surgery, where he observed the ability of repairing bones and reconstructing injured joints, that he saw the amazing benefits of orthopedics.  For Dr. Terren Klein, being able to help of all ages, from infants to the elderly, seeing them overcome their injuries and resuming their healthy lifestyles, appealed to him greatly. "I am convi

If you have fibromyalgia, you know what it's like to live with the chronic pain and stiffness it can cause. And while medication and therapy are key to controlling symptoms, incorporating physical activity can vastly improve your quality of life. "Try to keep moving—that's my motto for patients," says Maura Daly Iversen, PT, DPT, SD, MPH, spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. "The less you move, the more pain and fatigue you'll feel." Exercise can also help you sleep better and reduce your need for pain meds, as well as improve your mood: "So often, the pain of fibromyalgia leads to depression," adds Iversen. "Working out is a great, healthy way to manage both conditions." Here are the top five fibro-friendly workouts, plus tips and tricks to help you ease in and hurt less: (Check with your doctor before starting any program.) Walking It's an excellent form of light aerobic exercise, which prov

Fibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood and sometimes misdiagnosed chronic condition, commonly characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, concentration issues, and sleep problems. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it affects an estimated 10 million people, mainly women, in the United States alone. The severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from one person to the next and may fluctuate even in a single individual, depending on such factors as time of day or the weather. Because it is a chronic condition, in most cases fibromyalgia symptoms never disappear entirely. The good news is that fibromyalgia isn't progressive or life-threatening, and treatments can help alleviate many symptoms. Fibromyalgia: The Symptoms The symptoms of fibromyalgia and their severity vary widely, although pain and fatigue are nearly always present. Major symptoms of fibromyalgia include: Pain.  Some fibromyalgia patients report discomfort in one or more specific area