Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be incredibly debilitating. For the millions of adults in the United States living with it, daily life can become a constant challenge.
Simple activities—working, exercising, or even spending time with family—can feel overwhelming when pain and fatigue are always present.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects the body in multiple ways, which is why it can be so difficult to manage.
Some of the most recognized symptoms include:
- Widespread pain – a constant, dull ache felt throughout the body
- Persistent fatigue – even after a full night’s sleep
- Sleep disturbances – difficulty falling asleep or waking unrefreshed
- Cognitive challenges (“fibro fog”) – trouble focusing, remembering, or concentrating
These symptoms often overlap and feed into each other, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.
Fibromyalgia and How the Body Processes Pain
One of the leading understandings of fibromyalgia is that it involves abnormal pain processing.
In simple terms, the body becomes more sensitive to pain signals.
The system responsible for sending and interpreting these signals is the nervous system, which includes:
- The brain and spinal cord (central nervous system)
- The network of nerves throughout the body (peripheral nervous system)
This system controls everything from movement and sensation to sleep, digestion, and how the brain interprets pain.
When communication within the nervous system is not functioning properly, the body may begin to:
- Amplify pain signals
- Misinterpret normal sensations as painful
- Struggle to regulate sleep, energy, and recovery
The Role of the Spine and Nervous System Protection
The brain and spinal cord are protected by the skull and spine—structures designed to allow clear, uninterrupted communication.
However, when there is a misalignment in the spine—particularly in the upper cervical region (top of the neck)—it can interfere with normal function.
This area is especially important because it surrounds and protects the brainstem, which plays a major role in:
- Pain regulation
- Sleep cycles
- Hormonal balance
- Communication between the brain and body
If this region is not aligned properly, it may contribute to dysfunction in how the body processes pain and regulates other critical systems.
A Different Approach at Advanced Spinal Care
At Advanced Spinal Care, Dr. Lapenski focuses on evaluating whether the upper cervical spine is contributing to a patient’s symptoms.
Using the NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) technique, care is designed to:
- Precisely assess alignment using detailed imaging and measurements
- Deliver gentle corrections without cracking or twisting
- Support long-term nervous system function
The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to improve how the body functions overall.
Patients undergoing care often report improvements in:
- Pain levels
- Sleep quality
- Energy and fatigue
- Overall quality of life
Each patient is evaluated individually to determine whether this approach is appropriate for their condition.
What This Means for You
Fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming—especially when you’ve tried multiple approaches without lasting results.
While no single solution works for everyone, it’s important to consider whether the underlying issue has truly been addressed.
By focusing on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, this approach offers a different perspective—one aimed at improving function rather than simply managing symptoms.
Take the Next Step
If you’re living with fibromyalgia and looking for answers beyond temporary relief, it may be time to explore a different approach.
At Advanced Spinal Care, we work with patients to determine whether the upper cervical spine is playing a role in their symptoms—and what can be done to address it.
You don’t have to keep navigating this alone—there may be a clearer path forward.
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our patient results here.
Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/