Can a Car Crash Lead to Fibromyalgia?
In the June 2011 edition of the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Dr. Nimira Alibhoy, DC, presented the case of a 45-year-old female with a history of two major head traumas and 10 car accidents, resulting in an 11-year history of fibromyalgia. The patient’s story is remarkable:
The patient experienced migraine headaches, chronic neck, upper and lower back pain, numbness in the fingers, sciatica, right knee pain, depression, and a duodenal ulcer.
She sustained a traumatic injury from diving headfirst into a shallow pool at age 15, followed by 10 car accidents over 25 years. She was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia by her medical doctor. Five years after the diagnosis, she suffered another traumatic head injury from a fall down a flight of stairs, which worsened her sciatica, neck, and back pain.
Over 12 years, she visited five general chiropractors, who provided only temporary relief. She remained in chronic pain and struggled with depression. Pain medications such as Vicodin, Flexeril, and Soma were prescribed at various times. Her activity was severely limited: she could not use stairs, swim, or walk more than 20 feet, and she relied on a wheelchair to manage daily routines and conserve energy.
Not All Chiropractors Are the Same
A history of head or neck trauma should be carefully evaluated by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained in detecting and correcting Atlas Subluxation Complex (a misalignment of the top vertebra in the neck).
Misalignments here can cause brainstem dysfunction, which may affect the way multiple body systems operate. For patients with fibromyalgia, the brainstem’s connection to the immune, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, as well as the postural muscles along the spine, is particularly important.
Upper Cervical Results
After receiving proper upper cervical chiropractic care to correct her brainstem misalignment, the patient experienced remarkable improvements:
- Within six months of the first correction, she no longer needed a wheelchair. Her fibromyalgia and left leg sciatica resolved, she could move freely, sleep in any position, and had more energy. Right leg sciatica improved by 60%, and she was off all medications.
- At the second re-evaluation, her chronic back pain and headaches resolved. Minor right leg sciatica remained.
- By the fifth re-evaluation (six months into care), knee tenderness had resolved, right leg sciatica improved 98%, and she was able to perform house and yard work, swim, walk long distances, and stand for extended periods without pain medication. The only remaining issue was minor right hip pain.
Could Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help You?
Have you been diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
Do you have a history of head or neck trauma—car accidents, falls, or other injuries?
If so, upper cervical chiropractic care may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
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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/