Fibromyalgia is a little-understood illness and still carries the stigma of not being a “real” disease for some people, including certain doctors. However, those who live with fibromyalgia know the reality: pain, stiffness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping are part of daily life.
Studies of brain changes and chronic pain may help researchers better understand fibromyalgia. Recent research suggests fibromyalgia is connected to the central nervous system (CNS) and may result from CNS dysfunction.
For example, A. Kuchinad and colleagues studied 10 women with fibromyalgia compared to 10 women without the condition. They found a reduction in brain tissue among the women with fibromyalgia, which was not seen in the control group. Other research has found awake-like brain activity during sleep in fibromyalgia patients, which contributes to non-restorative sleep commonly experienced.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is another condition that has its skeptics. Like fibromyalgia, there is no definitive test for IBS. Diagnosis is made by exclusion, meaning doctors must rule out all other illnesses first. People with IBS experience pain, cramping, and diarrhea or constipation (or both).
Brain imaging in IBS patients has shown loss of brain tissue, with patterns similar to fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
A Common Underlying Cause
Frequently, an undetected head or neck injury that affects the brain may be linked to both conditions.
An upper neck misalignment can place pressure on the CNS at the level of the atlas (top bone in the neck). Trauma or injuries can loosen the connective tissue that holds the spine together, allowing the spine to lock into a stressed position. The upper neck is especially vulnerable due to its mobility. When the top bone is misaligned, CNS function can be disrupted.
In our practice, we have seen hundreds of patients with upper neck misalignments, and it is frequently an underlying factor in fibromyalgia and IBS.
A common scenario:
- A person experiences head or neck trauma earlier in life
- This trauma causes significant misalignment of the head and neck
- Misalignment places pressure on the brainstem
- As pressure is corrected, the body begins the healing process
The longer the nervous system has been dysfunctional, the longer it may take to heal. Patients may notice:
- Decreased pain and stiffness
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
IBS patients may experience similar results, as the nervous system resumes sending proper signals to the digestive system.
Am I a Candidate for Upper Cervical Care?
Not everyone with fibromyalgia or IBS will benefit from this type of care—nothing is guaranteed. However, if you have a history of head or neck trauma prior to symptom onset, upper cervical chiropractic could be a consideration.
Here’s a quick self-check:
- Stand in front of a mirror and close your eyes.
- Bring your head down and then back up, then open your eyes.
- Do you notice your head tilting to one side? Are your shoulders level?
While not definitive, if you have a history of concussions, head injuries, or stitches to the head, your chances of being a candidate increase.
For more information, visit www.nuccawashington.com.
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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/