Plenty of people are unaware of the principal cause of fibromyalgia until the actual cause gets addressed through NUCCA chiropractic in MN. 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that afflicts the whole body’s muscles and connective tissues. It also comprises of other symptoms such as fatigue, sensory sensitivity, headaches or migraines, reduced cognitive function, and depression. 

Central sensitization can be the instigator of these symptoms. What does this term mean? Also, what can help to address this source of fibromyalgia? 

 

What is Central Sensitization?

According to Upper Cervical Awareness, central sensitization is a condition wherein the central nervous system goes into a permanent state of wind-up for no apparent reason. Basically, the body is in heightened reactivity to pain all the time. 

In short, the body boosts the senses and nerves into full swing, similar to the body’s response when you are in imminent danger. But when this occurs even without an emergency, it can cause allodynia and hyperalgesia. 

These two conditions can further explain the rationale of why fibromyalgia may stem from central sensitization. 

  • Allodynia

Allodynia results in the triggering of a pain response from non-painful stimuli. In other words, people with allodynia feels pain from touches or stimulus that don’t normally provoke pain. For example, a friend tries to give you a gentle hug, but you feel a burning sensation suddenly, causing you to pull away. Another example is you may feel your hair hurts even when there are no pain sensors in the area. 

 

  • Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia occurs when a person develops an increased sensitivity to pain. For example, someone accidentally bumps their bag into your chest while walking. Anyone will agree that it is an unpleasant experience. However, since you have hyperalgesia, you may feel like you were stabbed or shot. This has been more prevalent due to the growth in cases of opioid-induced hyperalgesia. But the difference is, fibromyalgia patients experience it as a symptom, not a side effect of a drug. 

 

Fibromyalgia may also include other sensory sensitivities such as aversion to glare or bright lights.  Sounds that never used to bother you before may do now as you get annoyed at hearing repetitive sounds. Strong smells may also overwhelm you. All these sensitivities can lead to mental fatigue that makes physical pain and fatigue much worse. 

 

Fact: Fibromyalgia is Not All in Your Head

If you are suffering from central sensitization, does it mean that fibromyalgia is just in your head? A study has proved that fibromyalgia is not psychosomatic (“in the head”) or a product of imagination or a fake illness. 

Fibromyalgia involves various parts of the central nervous system, not just your mind. The central nervous system (CNS) is consists of an intricate network of nerves that branches off the whole body. These nerves carry messages through the brainstem and the spinal cord. The body receives signals about pain through these parts, which makes the pain authentic. However, you receive it in a much stronger intensity. 

A much better question is, what causes your central nervous system to register there is more pain than there actually is? 

 

Central Sensitization and the Role of the Neck

Rather than in the head, some studies provide evidence that the origin of fibromyalgia and central sensitization can be in the neck.

The atlas, the topmost bone in the neck, houses and protects the brainstem. If the atlas moves out of its appropriate position, it can cause undue stress on the brainstem. Since the brainstem is responsible for many functions of the body, it may begin sending incorrect signals to the brain, including false messages about the intensity of pain the body feels. 

The cervical spine also handles proper blood flow to the brain. It is possible through the small loops of bones – vertebral foramen– that only exists in atlas and axis vertebrae. Vertebral foramen provides a pathway to the head for the vertebral arteries. Misalignments, even by a small degree, can strain the blood supply line and can cause some parts of the brain obtaining less oxygen. This has a significant impact on the functions of the CNS in overall.  

In fact, most patients with fibromyalgia also happen to have atlas misalignments. After getting upper cervical chiropractic care for a few months, specifically gentle and exact adjustments, many patients experience a reversal of their fibromyalgia. This is the case of a 45-year-old woman in a study.

 

Fibromyalgia Relieved by NUCCA Chiropractic in MN

If you have been dealing with fibromyalgia, you likely have an atlas misalignment. This can be contributing to or causing much worse symptoms of your condition. 

Misalignments can arise following a neck or trauma from car accidents or a sports injury. Repetitive neck strain and poor posture can also be behind them. Their negative effects may go unnoticed for many years until symptoms hit. 

Fortunately, the NUCCA technique of upper cervical chiropractic focuses in the atlas region of the neck. It only employs low force corrections, making it a safe and natural chronic pain reliever. NUCCA chiropractors only make gentle adjustments that are long-lasting and provides the body the needed time to heal from damage. 

Arrange a no-obligation consultation with Zenith Spine & Wellness in Duluth, MN. Call us at (218) 390-5113 to get an immediate response from one of our team members. You may discover that this is the most convenient, effective way to get drug-free relief from fibromyalgia pain and its other debilitating symptoms.