Fibromyalgia FAQ

Fibromyalgia is a form of generalized muscular pain and fatigue that affects approximately 3.7 million Americans.  The name, Fibromyalgia, means pain in the muscles and the fibrous connective tissues (the ligaments and tendons).  Fibromyalgia lacks laboratory abnormalities; instead, the diagnosis depends mostly on a person’s report or complaints and feelings.  Pain is the most prominent symptom of Fibromyalgia.  It generally occurs throughout the body although it may start in one region, such as the neck and shoulders, and spread to other areas over a period of time.

Most people with Fibromyalgia symptoms experience moderate or severe fatigue with a lack of energy, decreased exercise endurance, or the kind of exhaustion that results from the flu or lack of sleep.  Sometimes the fatigue is more of a problem that the pain.  Headaches, especially muscular (tension headaches) and migraine headaches, are common in Fibromyalgia.  Abdominal pain, bloating, alternating constipation, bladder spasms, and irritability may cause urinary urgency or frequency.  Your skin and blood circulation can be sensitive to temperature changes, resulting in temporary changes in skin color. It does not discriminate by gender or age, but predominately affects women between the ages of 35 and 54.
It is mostly characterized by pain, muscle pain, fatigue, brain fog, and much more.

Other common symptoms include:

Flu-like pain that can be severe and constant
A constant feeling of exhaustion
Specific tender points that hurt
Overall body aches
Depression
Muscle stiffness and pain
Insomnia or other sleep disorders
Extreme fatigue
Depression not caused by a trauma or event, but by chronic discomfort
Cognitive problems, often called "brain fog"
Reoccurring headaches
Multiple reoccurring infections
Irritable bowel syndrome

Frequency, degree and location of pain vary from day to day. Any given day a Fibromyalgia patient's level of discomfort may range from mild muscle stiffness to extreme, radiating pain so severe they feel completely debilitated and unable to carry out simple activities.


How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is difficult. Currently there is no medical test that will clearly diagnose Fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is presently based on patient history and tender point sensitivity. "Tender Points" refer to 18 points on the body in which extreme sensitivity may occur in at least 11. Tender point sensitivity, as well as a history of widespread chronic body pain for at least 3 months, provides the most definitive diagnosis at this time. Other symptoms relating to a diagnosis are listed below.

What causes Fibromyalgia?
Though the underlying cause of Fibromyalgia is complex, we do know that symptoms arise from the MUSCLES and the BRAIN. Research is ongoing, but there is agreement that Fibromyalgia patients have an enhanced pain sensitivity and response originating from the central nervous system damage. Traumatic illness or injury may trigger the disease.

What is Brain and Nervous System Based Therapy?

We take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of Fibromyalgia.  After a thorough neurological examination I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly.  In many Fibromyalgia patients I may find a high mesencephalic (part of the mid-brain) output.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle, and lower.  The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem in the mid-brain.  A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, brain fog, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the Fibromyalgia patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum.  The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature. Thus one might have chronic muscle pain or discomfort.

No matter what the condition, it is imperative that the doctor performs a thorough and comprehensive exam to determine the exact nature of the patient’s condition.

Like all chronic type patients whose symptoms last longer than 6 months, Fibromyalgia patients must be monitored closely before and after treatments (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels).  If the patient is not monitored, it is possible to over-stimulate or exceed metabolic capacity.  Since the upper part of the brain stem (mesencephalon) is firing at an abnormally high rate, I will want to utilize modalities that will lower the mesenphalic output.


Am I a candidate for your treatments?
Not all patients will be accepted into our program. We make a determination of treatment acceptance after an initial evaluation.


Why do you use Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy has shown amazing results in dealing with Fibromyalgia patients. We learned this treatment from Dr. Michael Johnson and Dr. Frederich Carrick. Oxygen therapy is safe and very effective. Since your brain and nervous system need fuel to repair itself, we use oxygen therapy to stimulate this. We often see immediate results when adding Oxygen therapy.


Are your treatments safe?
Very safe and painless.


I go to a chiropractor now, what is the difference between what you
do?
Most chiropractors adjust the spine manually and it makes a popping noise. We do NOT do this on Fibromyalgia patients. We use an instrument to stimulate parts of the brain and nervous system. This is painless and doesn't cause irritation to the patient.

What is the Free Consultation program?
The Free Consultation program is a way for you to see our office first hand without any financial risk. If you want to continue with treatment after the consultation it is entirely up to you. Of course, it depends on if the doctor believes you are qualified for care.

Why can't I just take medications?
Medications will not get to the cause of your Fibromyalgia. They will only cover up the symptoms. Medications are basically used to help the patient tolerate their symptoms. Traditional Treatments are focused on managing the symptoms.

Will my insurance cover your treatments?
Yes and No. Most insurance plans have limited coverage. If something is not covered we will discuss it with you before any treatment begins.

How much do your treatments costs?
It varies. We do not know exactly what treatments the patients will need until we exam them.  We are NOT the cheapest clinic in town because of the specialized care.