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Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


Description

Fibromyalgia pain is described as deep aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning. The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing pain at defined tender points (myofascial trigger points).The initial patient profile of fibromyalgia syndrome includes a history of widespread pain of at least three months' duration, both above and below the waist and including both sides of the body.

Ninety percent of fibromyalgia sufferers also are afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to pain and fatigue, common symptoms include malaise, headaches, numbness and tingling, dizziness, sleep disturbance, swollen feeling in tissues, stiffness, sensitivity to noise and stress, and cognitive impairment.



How Upper Cervical Care Relates to Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While the exact cause of fibromyalgia syndrome is unknown, recent research has pinpointed traumatic neck injury (whiplash, concussion, etc.) as a risk factor for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue onset.1-14 Following the cervical spine injury, pain and fatigue symptoms can be triggered immediately or can take months or years to develop. The purpose of upper cervical chiropractic care is to reverse the trauma-induced upper neck injury; thereby reducing irritation to the nerves in the brain stem and spinal cord that can trigger pain, neuromuscular dysfunction, and fatigue.

While many fibromyalgia sufferers recall specific traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents or falls, some do not. An evaluation is necessary in each individual's case to assess whether an upper cervical injury is present and whether benefit from upper cervical care can be achieved.



Case Studies

View Case Studies related to Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


Research Articles and Publications
References:
  1. Buskila D, Neumann L. Musculoskeletal injury as a trigger for fibromyalgia/posttaumatic fibromyalgia. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2000 Apr; 2(2): 104-8.
  2. Gardner GC. Fibromyalgia following trauma: psychology or biology? Curr Rev Pain 2000; 4(4): 295-300.
  3. White KP, Ostbye T, Harth M. Perspectives on posttraumatic fibromyalgia: a random survey of Canadian general practitioners, orthopedists, physiatrists, and rheumatologists. J Rheumatol 2000 Mar; 27(3): 790-6.
  4. White KP, Carette S, Harth M. Trauma and fibromyalgia: is there an association and what does it mean? Semin Arthritis Rheum 2000 Feb; 29(4): 200-16.
  5. Fishbain DA, Rosomoff HL. Posttraumatic fibromyalgia at pain facilities versus rheumatologists' offices: a commentary. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1998 Nov-Dec; 77 (6): 562.
  6. Aaron LA, Bradley LA, Alarcon GS. Perceived physical and emotional trauma as precipitating events in fibromyalgia. Associations with health care seeking and disability status but not pain severity. Arthritis Rheum 1997 Mar; 40(3): 453-60.
  7. Buskila D, Neumann L, Vaisberg G. Increased rates of fibromyalgia following cervical spine injury. A controlled study of 161 cases of traumatic injury. Arthritis Rheum 1997 Mar; 40(3): 446-52.
  8. Jenzer G. Clinical aspects and neurologic expert assessment in sequelae of whiplash injury to the cervical spine. Nervenarzt 1995 Oct; 66(10): 730-5.
  9. Waylonis GW, Perkins RH. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1994 Nov-Dec; 73(6): 403-12.
  10. Romano TJ. Clinical experiences with post-traumatic fibromyalgia syndrome. W V Med J 1990 May; 86(5): 198-202.
  11. Saskin P, Moldofsky H, Lue FA. Sleep and posttraumatic rheumatic pain modulation disorder (fibrositis syndrome). Psychosom med 1986 May-Jun; 48(5): 319-23.
  12. Yunus MB. Primary fibromyalgia syndrome: current concepts. Compr Ther 1984 Aug; 10(8): 21-8.
  13. Weinberger LM. Traumatic fibromyositis: a critical review of an enigmatic concept. West J Med 1977 Aug; 127(2): 99-103.
  14. Salit IE. Precipitating factors for the chronic fatigue syndrome. J Psychiatr res 1997 Jan-Feb; 31(1): 59-65.

The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
Conditions and Research
Testimonials

"I'm a patient from Europe who would like to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Elster for her outstanding chiropractic care during the last 7 months. I sustained a neck injury after a skiing accident 3 years ago, and experienced debilitating symptoms like chronic fatigue, excessive need for sleep, excruciating headaches, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, muscular tensions, noise and light sensitivity. I had been to several neurologists, doctors and physiotherapists, all to no avail. The MRIs were negative and my doctors told me that nothing was really wrong with me, but I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms prevented me from being able to work at all and I had to rely on welfare benefits, being awake only a few painful hours every day.

I found Dr. Elster¹s website accidentally on the internet and emailed her immediately after reading about her upper cervical care. Since I'm from Norway, Europe, it was a big decision for me to take the chance and go to Boulder to see Dr. Elster. I had to borrow money to be able to go, and at the time I went to the States my symptoms had worsened, so the long journey was very hard on me. Dr. Elster was able to pinpoint the injury no other doctor had found and she started her care immediately after the initial assessment. I had cleared 4 months to stay in Boulder but after only 6-7 weeks I was getting so much better (and restless) that I began to travel the world again, doing the things I love to do, photography and scuba diving. I've been able to travel between Boulder and foreign countries, staying in Boulder regularly for treatments and check-ups in between my travels. I will soon start working again as a clinical psychologist only 7 months after the treatment started.

I'm ashamed to admit I was rather sceptical that Dr. Elster would be able to cure me, since I had so many debilitating symptoms and I'd been sick for so long. I am extremely happy I took the chance and went to the States to see Dr. Elster. My recovery feels like a miracle. If you are experiencing symptoms related to an upper neck injury, take the chance and go to see her. If she's able to help you, it'll be well worth the cost and effort.

Dr. Elster is one of the most professional and efficient practitioners I've ever met and I am forever grateful for her care."

~ Kristin, January 2007, Norway