Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that brings feelings of extreme fatigue, widespread pain, and tenderness all over the body. This can happen to both males and females, but females are more likely to develop, get diagnosed, and suffer from fibromyalgia than their male counterparts. Finding fibromyalgia relief in San Diego may be challenging at first, especially if you are unsure if your pains are related to fibromyalgia or not. After all, getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis may take years due to the similarities of its symptoms to other health conditions.
About 80 to 90 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, most prevalent among middle-aged women, with about 75 to 90 percent of those diagnosed. It’s common to wonder why women seem more affected by fibromyalgia. We’ll try to explore more factors linked to fibromyalgia in women.
Fibromyalgia in females, what we know so far
There are still so many things to learn about fibromyalgia. For instance, the primary cause is still unknown. So experts depend on identifying triggers to help patients cope and find fibromyalgia relief in San Diego.
Women tend to experience fibromyalgia due to hormonal fluctuations, immune system differences, and genetic predisposition.
Women with fibromyalgia tend to experience more painful menstrual cramps than usual. The pain may intensify depending on where they are in their cycle.
It’s not uncommon for women ages 40 to 55 to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Women in their menopausal stage may experience worsening fibromyalgia symptoms. Menopause and fibromyalgia also tend to intensify pain and mental health complaints.
Some symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to perimenopause symptoms, which include, memory and cognition issues, pain, sleep quality and depression.
Women with fibromyalgia may develop endometriosis when tissue from the uterus develops in other parts of the pelvis. As a result, fibromyalgia can make endometriosis more excruciating.
Some women reports having more tender points than men, and these points may show in the pelvic area.
Patients describe their pain as a deep or dull ache that starts in the muscles and radiates to other parts of the body. Some say it’s like a feeling of pins and needles that comes with pain and tenderness.
Both men and women suffer from widespread pain due to fibromyalgia, but reports say that men generally seem to experience a lower level of pain than women. In addition, women are believed to live through their fibromyalgia pain for more extended periods than men.
Women with fibromyalgia are at risk of higher levels of depression than men. Because of poor sleep quality due to other fibromyalgia symptoms, patients may experience more fatigue and depression.
Fibromyalgia may also affect your ability to concentrate while increasing your pain sensitivity.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms for Both Men and Women
Below are known fibromyalgia symptoms that can happen to both men and women:
Cognitive issues, including fibro fog, memory, and concentration issues
Headaches and migraines
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the jaw area
Restless leg syndrome
Sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, and changes in temperature
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Due to unknown causes of fibromyalgia, patients in need of fibromyalgia relief in San Diego usually work around their triggers instead to find relief and to cope. Below are some of the factors that may contribute to this illness:
#1. Abnormal pain messages
People with fibromyalgia are believed to have developed changes in the pain-processing function of their central nervous system. One reason experts are looking at this is due to changes in the chemical composition of the nervous system.
Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which help transmit messages to your body through the cells. If there is any change in the way they function, it may trigger the wrong pain response, including fibromyalgia symptoms.
Sometimes though, a malfunction of the brainstem is to blame as well. This is where your spinal cord connects to your brain. The brainstem also helps send signals from your brain to the rest of your body. So a misalignment in your upper cervical spine can prompt a malfunction of your brainstem to undue stress and pressure.
#2. Genetics
Genetics may play a minor part in the development of fibromyalgia. However, the odds of having it are higher if your family has a history of fibromyalgia. A person’s genetic makeup may be linked to why they can develop fibromyalgia after experiencing triggers.
#3. Possible triggers
Fibromyalgia may be triggered by events linked to physical or emotional stress. This may include any of the following:
Severe physical injury, such as a car accident
Infections like Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease
A major operation
Emotional trauma, like serving in the armed forces during a war
Sometimes, though, fibromyalgia may occur without any apparent trigger.
Ways to achieve fibromyalgia relief in San Diego
Both males and females can be significantly affected by fibromyalgia. Apart from the widespread musculoskeletal pain and other symptoms, fulfilling your daily roles at home or work may be a lot more challenging. You may try the following remedies to reduce fibromyalgia’s life-affecting symptoms:
Diet changes
Keeping hydrated
Increase in protein and iodine intake
Upper cervical chiropractic care
Upper Cervical Care and Fibromyalgia
Some fibromyalgia patients swear by the benefit of upper cervical care for more lasting relief. This focuses on the overall care of the patient’s upper cervical spine. Ensure the bones are balanced and well aligned and there are no misalignments, even slight ones, in that area.
As mentioned earlier, a misalignment in the upper cervical spine can trigger or even worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. This is because your upper cervical spine – the atlas and axis – protect the brainstem, and when they misalign, the brainstem receives excessive stress and pressure. This pressure can lead to the brainstem sending incorrect signals to the brain. The brain can then interpret the signals as severe pain, even when there is little or no pain.
To help you further understand the role of upper cervical care in managing your fibromyalgia symptoms, you can arrange an appointment with a trusted NUCCA San Diego Upper Cervical Chiropractor, Dr. Vivek Soham. An assessment of your upper cervical spine can lead to lasting relief if it’s one of the reasons why you are showing fibromyalgia symptoms. Book your appointment by calling Nimbus Brain & Spine at 858-432-3072 or using this online contact form.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Soham, call our San Diego office at (858) 432-3072.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
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