What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition in which the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals. Muscles and joints are not damaged, yet they hurt, often in many areas at once. Researchers describe it as a problem with how the brain and spinal cord process pain, which is why ordinary pressure, activity or stress can feel much worse than expected.
It is diagnosed by a medical doctor based on your symptoms and history, after other causes such as thyroid problems or inflammatory arthritis have been ruled out. Many of our fibromyalgia patients come to us already diagnosed and looking for gentle, drug-free support alongside their medical care.
Common symptoms
- Widespread aching or burning pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist
- Tender areas in the neck, shoulders, back, hips and around the elbows and knees
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest, and waking up unrefreshed
- Morning stiffness and a feeling of heaviness in the muscles
- Trouble concentrating or remembering, often called “fibro fog”
- Headaches, jaw pain, and sensitivity to cold, noise or light
Symptoms often flare with stress, poor sleep, weather changes or doing too much on a good day.
How fibromyalgia is usually managed
The best results come from a combination of approaches rather than one treatment: medication when your doctor recommends it, gentle regular movement, sleep habits, stress management and hands-on care that calms the nervous system instead of irritating it. The goal is fewer and milder flares, better sleep and more good days.
How we can help
Care for fibromyalgia has to be gentle and paced to how you feel that day. After an evaluation, your plan may include:
What to expect at your visits
Your first visit includes a detailed history, a gentle examination and a conversation about your goals. We start with shorter, lighter sessions and adjust pressure, technique and frequency based on how you respond over the next 24 to 48 hours. Most patients begin with one or two visits a week, then space visits out as flares become less frequent. You will always be able to tell us to stop or change anything that does not feel right.
Everyday tips that help
- Keep a regular sleep schedule and a cool, dark bedroom.
- Move a little every day: short walks, gentle stretching or water exercise.
- Pace your activity on good days so you do not pay for it tomorrow.
- Use heat for stiffness, and note what triggers your flares.
We work alongside your medical team so every part of your plan fits together. Related reading: neuropathy and mechanical low back pain.
Common questions
Can chiropractic care help fibromyalgia?
Gentle, low-force chiropractic care can ease stiffness and improve how you move. It works best as part of a wider plan that includes movement, sleep habits and your medical care. We adjust every technique to your sensitivity.
Will treatment make my pain worse?
Some patients feel mild soreness after a first visit. We start light, check how you felt over the next day or two, and adjust pressure and frequency so care helps rather than triggers a flare.
Is massage good for fibromyalgia?
Many people find therapeutic massage helpful when it is gentle and paced. Our massage therapist adjusts pressure to your comfort level and avoids deep work on very tender areas.
Do I need a diagnosis before coming in?
No. If you have widespread pain without a diagnosis, we will examine you and refer you to your medical doctor for testing when your symptoms suggest it.
How often will I need to come in?
Most patients start with one or two short visits a week, then space them out as flares become milder and less frequent. Your plan is based on how you respond.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Every patient starts with a history and examination, and we refer to other specialists when a condition falls outside chiropractic care.