Fibromyalgia is probably one of the most misunderstood chronic pain conditions in existence today. Chiropractic therapy in Escondido helps patients overcome its debilitating symptoms, such as widespread pain in the body, tender points, fibro fog, and fatigue.
But besides these, there are less talked about symptoms of fibromyalgia that many sufferers must deal with—rashes, itching, and skin pain. We rarely see these three on a list of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Let’s take a closer look at the drastic effects of fibromyalgia on the skin and how chiropractic therapy in Escondido can help manage the pain of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Rash and Itching
A staggering 10 million Americans deal with fibromyalgia, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. Many fibromyalgia patients suffer in silence, while some have to cope with the stigma attached to the illness. More importantly, most people know little about fibromyalgia other than the fact that it brings pain.
Here’s another truth: fibromyalgia can also cause rashes and itching. Why does fibromyalgia cause itching? Skin sensitivities are common among fibromyalgia patients. A report showed that more than half of fibromyalgia patients deal with it. More severe itching without a rash or other noticeable cause is less common. Only 3% of patients report experiencing this symptom.
Here are three main reasons why itching occurs in fibromyalgia patients:
1. Chemical imbalances in the brain
It is satisfying to scratch an itch. When you scratch an itch, your brain releases serotonin to stop the pain. However, scratching makes the itching worse, according to a study. The serotonin drives a vicious cycle of itching and scratching, which makes your fibromyalgia skin pain worse.
2. Medication side effect
Another possibility is that the fibromyalgia rashes are a side effect of the medication you are taking. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter pain relievers can cause a rash or itching as a side effect.
3. Problem in the central nervous system
The central nervous system may be playing a role in why fibromyalgia patients experience pain, itching, burning, or other sensations without a clear cause. It turns out the brain can develop a memory of the itching feeling and pain, making the sensation linger even there is no reason for it to exist.
Steps to Relieve a Fibromyalgia Rash
If you have fibromyalgia and experience rashes, itching, and skin pain, here are some steps you can take to ease them:
Don’t scratch it
As we have mentioned, scratching the itch can make it even worse. Clipping your fingernails short can help you fight the urge to scratch. You can also consider wearing gloves to stop the habit.
Use cold compresses
Applying a cold cloth or compress on the itchy part of your body can also be beneficial.
Moisturize the itchy areas
Put some moisturizer on the areas of your body with rashes or itchiness. Just avoid using any scented dyes as it can irritate your skin even more.
Use sunscreen
Skin sensitivity is a fact of life if you live with fibromyalgia. Therefore, you must protect your skin at all costs. Remember always to apply sunscreen in your skin even when you don’t plan to spend much time under the sun. A sunburn can make your skin pain worse.
Reduce your stress
Stress triggers and worsens fibromyalgia symptoms, so managing your stress can help in controlling the itching.
Fibromyalgia’s Impact Goes Beyond the Skin
Rashes and itching are not the only skin-related symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients also deal with sensory sensitivities, particularly involving the sense of touch. A mild stroke in hand can feel like a burning sensation.
There are also tender points around the body. In fact, doctors look at these tender spots when diagnosing fibromyalgia. About 18 diagnostic tender points exist in the body, most of the nearby the spine and neck. That brings us to the undeniable link between the neck and fibromyalgia.
The Role of the Neck in Fibromyalgia
Much of the connection researchers have discovered between fibromyalgia and all its symptoms originate in the central nervous system (CNS). What can cause sensory abnormalities and pain processing dysfunction of the CNS? One likely reason is an upper cervical misalignment.
When there is a misalignment involving the top two bones in the neck, it can result in various issues such as limited blood flow to the brain, improper cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and brainstem malfunction. All of these can contribute to the many symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fortunately, upper cervical chiropractic care for fibromyalgia in Escondido can help.
Getting Relief Through Chiropractic Therapy in Escondido
Upper cervical chiropractic adjusts the C1 and C2 vertebrae of the upper neck using diagnostic imaging. The corrections are mild and long-lasting. For many patients, this is the ideal method to restore the optimal capacity of the CNS. For some fibromyalgia patients, it has even resulted in the reversal of their symptoms.
If you have fibromyalgia and would like to find out if upper cervical chiropractic care is the missing piece to your recovery, contact us or visit Rickards Chiropractic in Escondido, California. You may discover that your first visit sets you on the right way to the natural fibromyalgia resolution you want.
Consultation call to action:
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rickards, call our Escondido office at (760) 274-0564. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.