Found this site....it's a long video...but..it's worth watching..
http://sunrisechiropracticwellnesscenter.com/fibromyalgia.php?gclid=CIrY1_ay_7YCFYQ7Ogodog4A6g
I went to a seminar close to home where the chiropractor said I could get rid of the Fibro in less than a year. Bloodwork and checking hormone levels ( all of which is not covered by insurance). When I asked what was paid he said some adjustments. He also did something called brain-training where you pedal a bike like thing while inhaling oxygen. And all for between $3,500-$5,000 out of pocket! And of course, there was no guarantees. Seemed like a scam to me. Trying to take advantage of those who are desperate to try anything. I’d check it out carefully before spending any money.
When I was taking my Early Childhood classes (that was my major) we had to give a presentation on special needs. One of the groups did hearing as their topic. Their invited speaker was a Chiropractor. He insisted that every single health issue was a result of "improper alignment" and that adjustment could fix every health issue. I think adjustments may help some issues but his spiel sounded like a load of bunk to me. I met a chiropractor at an expo thing here. When I told him I had EDS, he told me that he didn't think he could help me much because I was "already too flexible". He believed that chiropractic treatment might help the fibro and such but could possibly harm me. There was another booth at the expo too. When I passed with my walker, he stopped me and asked my issues. I said EDS and he shook his head. He couldn't help me either. it's interesting to me that chiropractors seem to know what EDS is but many other doctors don't.
Hi deedee,
I have been through all of this, between my DC and GP, then more through the Rheumatologist, who I have been seeing for about one year. I also had the Neurologic nerve and muscle evaluations.
This is one of the most intelligent, yet understandable presentations that I have heard.
It has been determined that my fibromyalgia was caused by genetically inherited autoimmune, that was kicked into full gear by the third read end car accident! So not only was I born predisposed to autoimmune, there is injury that is also a definite factor. No food allergies were found, but lack of enough digestive enzymes was determined, and my DC started me on digestive enzymes.
Some of us have a pretty good idea of the cause, if they were injured, or if autoimmune disease has been diagnosed. Not everyone has food allergies, or leaky gut, or hormone imbalances, however if there are no other obvious reason for Fibro, then in my personal opinion, it is a very good idea to look in these areas.
No good Doctor is going to run all of these tests if they are not needed, and they will surely work with you to space these out to be affordable. It is possible that your Insurance will NOT cover all of these tests or treatments, but they can be done over time. With your contribution of a list of symptoms, family medical history, x-rays, these Doctors will have a good idea where they need to go.
The fact that I can still sit, stand, and walk, I owe to my Chiropractors. About the only thing their training did not include was the study of medicines, though it seems as though that may be changing also. They know vitamins, minerals, and supplements very well. Not all supplements are a rip off, especially under their capable administration. The orientally trained acupuncturists are also very capable, if not masterful in the administration of herbs. Not everyone can tolerate or get good results from pharmaceuticals. There is an astounding difference between being treated with supplements by an Acupuncturist, or Chiropractor, Homeopathic Physician, Ayervedic Practioner, than buying something off the internet, or off the shelf, trying to figure it out yourself.
One needs to be examined, and questioned tested, to be given meds or supplements, as they have different characteristics, actions, reactions. One needs to be under the face to face care of one who was professionally trained for meds or supplements for the results to be safe and effective.
In my opinion, a good Chiropractor is one of the most important people to anyone suffering with fibromyalgia. As you all know, I am not a Doctor, this is just my personal opinion and experience.
If something were to happen that I could no longer be helped by, or obtain AMA meds, you can believe that I will be seeking out a masterful professional who successfully treats with herbs and supplements, and alternative treatments. I have been under the care of a Chiropractor since my early twenties with the first car accident, and have also been treated by acupuncturists on three different occasions, and highly recommend them.
For the record, I do not find the method of 'soft Chiropractics' to be as good as the old style of 'hard Chiropractics, the gentle touch does not 'do it' for me.
Wishing everyone well,
SK
They have the same approach as my neuro-chiropractor/kinesiologist who's been treating me for several years now. He is the only person who has been able to help me recover from being bed-ridden to working two teaching jobs. It took a few months to start feeling better, but it was encouraging since no other treatment had worked before. I used to take several medications but I now take only a few. I think it's worth checking this place out. If I remember correctly, my doctor studied with this doctor mentioned in the video.
Great find, DeeDee!
The information wasn't anything that we haven't heard before, but they gathered all of the systemic issues, wrapped it up in a nice little package, and presented it in terms we can all easily understand.
People automatically think that Chiropractors just "crack your back", but it really is neurologically based, so I think if a Fibromyalgia patient can tolerate chiropractic care, that it can be a brilliant addition to their team of specialists. The only problem I had with their presentation was when they said they could "end your Fibromyalgia nightmare", were they implying that they could cure it? And I'm not sure exactly what they were selling, just their services?
I think they are definitely worth looking into.
Good luck!
Renie
Renie-
You are right. Some chiropractors do more than adjustments. Mine incorporates neurology, kinesiology and homeopathy. He uses magnetic pulses, cold laser, oxygen, detox foot bath, etc. He says that there's no cure for fibro but it can be managed well with treatments. So far, I've found that he is right. I am grateful for what he's done for me but it's also frustrating that I have to see him weekly in order to stay well and work. I just don't like the feeling of dependence on anything. Plus, I spend more than $100 every week which is a big financial burden. I wish I didn't have to see any doctor - I could use the money and time to do other things that I enjoy instead...
Chiropractors are not medical doctors. They offer, at best, temporary fixes.In the long run, they unnecessarily over-manipulate your joints, wearing them out sooner than they should.They are "wanna be" medical doctors.
You aren't seeing a doctor. A chiropractor does not have medical training in the field of Neurology. You have to keep going back to him because his fix is temporary.
I think you need to do more research, or change your source of information, Di Z, I would be very interested in you posting the link where you got such bad information!
http://spineguys.com/why_chiropractic/education.asp
You are indeed seeing a Doctor, DC stands for Doctor of Chiropractics.
Beware of anyone who says they can cure fibromyalgia please. Reminds me of snake oil salesmen.
Agreed, and I surrender to the fact that your knowledge as a medical professional surely outweighs mine, but if they can determine the cause, and treat the cause of the fibro, you're off to a very good start, don't you think?
I know the causes of mine, and though I can't undo injury, age, and progressive genetic disease, by treating the root cause, it can be much less of a nightmare by simply minimizing the amount of substance P that floods the brain? But by no means a 'cure'.
http://www.painaustralia.org.au/images/pain_australia/Australian%20...
Here is an interesting article by one of our members who is a celebrated, and published Rheumatologist and Pain Specialist from Perth Australia. I have more information that he has shared with us should you be interested, he created a 'dropbox' and has filled it to the brim with published papers and Doctor's files.
I'm always so interested in talking to all of the medical professionals we have. I'd be very interested in knowing what you were taught about FMS in your nurses training. dee told me she actually had very little mention of Fibro, and it was mostly classified as a mental illness.
BTW, I see you are taking Skelaxin, have you tried any other muscle relaxants, is it helping you? I didn't have much success with it. I have been taking Tizandine 2mg every 12 hours, I have not noticed any remarkable difference with this either.
My best friend has EDS, lives in NYC, and still can't find a doctor who knows anything about it! Other than the Geneticist who diagnosed her and a Sleep Specialist, she has had to educate every one of her doctors on EDS.
Very sad for such a horrid disease.
My doctor is board certified as a Chiropractic Neurologist. He is not a Neurologist, he is a Chiropractor, and I find his title misleading. But he is a trained physician. I don't know how other Chiropractors approach their treatments, but with all of my spinal cord issues he needs to know where all of my nerve damage is. For example, if I complained about pain in my leg, he knew where to focus depending on the nerves involved. I would hope that since they are manipulating the spine, that all of them are trained on the workings of neurology and proceed accordingly, because I can't imagine they would take the chance of aligning bones without knowing the severe implications, or even be allowed to.
My doctor also recommends supplements. The ones I get from him are: Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, Potassium, and a standard multi-vitamin with higher A D E K and Iron, which I'm all deficient in. Nothing that a good medical doctor wouldn't promote. I also get Sombra, a pain relieving cream, which I'm sure almost everyone here uses some sort of thing.
I'm sure like any specialty, there are good doctors and bad ones. Both my PCP and Rheumatologist advised me to seek chiropractic treatment, but I was only able to for a short time before it was discovered that I have a very low bone density, and unfortunately the Chiropractor now refuses to touch me.
Here is some good info on the origins and practices of Chiropractics, should anyone be interested.
http://pseudoscience.wikispaces.com/Alternative+Medicine+Manipulative
I too found a great chiropractor that is a certified neurological chiropractor who specializes in Fibro, chronic pain, depression, ADHD and more. She tries to get to the root of the problem and even had me get an MRI of my brain and asked if I had older scans. I did and was able to get them to her and read the reports from the radiologists. She also has a practice in her hometown up north and sees one of her professors, who she shares strange cases. She was very honest with me and said that they both hadn’t seen anything like my latest scan and advised me to see a neurologist. No snake oil, no hidden expenses and good advise. She got me through the summer and fall when I wasn’t sleeping and the stress was killing me.
I’ve stayed and watch her work with an ADHD child and spoke with his mother while he was being treated. She said that he’s been so much better at home and school and acts like a calmer person since going there.
She doesn’t sell any shoe inserts or supplements. She works and delves into your history like a master. I was so glad that I found her after going to the seminar I spoke of earlier in a post. She accepts my insurance and I don’t have to spend thousands on something that sounds strange. If it doesn’t feel right - move on to someone you do that is creditable.
I think what they are saying makes sense... I would like to find out more about it like what you need to do, cost.. stuff like that.. I think some of these comments I've read here are a bit negative. I know people can end up being scammers BUT you can't say that for everyone. If you are that negative I think that you'll never find that person who can actually help you.. Why can't someone say they have the answer? They didn't even say "cure". Seems like the word "cure" is a bit intimidating depending on how you think of it. At least what they're saying actually makes sense... I just feel like people should be a bit more positive on here.. I haven't been on here long but not to seems like all I've gotten as a suggestion to helping myself with my fibro was to see a doctor and take lyrica. Honestly, it bothers me when people speak of doctors like they're some kind of god. Many doctors (not all) are scammers, liars and out for money. These drugs they give you only cover up your symptoms (that saying to people that it actually helps them). These drugs are not making you better because the illness is still there.. Doctors say you're perfectly healthy but deep down I know you don't believe that crap just as much as I don't. Most of the lab work they do, they say it's "normal" only because it's in between the lines of what they categorize normal and you're blood tests could actually not be so good... Again I do not know these people and don't know all about it but I know there will be someone out there hopefully someday soon who says they have the answer and WILL. Isn't that what we're waiting for? Believing in and keeping our faith for? And if you are too stubborn to listen even a bit to somebody who says "I can help you" you are being just as stubborn as the people who don't listen when you say "I have fibromyalgia" or that fibromyalgia is real and not in my head... If you know about these people actually being bad than that is fine but if not, who are you to judge? Deedee, I think what they are explaining makes sense and sounds beneficial to us with fibro. But how about call that number and ask questions and then see what you think of what they're saying and how they speak to you... I might call though it's far from me... Just try to get more info deedee.. I wish you well...
Natalie.
there are just many unethical people who take advantage of the very sick and desperate to feel better. I did not watch the video very far as i just hate videos...i much rather read the information. So i do not know about it.
I can say this, that if they claim they can cure fibro it is not true and they are just cons. If they can cure it then the next question is why are not all decent doctors also doing it? I do believe that most doctors want to make their patients feel better and even better yet heal us...imagine how great that make you feel?!! So i am leary and think any that say they can cure is more than likely a con...especially ones that say they cure a whole lot of diseases.
Now there is Fibro medical center in Bellevue Wa where i have heard great things about it. Doctors are very kind and really try to help their patients Since all they deal with is Fibro they are up on all latest studies, clinical trials going on etc. Now if i lived in WA i would give them a try if my insurance was accepted there.
As to Chiropractors, I do believe they have their place. If they help you with being able to move that is great! Personally, i have not had much luck except with a back problem and not sure if even then they really helped or would it have gotten better all on it's own as it had in the past. But doctors i admire do say they can help with back problems.
But there is no way you can say they have near the medical education as that of MD...years difference plus residence work. They only do 4 years where MD does double that and if you go into speciality than add another two years...so some doctors do 10yrs of education.
As to no doctors knowing about that one disease when i first got SLE in 1980's most did not know what it was either. I was lucky to have doctor who admitted that i needed specialist, Rheumatologist but problem than was finding one. Back then it was really hard to find one and eventually i did find one in Sac who thankfully was wonderful. i also was only patient in the waiting room under 60 i bet for all the 80's....by the 90's Lupus was beginning to be more well known.
So if most the doctors you are seeing do not know about it and do not even know what kind of specialist to send you too..well, if i was you i find non profit site for that disease and ask them. Your health insurance should be able to give you names of doctors that deal with it as well.
So I say just be careful....and if it cost thousands of dollars no way i try it....and i agree about running all kinds of unnecessary tests. Wow..i been through so many tests when they were trying to figure out what kind of disease i had with SLE that no way i want to ever go through that again. I actually lost weight because the took so much blood weekly lol! truth too!
I speak to doctors you trust or do a lot of background checks on it...investigate the doctors see if any malpractices were found against them...many sites or just the state they work it will show at least for that state ...but if they moved you will need to follow their working history. Just be very careful...but like acupuncture, chiropractors if they help then i think it is great. Oh one thing..herbs...you really need to get the English word for what it is they are giving you and look it up to make sure it is safe with your other drugs and just safe. Herbs should be looked at exactly as any pill or other medicine you take...they are drugs so again be cautious. I think again if it helps and they work with your MD doctor so everyone is on same page...that is great. Just hate for someone to get more sick because of negative reactions from herbs and other pills they are taking...but i try this if i found reputable herbalist. Such as Dr Weil.
I find that being open to all treatments helps me deal with my fibro and neuropathy. I have been relying on my Chiropractor for over 30 years and sometimes his treatment is the only thing that gives me relief. It may only be temporary but I will take temporary anyday. My GP says that fibro is what they call it when they don't know what else to diagnose. He has not been much help and so I will continue to see my Chiropractor along with my Rheumatologist, Neurologist and Gastro guy. My Chiropractor does muscle testing which seems like voodoo doctoring but amazingly enough he says I have gluten, dairy and sugar sensitivity which my Gastroenterologist also says I have. He helps me with my supplements which my neurologist supports. We all have to find relief where we can. My massage therapist even recommends seeing a Chiropractor and she helps with special massage treatments. We all have to explore and be open to all ideas. You never know where it will lead you. Thats what makes this group so special... we share ideas and hope that maybe what helps us will help someone else.