FibromyalgiaHow do I adapt my life to this disorder? Why do I feel like doctors aren’t listening to my symptoms?

Dr. Eric Oltmanns D.C.

Crossroads Chiropractic

Dr. Eric Oltmanns D.C.

Crossroads Chiropractic Clinic

Located inside the St. Cloud Medical Group Across From Hennen’s Furniture

Access to Over 50 MD’s and Urgent Care

Access To Digital X-ray, MRI, and advance imaging

Access to Physical Therapy and Clinical Counseling

Definition of Fibromyalgia According to the Mayo Clinic:

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Diagnostic Criteria for

Fibromyalgia

• ACR Diagnostic Criteria:

• History of chronic widespread pain ≥ 3 months

• Patients must exhibit ≥ 11 of 18 tender points

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Fatigue

Sleep Disorders

Morning Joint Stiffness

Chronic Headaches

Muscle pain after exertion

Jaw Pain

Irritable Bowl Syndrome

Skin Sensitivity

Numbness or tingling in arm/legs

Memory impairment

Dizziness

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Rheumatic Diseases/Arthritis

Lyme Disease

Lupus

Anemia

Hypothyroidism

Hormone Imbalance

Contributing Causes

Previous Physical or Emotional Trauma

Previous surgeries Genetics Female:Male Ratio is 7:140-60 year old woman is most

common age

Why have I seen so many Doctors?

Due to the number of symptoms usually present, it takes many specialty doctors to investigate specific symptoms

It is usually difficult for these professionals to communicate with each other and is also difficult to come to the same diagnosis of FM.

This process can take 5 to 10 years to accurately receive a FM diagnosis.

Each office visit only allows a snapshot of the whole FM picture and takes many visits to document the accumulation of symptoms and trends.

Why are so many different treatments offered and tests ordered?

The type of Doctor you see dictates the type of treatment they provide for FM For example, family practice doctors might pick 2 symptoms

out of the list you provide that day and give you medications for them.

Many will order specific tests in their specialty so it is not uncommon to feel like you have had every imaginable test completed on you. Do you ever feel like the image below?

What does Chiropractic treatment offer for FM?

Personally I believe that to effectively treat FM, many health care providers must work in conjunction towards a common goal of reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

As a Chiropractor, I focus on the musculoskeletal complaints and symptoms that FM patients have such as muscle spasms, headaches, joint pain, etc.

The other main topics that we focus on are Nutrition, Exercise, Stress Reduction.

Chiropractic FM treatments

Trained in finding trigger points and working on them to reduce muscle spasm.

Specific adjustments to reduce neurological interference, reduce muscle spasm, reduce headaches, and many more benefits that include too many to list.

Ultrasound therapy and electric stimulation to reduce muscle spasm and reduce intensity of trigger points.

At Home Recommendations

Exercise: Many FM patients dread the thought of this and believe that

it will flare their symptoms up.

20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day

Resistance band strengthening 3x per week

Prognosis significantly improved when regular exercise is implemented in the treatment plan

Start slow and gradually increase intensity and quantity of exercise

This will improve sleep, blood pressure, energy level, and mood

Recommendations

Stress Reduction Many FM patients can remember a stressful time

period where their symptoms began

Finding someone who will discuss the past can help reduce stress such as a clinical counselor

Meditation, Yoga, and Tai-Chi are incredible forms of stress reduction

Breathing techniques for certain times of day/night to help reduce stressful events or anxiety

Stress allows the Adrenal Glands to release Cortisol which in turn causes inflammation and exacerbates FM symptoms

Support Group

Massage

Improving Sleep

It is important to have quality sleep to allow the adrenal glands to regulate themselves.

Chiropractic treatments will help improve sleep habits by reducing symptoms that consistently interrupt sleep.

Previously mentioned at home recommendations will contribute to better sleep.

Nutritional Advice

Only fuel your body with high nutrient foods and meats.

Avoid processed foods and junk food that increase your blood sugar and in turn contribute to stress, depression, and muscle aches

Rule of thumb *If it is in a box, it is processed* Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and limit entering the isles.

Drink LOTS of water (half your weight in ounces) Example: 160 lbs. should drink 80 ounces H2O per day

Avoid Corn, Wheat, Gluten, Nuts, Soy, Sugar

Elimination Diet:

Remove unwanted food from diet for 2-4 weeks. Re-introduce unwanted food after 2-4 weeks and see what kind of symptoms return. About 75% of people find trigger foods this way

Supplements that I recommend

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)Vitamin D, C, and B6/B12ProbioticsCalcium/MagnesiumMulti-vitaminMalic Acid

5 Things to Avoid

Avoid Smoking

Coffee

Drinking Alcohol in excess

Sedentary lifestyles/habits

Stressful Environments

Reasons to come into my office for Chiropractic Care

Reduced Pain, headaches, muscle aches

Improved quality of sleep

Improved quality of life

Less Medical Doctor Visits and Medication Use

If my treatments are not helping, I will be completely honest and refer you to the right person

I enjoy working with other health care professionals and to be part of your FM treatment team, we all play an important role

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments work very well for FM

Reduce pain/muscle spasm

Most people that benefit from this treatment will know by the second or third treatment

Questions???

Call and make an appointment today!

Dr. Eric Oltmanns

Crossroads Chiropractic Clinic

320-252-3711

www.crossroadschiropracticclinicpa.com

Thanks For Taking Your Time Today To Improve Your Health!