Fibromyalgia

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the way the nervous system processes pain signals. People living with fibromyalgia often experience widespread muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, poor sleep, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, commonly referred to as "fibro fog."

Unlike many musculoskeletal conditions, fibromyalgia is not caused by damaged muscles or joints. Instead, it is believed to involve central sensitization, meaning the nervous system becomes more sensitive to normal pain signals. While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, many people successfully manage their symptoms through a combination of exercise, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and conservative care.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we understand that fibromyalgia requires a personalized, whole-body approach. Our goal is to improve your mobility, reduce muscle tension, help you stay active, and improve your overall quality of life.

How We Treat Fibromyalgia

Treatment is individualized because no two patients experience fibromyalgia the same way. Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, treatment may include:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments when appropriate to improve joint mobility and reduce mechanical pain

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tightness and improve soft tissue mobility

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for selected areas of chronic soft tissue pain when clinically appropriate

• Dry needling to reduce painful trigger points and muscle tension

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) when appropriate to improve tissue mobility

• Corrective exercises to improve strength, posture, flexibility, and endurance

• Personalized home exercise program focused on gradual progression and long-term symptom management

• Education on activity pacing and movement strategies to reduce symptom flare-ups

Our goal is not to "fix" fibromyalgia, but to help you move better, manage symptoms more effectively, and maintain an active lifestyle.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Common symptoms include:

• Widespread muscle pain

• Joint stiffness

• Fatigue

• Poor sleep quality

• Morning stiffness

• Headaches

• Neck and back pain

• Tender muscles

• Difficulty concentrating ("fibro fog")

• Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure

Many patients also experience periods where symptoms flare and then improve over time.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still not fully understood, but research suggests it results from a combination of factors, including:

• Central nervous system sensitization

• Genetics

• Physical trauma

• Emotional stress

• Infections

• Poor sleep quality

• Other chronic pain conditions

Fibromyalgia is a legitimate medical condition and is not simply "pain in your head." The pain is real, even though imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs are often normal.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic focuses on understanding your symptoms and identifying any additional musculoskeletal conditions that may be contributing to your pain.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Orthopedic and neurological examination

• Joint mobility assessment

• Functional movement evaluation

• Postural assessment

• Personalized treatment recommendations

Because fibromyalgia can coexist with conditions such as arthritis, disc disorders, or tendon injuries, a thorough examination helps ensure that all contributing factors are addressed.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors recognize that fibromyalgia affects more than just the muscles and joints. We focus on improving movement, decreasing mechanical pain, and helping patients stay active through individualized conservative care.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce muscle tension

• Improve mobility

• Increase activity tolerance

• Improve flexibility

• Support better movement and function

• Help improve overall quality of life