fibromyalgia, Whiplash and Falls: What’s the connection?
Frequently a traumatic event will start the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Why is that? What happens to our body when we have a fall or have a car crash or another traumatic event?
In any car accident the sudden impact will cause the body to do two things: First, the body and head will move in opposite directions, causing the head to jerk suddenly backward (hyperextension) and forward (hyperflexion). Then, the neck muscles stiffen in an effort to prevent serious injury to the spinal cord and brain, which can cause tearing of the muscles, and stretching of ligaments and muscles in the back of the neck. In short, there is a lot of muscle trauma involved in most car accidents, particularly rear end collisions associated with whiplash.
But what about falls?
When most people hear the word, “whiplash,” immediately they picture a rear-end motor vehicle accident. But there are other ways that whiplash injuries can occur, including:
• Falls
• Assault, such as being punched or shaken
• Roller coaster rides
• Sports, especially contact sports such as football or boxing
A whiplash injury occurs when the cervical spine (neck) is stretched beyond its normal range of motion in a forward (flexion), backward (extension) or sideways movement regardless of whether or not the person is in a car at the time. The discs between the vertebrae, along with their associated muscles, tendons and ligaments can be stretched or torn, resulting in symptoms such as:
• neck pain, stiffness or tenderness
• headache
• dizziness
• numbness or tingling sensation
• muscle spasms
• irritability
• memory loss
• blurred vision
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• ringing in the ears
• back pain
• swelling
These are many of the most common problems associated with fibromyalgia. But the worse part about a whiplash type injury is the impact that it makes on the nervous system. Brain Stem pressure can develop as a result or the top bone in the spine called the Atlas shifting from it’s normal position and locking into a stressed position.
Many patients think that if the pain they feel the day after an accident is minor, then they are “saved.” Then, years later, they begin to experience extreme neck and back trauma that branches out to other parts of the body through the nervous system. Others experience significant neck pain that goes away after a month or so. Then, perhaps 10-20 years later, they may begin to experience symptoms such as extreme neck pain, tingling down the arms into the fingers, and trouble sleeping that all relate back to the original whiplash injury!
An article in the British Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine stated that “chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment in chronic cases” of whiplash injury. The article reported the results of a study in which 26 out of 28 patients with chronic whiplash syndrome benefitted from chiropractic care. The authors also noted that “conventional treatment of patients with whiplash is disappointing.” Convential treatment would include medications and physical therapy most commonly.
So how does this all relate to Fibromyalgia?
Most common symptoms associated with “Fibromyalgia” are;
Pain all over
Fatigue
Brain fog
Trouble sleeping
Exercise difficulties
Irritable bowel
Headaches
Jaw pain
Multiple sensitivities
Sound familiar?
The number of symptoms that are commonly associated with chronic whiplash injuries are many of the same symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. Here is an example from my office of a woman named Lynn who had a fall in a grocery store. She slipped and fell back onto the hard floor. About 6 weeks after that, she began to feel that she was getting the flu. Sore and achy all over, sinus congestion and some trouble breathing.
15 years later the flu hadn’t gone away!
Here is her story in her own words…
“I came into Dr. Davis’ office with Fibromyalgia pain, allergies, low back pain and headaches. After my very first visit I found that the congestion in my sinuses was cleared. I could breath so much deeper. After 15+ years of taking allergy medication, I no longer need them!!
I am sleeping sounder and I don’t have muscle spasms in my back anymore!
I have more energy to exercise. I have been able to garden and do yard work without back pain! It used to take a week to recover from 2 hours of gardening!
Dr. Davis truly cares about his patients well being. He explains everything and takes his time with you.”
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition, but if the upper cervical spine has been misaligned due to accidents or injuries, brain stem pressure will begin to develop. Once that pressure is removed the nervous system can begin to heal the body from the inside out.
Frequently Fibromyalgia is just a fancy latin name for the lingering effects of chronic whiplash injuries and the underlying upper neck misalignment that has occured.
Dr. William R. Davis Jr., D.C. is a Vista Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist. He is in private practice in Southern California in the city of Vista. He specializes in correcting problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at http://www.nuccawellness.com
