Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Condition?

Exploring the Perspective from Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sensitivity to touch. Many patients with fibromyalgia also experience sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and mood issues. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, there is an ongoing debate within the medical community about whether it has autoimmune origins or not.

As an upper cervical chiropractor, I approach conditions like fibromyalgia from a holistic perspective that considers the alignment and function of the spine, particularly the upper cervical spine. Here’s a closer look at how fibromyalgia is viewed from this perspective and whether it might be linked to autoimmune factors.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is traditionally classified as a syndrome rather than a disease because it involves a collection of symptoms rather than a specific identifiable cause. Common symptoms include:

Widespread Pain: Often described as a constant dull ache affecting multiple body areas.

Fatigue: Persistent tiredness despite adequate rest and sleep.

Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to pain and touch, sometimes extending to light and sound.

Cognitive Issues: Often referred to as “fibro fog,” involving memory problems and difficulty concentrating.

Autoimmune Hypothesis

Some researchers and healthcare providers propose that fibromyalgia could be linked to autoimmune dysfunction. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in autoimmune conditions, leading to inflammation and other symptoms. While fibromyalgia does involve symptoms that could be associated with inflammation, such as pain and fatigue, direct evidence linking it to autoimmune mechanisms remains limited and inconclusive.

The Role of Upper Cervical Chiropractic

In upper cervical chiropractic care, we focus on the relationship between the upper cervical spine (the top two vertebrae, known as the atlas and axis) and the central…