The intense, widespread pain caused by fibromyalgia can be debilitating, taking a significant toll on a person’s overall quality of life. Dr. William V. Salvatore uses advanced treatment techniques to help relieve the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia, offering customized treatment plans based on the needs of patients throughout the Oceanside, New York, region. Dr. Salvatore wants to ensure each patient receives convenient, affordable, long-lasting chiropractic care, and will work with each patient individually to ensure their needs are met. His goal is to get patients out of pain and out of his office as quickly as possible.

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What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness as well as focused, localized areas of pain throughout the body. Painful symptoms occur most often in the back, shoulders, neck, legs and arms, and many people also suffer from joint stiffness, headaches, numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet. Difficulty focusing and sleep problems can also occur in people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can also vary in intensity from relatively mild to severe and debilitating.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia isn’t known, but researchers believe several factors may play a role. Chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations, genetics and increased sensitivity to nerve signals may cause or contribute to the condition. Fibromyalgia is much more common among women, and about 80% of fibromyalgia patients are female.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

The first step in treating fibromyalgia is to have a hands-on evaluation to identify the sources of painful symptoms to help manage treatment. Fibromyalgia causes pain signals to be amplified well above normal levels, resulting in long-term and widespread pain. Spinal adjustments and manual therapy can be helpful in reducing nerve impingements that can interfere with normal nerve signaling and contribute to both local and widespread pain, as well as symptoms like insomnia and problems concentrating (sometimes called “brain fog”). Therapeutic exercises, massage, and hot and cold therapy can also help by stimulating circulation and promoting natural healing while also reducing inflammation and irritation in nerves and soft tissues. Focused manual therapy and hot and cold therapy are also very useful in relieving intense pain associated with localized “trigger points,” and they can aid in reducing joint stiffness that occurs as a result of fibromyalgia pain.

How long does treatment last?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and most people benefit from regular care on an ongoing basis. Dr. Salvatore works closely with every patient to alter treatment over time as the patient’s needs and symptoms evolve to ensure optimal relief and an improved quality of life.