When Prescription Meds Aren't Helping With The Fibro Fog

Posted on: 2 September 2016

Fibromyalgia can cause a range of symptoms, but one of the most debilitating of them all can be the so-called fibro fog. Your whole brain feels blurry, and it seems like it takes you way too long to form a coherent thought. The fibro fog can get in the way of work, your family life, and your ability to maintain a positive mindset. Though doctors may prescribe antidepressants and other medications in an effort to fight the fibro fog, they're not always effective. If your fog has been creeping in, try these alternative therapies.

Chiropractic Care

Muscle stiffness is another hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia. Over time, this stiffness can pull your vertebrae out of alignment. When they're out of place, they can put pressure on any number of nerves related to your ability to think and reason. Chiropractors call these misalignments that press on nerves "subluxations," and alleviating them can have profound impacts on your overall health. In your case, it may lift your fibro fog.

A chiropractic adjustment should be painless, though you may have a little minor stiffness the day after your appointment. As an added bonus, many fibro patients experience some relief from stiffness and muscle aches when they're having regular chiropractic adjustments. Contact a chiropractor, like one at Charles C Gerleman Chiropractic Clinic, for more information.

Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese medical technique has become increasingly popular in the United States as patients realize its benefits. Acupuncture is said to redirect the flow of energy through the body. This may help flush harmful toxins out of the body, leading to a reduction in brain fog. It may also trigger the release of "feel good" hormones like serotonin, further helping to boost your mood. The process of having the tiny acupuncture needles inserted is not painful, though you might feel a little pinching. Most people need treatments every couple of weeks for it to be effective.

Dietary Modification

You may want to meet with a dietician and discuss changes you can make to your diet to help lift your brain fog. Everyone is different, but many fibro patients feel better when they:

  • Cut caffeine out of their diets. (You may reach for caffeine thinking it will lift a brain fog temporarily, but in the long term, it tends to make matters worse.)
  • Limiting sugar. (Spikes in blood sugar are not great for brain fog.)
  • Eating more fruits and veggies. (Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may make brain fog worse.)

There's no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are ways to improve your symptoms – including brain fog – so you can go on living life.

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