Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic syndrome characterized by the amplification of pain signals within the central nervous system, a process known as central sensitization. This condition causes the brain to interpret normal sensory input as painful, leading to a state of heightened sensitivity throughout the body. While it involves various neurological and metabolic components, its most prominent symptoms include widespread musculoskeletal pain, profound chronic fatigue that rest does not alleviate, and cognitive impairments often referred to as "fibro fog."
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens utilizes nearly 30 years of experience to provide natural relief for fibromyalgia through a multi-faceted approach. We focus on restoring proper movement and alleviating systemic tension using precise chiropractic adjustments—incorporating both manual techniques and specialized instruments like the Impulse IQ or ArthroStim—alongside myofascial release to address muscle tightness and tender points. For patients seeking additional recovery support, we offer red light therapy to stimulate circulation and reduce neuroinflammation, as well as Kinesio Taping to stabilize affected areas. Our goal is to provide quick pain relief and improve your quality of life without requiring long-term treatment contracts, allowing you to manage your wellness on your own terms.
Fibromyalgia
Symptoms
Widespread pain - persistent dull aches or sharp sensations felt on both sides of the body
Chronic fatigue - deep, unyielding exhaustion that often feels similar to a lingering flu
Cognitive dysfunction - mental cloudiness that makes it difficult to focus or process information
Sensory hypersensitivity - increased sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, and clothing textures
Sleep disturbances - interrupted rest characterized by frequent waking or restless leg sensations
Muscle stiffness - physical rigidity in the body that can interfere with normal movement
Burning or tingling - prickling sensations in the skin often caused by small fiber nerve damage
Frequent headaches - recurrent migraines or tension-type headaches that occur alongside body pain
Digestive issues - co-occurring conditions like irritable bowel syndrome that cause abdominal discomfort
TMJ disorders - pain and tenderness in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles
Common Causes
Fibromyalgia is primarily driven by a process known as central sensitization, where the central nervous system enters a state of high reactivity. This physiological shift causes the brain and spinal cord to amplify sensory signals, interpreting standard physical contact as painful or magnifying actual pain sensations far beyond normal levels. Research indicates that this occurs alongside a significant imbalance in neurotransmitters; patients often exhibit elevated levels of pain-amplifying chemicals like Substance P and glutamate, while lacking sufficient inhibitory neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine that typically help the body dampen pain signals.
Beyond the central nervous system, physical changes in the peripheral nerves and immune system responses play a critical role in the development of the condition. Evidence shows that a majority of individuals with fibromyalgia suffer from small fiber neuropathy, which involves actual damage to the thin nerve fibers in the skin responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations. This damage often explains the burning or tingling feelings many patients report. Furthermore, chronic low-grade neuroinflammation—driven by the activation of specialized immune cells in the brain called microglia—contributes to the persistent cycle of discomfort and cognitive "fog" that characterizes the syndrome.
The onset of fibromyalgia can also be linked to dysfunction in the body's stress-response system, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dysfunction frequently results in abnormal cortisol levels and disrupted sleep-wake cycles, preventing the deep, restorative sleep necessary for tissue repair and pain regulation. Emerging studies even suggest a potential autoimmune component where specific antibodies may target sensory neurons, alongside environmental triggers such as physical trauma, severe infections, or prolonged psychological stress that can initiate these systemic changes in predisposed individuals.
How Fibromyalgia can affect you
Leaving fibromyalgia unmanaged often leads to a debilitating sedentary cycle where the fear of triggering widespread pain or sharp sensations causes a significant reduction in physical activity. This lack of movement results in severe muscle deconditioning and increased muscle stiffness, which paradoxically amplifies physical limitations and heightens the body's sensitivity to pain. Over time, this cycle can transform manageable discomfort into a state of chronic physical disability, making it increasingly difficult to perform standard activities of daily living or maintain steady employment.
The neurological impact of untreated fibromyalgia is equally profound, as the central nervous system remains in a state of high reactivity known as central sensitization. Without intervention, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances can worsen, leading to more frequent tension-type headaches or migraines and intensified cognitive dysfunction. This pervasive mental cloudiness makes it difficult to process information or maintain focus, while persistent sensory hypersensitivity can make normal environments—characterized by bright lights, loud noises, or certain clothing textures—feel overwhelming. Furthermore, the burning or tingling sensations caused by small fiber nerve damage may become more intrusive, further disrupting an already compromised sleep architecture and preventing restorative rest.
Beyond physical and cognitive symptoms, the long-term burden of unyielding exhaustion and chronic pain significantly increases the risk of developing secondary mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. The inability to find relief from deep, flu-like fatigue and frequent waking often leads to social isolation and a diminished quality of life. Statistically, individuals with poorly managed fibromyalgia are also at a higher risk for emergency medical care and hospitalization due to unexplained pain crises or severe co-occurring issues like digestive distress and TMJ disorders, highlighting the cumulative systemic toll the condition takes when left unaddressed.
How we treat Condition name
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens approaches the underlying neurological drivers of fibromyalgia, such as central sensitization and neuroinflammation, with nearly 30 years of clinical expertise. By utilizing precise chiropractic adjustments—incorporating both manual spinal manipulation and advanced instruments like the Impulse IQ—Dr. Owens works to regulate the overactive central nervous system. This targeted care is designed to help dampen the amplified pain signals and neurotransmitter imbalances previously discussed, aiming to restore more balanced communication between the brain and the body. Our Bellevue clinic provides a professional, welcoming environment where patients can begin addressing these core physiological issues as early as their first visit with same-day treatment options.
To mitigate the peripheral drivers of the condition, such as small fiber neuropathy and localized tissue inflammation, we integrate supportive therapies like Red Light (Laser) Therapy. This non-invasive service stimulates cellular metabolism and circulation to assist the body's natural healing of damaged nerve fibers and quiet the persistent neuroinflammation that fuels chronic discomfort. Additionally, Dr. Owens employs myofascial release techniques, including VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point release, to address the physical tension and scar tissue often resulting from the body’s dysfunctional stress response. For patients in the Bellevue area seeking to stabilize these physiological changes, Kinesio Taping may also be utilized to reinforce the nerve connection between the brain and affected musculoskeletal areas.
We recognize that managing the systemic causes of fibromyalgia requires a flexible approach tailored to your specific wellness goals. At Chiropractic of Bellevue, located at 365 118th Ave SE, we do not require long-term treatment contracts; the duration of your care is always up to you. Whether you are looking for immediate relief from a flare-up or prefer a monthly maintenance schedule to help manage long-term neurotransmitter and HPA axis stability, Dr. Owens provides thorough, experienced care. Our clinic is in-network with major providers including Premera, Regence, and United Healthcare, making it easier for you to access the natural care necessary to address the root causes of your condition.