Skip to main content

chiropractor, collingwood, fibromyalgia, counsellor, counselor, psychologist, psychology, psychotherapy, anger, repressed anger, mind body, Coghlan, pain, aching, Anger management,

Fibromyalgia, Repressed Anger, Chiropractic Therapy  

Please note that I wear two professional hats, chiropractor and counsellor. For access to the counselling perspective please visit http://collingwoodcounsellingpsychology.blogspot.ca/

It has been my experience that the majority of patients I encounter with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia have chronic unresolved emotional issues. Usually, it is some form of unresolved anger or grief, and usually some form of persistent anxiety or apprehension. 

Now that is a bold and sweeping statement, and I appreciate that a disease as complex as fibromyalgia will have many different components to it. This is definitely not a one-size-fits-all statement. Yet the pattern persists.

And I’ve had some people become quite annoyed because I asked if they considered if unresolved issues were somehow a factor in their illness.  I expect their unwillingness to explore the question was defensive of the implication that their fibromyalgia was somehow “in their heads.” To which I sympathize. People with fibromyalgia yearn for legitimization that they do indeed have a “real” disease.  Yet an inability to even explore the question may keep people locked in their pattern of mind-body dissonance.  

It is not such a radical idea that the mind and body are intricately interlinked and that what is unresolved in one part, may negatively affect the other. There is credible research that supports, that for many people diagnosed with fibromylagia, personality types, emotional intelligence, and life circumstances play a huge role in the complex web of factors that foments this debilitating condition. A few examples are listed below.

Over my many years in chiropractic practice, I have come to appreciate that easily 2/3 of conditions I treat originate, or are strongly influenced by emotional factors. And 2/3 of the conditions I treat are more mechanical in nature. That extra 1/3 would be the overlap between the two.

I have also come to appreciate that, often, when I put my hands on a patient’s upper back, there is a different feel to the muscles when the person is dealing more with an emotional injury, than physical. More so, the degree and generality of tension throughout the upper back, neck, and shoulders.

It is not so much that anger gets locked into the body, more so that emotional and physical patterns become interlinked and chronic. When the physical pattern is relieved, often the emotional pattern is free to be expressed. I have had patients break into tears when they are finally able to relieve their angst.

Along with my Doctor of Chiropractic qualifications, I also hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. When appropriate, some empathetic questioning can help a patient understand where deeper issues are operative.

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder where one factor triggers the next in a cyclic web pattern. We can argue if anger is the start or the result of fibromyalgia, yet it is part of the cycle. If we can intervene at any point of the cycle, we can reduce the impact.

Along with physical healing – massage and adjustment where appropriate, eating healthy, quality and quantity of rest, invigorating exercise, nurturing the spiritual self….  emotional healing can also play a significant role.

If you, or someone you care about is afflicted with fibromyalgia… please arrange a no obligation consultation and perhaps allow me to work with you.

Best regards, Dr. Wayne Coghlan


There is much information on fibromyalgia on the internet, some of it good. One has to be careful, however, to discern the useful information from what is, at best entertaining, and some that may be harmful. I usually look at the source of the information and if it is research based rather than someone’s opinion or anecdotal information. A stronger source of credible information is Google Scholar – which allows access to academic research.

Rather than restate the background information on the disease, I will refer the reader to the following sites for reference. What I do wish to address is the connection between fibromyalgia and repressed anger. Please read on…..

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all  

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia

There is a good body of knowledge that personality and emotions can play a significant role in the onset and aggravation of fibromyalgia. In particular unresolved anger can manifest in an emotional – psychological – neurochemical - physical cycle that, if it does not precipitate, can aggravate the ongoing condition.

A few examples:

“Anger towards oneself, which is anger-in, was higher in patients with fibromyalgia patients than in the rheumatoid arthritis sample. A stepwise regression model showed that the anger-out scores and the anxiety scores predicted the level of pain severity, and this explained 32% of the variance in the fibromyalgia syndrome group. Although anger-in is consistently higher in fibromyalgia patients, it is the behavioral expression of anger, together with anxiety, that predicts the severity of the pain.” Kemal Sayar, Huseyin Gulec, Murat Topbas. Alexithymia and anger in patients with fibromyalgia. Clinical Rheumatology. October 2004, Volume 23, Issue 5, pp 441-448. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10067-004-0918-3

“Through biological and behavioural mechanisms, patients with fibromyalgia may also show an increase of pain in response to emotions. Anger, and how it is regulated, may be particularly important in chronic pain.”…”Our study suggests that anger and a general tendency to inhibit anger predicts heightened pain in the everyday life of female patients with fibromyalgia. Psychological intervention could focus on healthy anger expression to try to mitigate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.” Henriët Van Middendorp, Mark A. Lumley, Mirjam Moerbeek, Johannes W.G. Jacobs, Johannes W.J. Bijlsma, Rinie Geenen., Effects of anger and anger regulation styles on pain in daily life of women with fibromyalgia: A diary study. European Journal of Pain Volume 14, Issue 2, pages 176–182, February 2010.  DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2009.03.007

This study demonstrates increased negative emotions and decreased positive emotions, as well as increased emotional-avoidance strategies, in women with fibromyalgia. Henriët van Middendorp, Mark A. LumleyJohannes,  W.G. Jacobs, Lorenz J.P. van DoornenJohannes,  W.J. Bijlsma, Rinie Geenen., Emotions and emotional approach and avoidance strategies in fibromyalgia.,  Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Volume 64, Issue 2 , Pages 159-167, February 2008
http://www.jpsychores.com/article/S0022-3999%2807%2900328

Repeated traumatic experiences during childhood and as adults can be discovered in many cases, which helps to understand some of the difficulties met in psychotherapy with FMS patients. Modified psychotherapy techniques are recommended using pain-centered behavioral methods initially, and progressing only later to an insight orientated approach. P. Keel, Psychological and psychiatric aspects of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)., Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie, December 1998, Volume 57, Issue 2 Supplement, pp S97-S100



Key words: chiropractor, collingwood, fibromyalgia, counsellor, counselor, psychologist, psychology, psychotherapy, anger, repressed anger, mind body, Coghlan, pain, aching, Anger management, Anger Management Collingwood, Anger Management Collingwood. Anger management, Collingwood, Collingwood Psychology Counselling, counseling, counselling, Counselling Collingwood Ontario, Counselling Psychology, Divorce, Divorce support, Emotional Eating, Family and Marital Counselling, Family and Marital Counselling; Stress Management, Men's Counselling, Men's issues, mind body, Personal psychology and counselling, Poem, Poetry, psychology, Psychology Counselling, Robert Service, separation support, Stress Management, Successful Weight Loss, suicide, Suicide prevention, The Quitter

Wayne Coghlan, B.Sc., M.A., D.C. M.A. in Counselling Psychology. Anger Management Collingwood. Anger management; Men's issues; Family and Marital Counselling; Stress Management; Personal psychology and counselling. As also a Doctor of Chiropractic I have a special appreciation of the mind-body connection.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Is good posture worth a year’s supply of prozac?

Posture vs: Prozac In this article, I am comparing the effects of improved posture on relieving a mild to moderately depressed mood, a condition that may otherwise be medically managed by pharmaceuticals such as Prozac. This is for reader's information and not intended as a guide to treatment.   Respectfully submitted for your evaluation. As you are sitting now at your computer station, allow yourself to slump in your chair… if you aren’t already. Computer Posture Give it a minute or so to give it time to sink in. Answer a few more emails if you wish. As you are now sitting slumped, take notice of how you feel in your chest….try taking a deep breath. You will likely be feeling constricted and the deep breath will be less than satisfying. Notice the feeling in your shoulders, the heaviness in your arms.. .. perhaps tension or fatigue in the back of your neck.... that load in your neck and shoulders get transferred to the lower back and add...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Miracle Mediterranean Diet

Olive Oil, Fresh Vegetables, and Wine are part of the Mediterranean Diet. People who have scanned my blog will appreciate that I promote doing the basic things well, and most of the other problems we have tend to diminish. I do promote a diet with more fruit, vegetable, whole grains, and less meat, dairy, and egg. Alcohol, if at all, in moderation.  How much more fruit, veggies and grains? More than you are eating now. How much less meat, dairy, and egg? Less than you are eating now. No drastic changes.. just whatever you are doing…keep tweaking and you’ll get it right. Here is a well written article that gives some more information how the simple things are often the best. Dr. Wayne Coghlan. drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.ca Get ’em to the Greek (diet) LESLIE BECK , Globe and Mail, Mar. 22, 2011 It’s arguably the healthiest diet in the world. The Mediterranean diet – which emphasizes fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts and olive oil – is recognized as the...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Aching Back No More - Straw Bale Gardening!

In this post, I’ll discuss two things I enjoy very much: helping you become and stay healthier through chiropractic, and gardening. More specifically, let me introduce you to STRAW BALE GARDENING.   Who should plant a Straw Bale Garden?   Can't do heavy lifting?   If you are less capable or less interested in doing the heavy work of traditional gardening, such as tilling the soil, constant weeding, unending insect battles and persistent disease spraying, Straw Bale Gardening virtually eliminates these challenges. Can't bend over?   If you have a physical limitation or handicap that restricts you from getting down on the ground, you will appreciate the easier access to the higher surface of a straw bale, which eliminates the bending to plant and harvest.  Poor soil or limited space?   If your have a low soil quality, or if you have limited space that you can devote to a garden, you will love Straw Bale...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Sleep Better

Sleep Better Sleep Better - Some suggestions We all have times when adequate sleep seems to elude us.   For the most part, these episodes are a short lived part of the normal cycles of life. * Persistent lack of sleep - beyond several weeks at a time - produces fatigue, depression, confusion, impaired short-term memory, concentration and alertness. Long term lack of sleep impairs your ability to fight off disease and repair tissue. Effects of chronic sleep deprivation Your proper sleep pattern is what works for you. There are documented cases of people who get by very well with only a few hours of sleep yet others who feel their best with ten! People in many tropical countries find it very necessary to enjoy their mid-day ciesta. If you are reasonably well rested through your day and able to function well, lack of sleep is not necessarily your problem. Your habits - both what you think and do - can cause many chronic sleep problems.   Sleep ...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Collingwood Chiropractor, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Dr. Wayne Coghlan Collingwood Chiropractic and Sports Injury Clinic  Are you looking for a Re-Evolutionary experience?     Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC? Chiropractic, at least how I do it, is a systematic approach to assessing and correcting the structural integrity of the body. Basically, I use hands on methods to restore the alignment and movement of your joints and muscles. HOW AM I DIFFERENT? Some chiropractors rely on outdated theories in an effort to rationalize their treatments, and use patient management techniques rather than seeking to serve the needs of their patients to justify over extended treatment plans. I make every effort to incorporate EVIDENCE BASED treatment protocols into my practice, and where evidence is forthcoming, use more contemporary and scientific theories to guide my treatment approach. Rather than trying to coerce you into a treatment plan, I will explain your options and offer my guidance. Yo...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Case history: Jane's chair caused her injury.

A case history: Jane (name changed, yadda..), a valued employee of a leading local business institution, came to see me about pain that had progressively developed in her lower back over the past year. There was no particular event to account for her discomfort, yet by the end of a work week, she was very happy for the weekend to get some relief. This was an important clue. Through insightful discussion, I understood that Jane spent a good deal of her job seated at her desk and working with a computer. I asked Jane to demonstrate her work posture and it became evident that her habits at work put excessive strain on her back… over time, the strain was developing into a chronic injury. We discussed modifications Jane could make to her desk, chair and computer arrangement… she found and liberated a better chair from an absent coworker. Jane found to her delight, that with chiropractic treatment, a better chair and new work habits to prevent ongoing injury, she was no longer worn rag...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Lumber Disc Injury, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Spinal Traction Therapy

Lumber Disc Injury, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Spinal Traction Therapy Lumbar disc injuries range from strained tissue, to a bulging disc, to complete herniation.    The pain and disability is usually proportional to the degree of injury and complications, especially if a bulging or herniated disc is pressing on a nerve.  At times, a disc can herniate with minimal pain or disability. It is usually the tissues around the disc that cause the most pain. Similarly, there can be much pain with even a relatively minor disc injury.   A lumbar disc injury, as with a broken ankle or sprained knee, needs to be respected lest it becomes a chronic if not permanent disability. The problem is because we can't actually see the injured tissue and many people just try to tough their way through the injury ... or fail to recognize what they are doing to aggravate it.... and make it worse. An indication that a disc is pressing on a nerve is typic...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

aspartame

Dear Reader: I've had several conversations with people that have started off something like..."What is healthier, regular (sugar) pop, or pop with aspartame?" The question is dumb ass really, because the premise is one or the other is healthy. Unless one is near starvation, and desperately in need of the sugar boost, neither product is healthy. The question then ought to be, "Which is less unhealthy?" The basic argument is that sugar is natural and aspartame is artificial and inherently more toxic. The basic reply is that if we consumed teaspoon for teaspoon sugar and aspartame, aspartame may well be toxic beyond what the body can compensate for. However, only a lab rat or a person with pathological intent would do such a thing. A person drinking diet pop consumes ~140 milligrams of aspartame, which the body can easily contend with, compared with the tables spoons of sugar in the same amount of beverage. Which then is more toxic to the body, aspartame o...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/

Dr. Wayne Coghlan: Chiropractor - locum tenens

Wayne Coghlan, B.Sc., M.A., D.C. Ontario Chiropractor  locum tenens www.drwaynecoghlan.weebly.com drwaynecoghlan@gmail.com 705 447-7003 Wayne Coghlan:   Chiropractor    -   Available for locums Doctor of Chiropractic Residing in Mississauga, Ontario.  Available to serve the chiropractic profession as  chiropractor locum tenens 30 years clinical experience, sole practitioner, Collingwood Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic, Collingwood, Ontario. Sole practitioner Diversified, sports injuries and rehabilitation, soft tissue therapy, custom foot orthotics, injury prevention, posture correction, lifestyle modification and coach, ultrasound, interferential, combine MSK with nerve pressure model, low intensity laser, x-rays, shockwave therapy, WSIB, MVA, PMP, Universal.  Registered and in good standing with CCO OCA CCA CCPA Available to travel throughout Ontario. Locations outside of an hour or so radius may require accommodatio...
https://drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.com/