Fibromyalgia Tried To Sideline Him. Chiropractic Helped.

Reviewed by: Dr. Dustin DebRoy, D.C.

By: Janett King

Richard Moore spent most of his life in motion. Growing up and into adulthood, he was the healthy, active guy from Dallas who loved pushing himself through triathlons, long rides on his bike, laps in the pool, and just about any outdoor activity that got his heart pumping. Being active was not a hobby. It was part of who he was.

That identity was shaken when he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The condition brought so much pain that he could no longer stay active in the way he wanted. Everyday movement became difficult, and the life he had built around cycling, swimming, and training felt like it was slipping away. At forty one, Richard says very simply that if he had not found chiropractic care at The Joint Chiropractic, he does not believe he would be sitting here today. He thinks he would probably be in a wheelchair. Instead, he has a care team that feels like family and a path forward that gives him hope.

For Richard, being active was a way of life. Triathlons brought together everything he loved about movement. Cycling, swimming, and outdoor training challenged his body and cleared his mind. Long rides and workouts were where he found peace, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

That kind of lifestyle depends on a body that moves freely. When you’re used to training and staying busy, it’s easy to take simple things like getting up, going for a ride, or walking through your day for granted. Before fibromyalgia, Richard could count on his body to keep up with his goals. That trust was what made the diagnosis so difficult.

When fibromyalgia changes everything

When Richard heard the word fibromyalgia, he quickly learned how much power that diagnosis would have over everyday life. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that involves widespread body pain. It often occurs with fatigue and can be linked to problems with sleep, memory, and mood. Researchers believe it affects the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, which can increase sensitivity to pain throughout the body.

For many people, that pain isn’t limited to one joint or one area. It can be felt across the back, neck, hips, arms, or legs. It may flare after activity or appear without a clear trigger. Fatigue and sleep issues may add another layer of difficulty, making even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming.

Richard describes being in so much pain that he could not do anything. The man who once trained for triathlons now faced days where getting through ordinary tasks felt like a challenge. The active life he loved was no longer available in the same way. The gap between who he had been and how he felt now was wide, and it came with real fear about the future.

Understanding fibromyalgia pain

Fibromyalgia is thought to affect about two percent of people in the United States. It is more common in women but can affect people of any gender, often appearing in early to middle adulthood. The condition is characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain that lasts at least three months and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, poor sleep, and other symptoms.

Researchers believe fibromyalgia involves changes in how the central nervous system processes pain, a concept sometimes called central sensitization or nociplastic pain. In simple terms, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals, so sensations that once felt comfortable or neutral can start to feel painful.

Because of this, fibromyalgia can touch nearly every part of daily life. Many people describe challenges with sleep, concentration, and memory, sometimes referred to as “fibro fog.” Others notice that stress, changes in activity, or even weather shifts can flare symptoms. Fibromyalgia is not life threatening, but it can significantly affect quality of life and the ability to work, stay active, and participate in the things that matter most.

Discovering The Joint Chiropractic

In the middle of that pain and uncertainty, Richard found chiropractic care at The Joint Chiropractic. He began seeing the chiropractors at his local clinic, and over the last few years, those visits have become an essential part of how he manages his fibromyalgia and maintains his independence.

Richard does not use complicated language to explain the impact. He says that if he did not have the care of the chiropractors at The Joint and if he had not found out about The Joint, he does not think he would be sitting here today. In his own words, he believes he would probably be in a wheelchair.

That perspective says a lot about how far he felt his health had declined and how much care has helped him reclaim parts of his life. Chiropractic did not erase his diagnosis, but it gave him support, structure, and a way to keep moving forward.

Chiropractic care and fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia care is often most effective when it is multidisciplinary. Many care plans focus on education, regular physical activity, stress management, sleep support, and other lifestyle changes, sometimes combined with medications when appropriate.

Chiropractic aims to improve the relationship between the spine, joints, and nervous system. For some people living with fibromyalgia, chiropractic adjustments and related care may help by:

• Addressing areas of joint restriction that may contribute to discomfort
• Supporting mobility in the spine and other joints
• Helping improve posture and movement patterns
• Providing strategies that may help people stay as active as their condition allows

Every person’s experience with fibromyalgia is different, and not everyone responds to care in the same way. Chiropractic is not a cure for fibromyalgia. However, for individuals like Richard, it can be one part of a broader approach that helps them manage pain, stay more mobile, and feel more supported in their daily lives.

A second family at the clinic

Throughout the years, Richard has become very close to the doctors and front desk team at The Joint. He describes them as family. To him, they are understanding, compassionate, and always willing to help.

That sense of connection is especially important for people living with chronic pain. Fibromyalgia is often invisible from the outside, and many people feel misunderstood or dismissed before they receive a diagnosis or find a care team that truly listens. Having a place where he feels heard and cared for has been just as meaningful to Richard as the physical relief he experiences.

When he walks into the clinic, he’s not just a condition or a list of symptoms. He is a person with a story, a history of athletic achievement, and goals for his future. The relationships he has built there help make ongoing care sustainable.

Gratitude for the future

Richard says he would be very disappointed if The Joint wasn’t around anymore, because he feels they have saved his life. For someone who once feared losing his independence, that’s not a small statement. It reflects both the depth of the struggle and the impact that care he receives.

He still lives with fibromyalgia, but his life is no longer defined by pain. He has a support system, a care routine, and a team that feels like family. His story is a reminder that while chronic conditions can change the way life looks, the right support may help people hold on to what matters most and find new ways to keep moving forward.

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