Chiropractic Can Help with Fibromyalgia

By Debra Rodzinak

Imagine suffering from constant pain that permeates every part of your body. For those who suffer from fibromyalgia (FM), this pain is all too real and all too constant. Without a known cure for FM, many patients (mostly women), will have trouble sleeping, constant fatigue, and stiffness in the morning to name just a few of the unpleasant symptoms associated with FM. 

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with FM, a patient must have pain in all four quadrants of the body. The pain must be extreme, not just tenderness or discomfort when pressed upon. One in 10 people suffer from chronic pain with fibromyalgia being the second-most common diagnosed rheumatic disease diagnosed.

Therapies including medications of antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs have been used frequently in the past to treat FM. These drugs have been shown to provide some relief, but with a decrease in effectiveness over time and only modest pain relief, other nonpharmacological approaches to treatment have been sought. Chiropractic care is one of these.

What Studies Have Been Performed?

A study by Europe PMC determined that patients who reported suffering from fibromyalgia and received chiropractic manipulations found increased pain relief. These patients were given spinal manipulations for 4 weeks along with stretching exercises recommended by the chiropractor. Pain was measured on a variety of pain scales and with leg raises and lower back flexibility. Patients reported an overall decreased pain level after the monthlong chiropractic sessions.       

In a second study reported in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA), patients also reported decreased pain relief and an overall better quality of life when given spinal manipulations as opposed to traditional medical treatments involving drug therapy. Patients were “significantly more satisfied, more comfortable, and more relaxed” after several chiropractic sessions.

Where Can I Get Help for My Fibromyalgia?

Studies seem to provide positive results with chiropractic treatment. The expert doctors at The Joint can provide patients suffering from fibromyalgia with gentle spinal adjustments. If you are interested in trying this alternative form of treatment for your fibromyalgia, drop by The Joint for a consultation and adjustment with one of our highly skilled chiropractors. 

The Joint often costs less that a doctor copay and does not schedule appointment times for the convenience of our patients.  With extended weekday and weekend hours, The Joint makes it convenient and stress-free for our patients to find the time to get relief from their pain.