Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic

By William A. Cox, DC

Fibromyalgia is one of the more common conditions in which people seek relief through Chiropractic care. Statistically, around 5 million adult Americans suffer from Fibromyalgia. One characteristic that makes it unique is that around 80-90% of sufferers are women.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain and stiffness accompanied by fatigue. People with fibromyalgia typically have multiple tender points or trigger points throughout the soft tissue of their bodies. Fibromyalgia sufferers may also experience tingling or numbness in their extremities, headaches, trouble sleeping, cognitive and memory problems and painful menstrual periods.

Because Fibromyalgia is such a complex disorder with a wide spectrum of symptoms, treatment usually requires a “team approach”. These “teams” of doctors should consist of a general internist, Rheumatologist, Nutritionist and a Chiropractor.

For the same reasons that it can help with other pain disorders, Chiropractic is an excellent means to manage the painful symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. Chiropractors are experienced in the identification and treatment of joint and soft tissue disorders. Through thorough examination, Chiropractors diagnose specific areas of restriction in the musculoskeletal system. These restrictions can be caused by the malposition of the joint itself or by problems with the soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.) which are attached to these structures.

After locating the abnormality in range of motion and finding its cause, the Chiropractor then will utilize specific techniques to manipulate the joint and soft tissue in order to release the restriction, thereby restoring proper function. Once proper function is restored over time, inflammation will be decreased along with the painful symptoms!

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that is physically and mentally taxing on a person. As a Chiropractor, I have seen many Fibromyalgia patients come through our office and, although it can be a difficult and complicated condition to treat, many of these people find positive outcomes after undergoing treatment.