The word "fibromyalgia" might not mean that much to you, but
don't tell that to someone afflicted with the condition. Fibromyalgia
sufferers report chronic, achy muscular pain in many specific
but widely dispersed sites, particularly the lower back, neck,
shoulders, upper chest and/or thighs. While the precise cause
of fibromyalgia remains uncertain, evidence suggests that
the immune system is involved.
The cure for fibromyalgia also remains elusive, although
a recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological
Therapeutics (JMPT) provides evidence that chiropractic
care may provide some relief. Study participants underwent
30 chiropractic treatments combining several different techniques
(including spinal manipulation). Results showed significant
reductions in pain intensity and improvement in quality of
sleep and overall fatigue in nine of the 15 patients. These
improvements were maintained one month after treatment. The
six patients who did not respond to chiropractic care tended
to be older and have more severe fibromyalgia than the other
patients.
More work needs to be done to determine the specific role
chiropractic plays in the management of fibromyalgia, but
these results are certainly promising. For more information
on fibromyalgia and other conditions that may respond to chiropractic
care, schedule a consultation with your local doctor of chiropractic.
Reference:
Hains G, Hains F. Combined ischemic compression and spinal
manipulation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a preliminary
estimate of dose and efficacy. Journal of Manipulative
and Physiological Therapeutics, May 2000: Vol. 23, No.
4, pp225-30.
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