Fibromyalgia and Chiropractic?

Because fibromyalgia patients are often at their wits ends when it comes to finding solutions to their problem, they are often reluctant to consider options that seem far-fetched, such as chiropractic. Why is that? My guess is it's because they've not read a good explanation how treating joint injuries can result in decreased muscle pain. After all, fibromyaligia pains are more in the muscles rather than the joints.

Chiropractic care involves adjustment to joints to help restore mobility and alignment of these structures. But how is this connected to muscles? Simple, when joints and ligaments are sprained and not moving correctly, this then results in adaptation to this instability. The muscles may spasm, become tight, and develop knots such as trigger points. Muscle function is based on good joint function. If there is an imbalance in muscle strength, this will then affect the joints and vice versa. So although chiropractic care is more aimed at joint function, it will have indirect effects on the muscular movement, which are often impaired in fibromyalgia cases. Most authorities now agree that a multifaceted approach is needed in fibromyalgia cases. In addition to addressing joint and nerve function, the chiropractor can also address the soft tissues through direct treatment such as massage or trigger point therapy. But more is typically needed and research has shown the instituting an aerobic and resistance training program can help the symptoms of fibromyalgia. You may also need to address dietary issues and eat more foods that promote healing and decrease inflammation. Some patients will also need supervised weight-loss to truly make maximal gains and get back to the activities they once enjoyed.

By looking at the muscles, joints, weight, diet and exercise, we believe you're taking the most holistic and natural approach to addressing this problem. Some may want to take the drug/pharmaceutical approach, but this will not be best for everyone. If you've been down that road already, and have not had lasting results, you may wish to consider alternatives. Getting healthy can be hard work and it may seem hopeless at this point, but please don't give up. There are a lot of options for care.