Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and multiple tender, or "trigger," points. These points refer to sensitivity that occurs in specific localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. There are nine pairs of trigger points, one point on each side of the body. Patients with fibromyalgia also may experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.
Diagnosis
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, although men, children and the elderly may also be affected. The exact cause is unknown. The symptoms are similar to other diseases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, low thyroid function, and clinical depression, making it difficult to diagnose. Criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months and pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific trigger points when they are pressed.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment is based on the theory that physical disorders are caused by problems in the nervous system and that misalignment (subluxations) of the vertebrae affects the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment involves manipulation of the spinal column and other areas of the body to correctly align the spine.
While there is controversy over the subluxation theory, according to BigBackPain.com, there is some evidence that chiropractic treatment can be effective for neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than half of the participants who underwent 30 chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep. The article concludes, "This study suggests a potential role for chiropractic care in the management of fibromyalgia. A randomized clinical trial should be conducted to test this hypothesis. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000; 23: 225--30)"
A January 2009 article in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, "Chiropractic Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature by Michael Schneider, D.C., Ph.D., Howard Vernon, D.C., Ph.Db., Gordon Ko, MDc., Gordon Lawson, MSc., DCd., Jerome Pererae concludes, "Review of these articles resulted in the following recommendations regarding nonpharmaceutical treatments of FMS. Strong evidence supports aerobic exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Moderate evidence supports massage, muscle strength training, acupuncture, and spa therapy (balneotherapy). Limited evidence supports spinal manipulation, movement/body awareness, vitamins, herbs, and dietary modification."
See Your Doctor
Your physician is best qualified to evaluate and design a specific care plan for patients who suffer from fibromyalgia. If you choose chiropractic care, regular chiropractic adjustments, along with nutrition and exercise, can help reduce pain and other symptoms.
Tags: evidence supports, trigger points, chiropractic care, Chiropractic treatment, Journal Manipulative