Chiropractic care offers individuals with fibromyalgia a nonpharmacological treatment using a complementary and alternative medicine modality. According to the Mayo Clinic, chiropractors believe that restricted movement in the spine and ongoing pain in fibromyalgia produce diminished function. The chiropractor attempts to improve spinal movement and decrease the pain of fibromyalgia by manipulating the spine with the individual placed in various positions.
Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia
People with fibromyalgia typically complain of tender points, including back pain, neck pain and leg restlessness. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress describes fibromyalgia as involving turmoil in the nervous system that causes supersensitive responses to stimuli. Chiropractors address the overall health of a person's body and responses to the nervous system. Medical News Today described chiropractic care as reducing incapacitating fatigue and the inflexibility of the joints in fibromyalgia. The chiropractic care assists the individual to decrease the disability the fibromyalgia produces.
Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care in Fibromyalgia
The chiropractic therapy can improve range of motion in the joints and decrease pain in a person living with fibromyalgia. In the "Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy," Schneider et al. delineate massage and muscle strength training as two areas of chiropractic treatment with moderate evidence of effectiveness. The reduction in pain is most likely due to an increase in the production of endorphins, pain relievers a person's body generates. The research showed limited evidence for the effectiveness of manipulation alone.
Manipulations
Manipulation in chiropractic care implies performing brief, rapid thrusts via twisting, rotating or hand pressure to the vertebrae bones in your back. The performance of manipulation may create a cracking or popping sound. The noise arises from a discharge of built-up oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the joint.
Side Effects of Chiropractic Care
On rare occasions, chiropractors performing manipulation caused internal bleeding and blood clots. Manipulation may produce bone fractures in individuals with brittle bones or osteoporosis. Less common, but more worrisome, heart attack and stroke have occurred in manipulation of the neck and spine. The Fibromyalgia Symptom Organization describes an increase in pain as the only possible side effect with massage. People should speak with their physician before initiating chiropractic care.
Finding a Chiropractic Doctor
When searching for a chiropractor, the Fibromyalgia Symptom Organization gives the following suggestions: Ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations; do a phone interview and inquire about techniques used for treatment; check out the office setting for a clean and professional environment; and avoid any chiropractor who claims to cure a chronic health condition. Since the research reviewed by Schneider et al. showed some effectiveness with massage and muscle training, these techniques would be part of the chiropractor's modalities.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Fibromyalgia
- "The Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy"; Chiropractic Management of Fibromyalgia; Michael Scneider, Ph.D. et al.; 2009
- Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Chiropractic Care
- Medical News Today: Fibromyalgia
