Chiropractic Helps Man with Fibromyalgia
A 56-year-old male diagnosed with severe fibromyalgia was not getting any relief. His symptoms included blackouts, chronic pain, migraines, difficulty sleeping, numbness in his extremities, and several other ailments. He also had trouble walking, requiring the use of a cane.
The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, mid back, and low back. He also had postural changes, decreased range of motion, and muscle spasms. Quality of life questionnaires, orthopedic testing and x-rays confirmed the findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, he experienced a significant decrease in pain, no blackouts, and his mobility improved. He was able to walk without a cane and reported increased overall functionality.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Reference: Functional Improvement and Pain Reduction in a Patient with Fibromyalagia Undergoing Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Review of the Literature. Kristal Henry, DC. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Vol 2024.
Fibromyalgia – FACTS
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog.” The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Symptoms can vary significantly, but common ones include muscle pain, stiffness, sleep disturbances, and mood issues. People with fibromyalgia also frequently report memory and concentration problems, as well as heightened sensitivity to pain, known as central sensitization. Though more common in women, fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages and genders, significantly reducing the quality of life for those affected.
Managing fibromyalgia often involves a multimodal approach that includes medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. While pharmaceutical treatments like antidepressants and pain relievers are common, they often come with side effects. Many patients also turn to non-pharmacological treatments such as exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, proper management can improve symptoms and help individuals live more comfortably.
Fibromyalgia symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and limited mobility can be linked to dysfunction in the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct vertebral subluxations, which occur when structural shifts in the spine obstruct nerve function. By removing these subluxations, chiropractic care restores proper nerve communication and may help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and reduce other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Patients with fibromyalgia have reported improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life after receiving chiropractic care. Regular adjustments not only address the structural issues causing discomfort but also enhance the body’s ability to heal by restoring optimal nervous system function. As chiropractic care focuses on a non-invasive, drug-free approach, it offers fibromyalgia patients an alternative way to manage their condition, providing relief from symptoms without the side effects of medication.
