The word “fibromyalgia” might not mean that much to you, but don’t tell that to someone troubled with this condition. Fibro sufferers report chronic, achy muscular pain in numerous specific yet widely dispersed sites, predominantly the lower back, neck, shoulders, where the arm bends, upper chest and/or knees. While the precise cause of fibromyalgia remains unsure, data suggests that the immune system is involved.
So far there is no cure for fibromyalgia that is known. A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) has shown that chiropractic care has provided some relief. Study participants underwent 30 chiropractic treatments combining a number of different techniques that including spinal manipulation. The outcome illustrates considerable reductions in pain intensity and enhancement in the quality of sleep and overall fatigue in nine of the 15 patients. These improvements were maintained a month after treatment. Six patients who did not respond to chiropractic care tended to be older and have more severe fibromyalgia than the other patients.
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.
I came across this information, and thought I would share it. I have worked with numerous fibromyalgia patients in Mesa and now started taking patients in Wickenburg, Arizona. I want to add, that working with fibro patients is different… what I mean, what works one day may not work the next. The doc has to be on top of his game and pay attention to his/her patient. There has to be great communication between the patient and the doctor. For example, you think your treatment is making a difference, you see a light at the end of the tunnel, and out of nowhere your body takes a left turn away from the light. Unlike most chiropractic patients, these special cases require special handling. Take ice for example, I love using ice in my practice, but fibro patients, well let’s just say they are not fond of it. They might be willing to get their teeth drilled to forgo it… (Then again, I’ve also had to treat several of my fibro patients for TMJ problems). So, back on track… Ice, if you have fibro and can put ice on, even for a short time, it seems to help with the treatment. If you can’t, then don’t do it, there are other therapies that I also use, such as ultra sound. In addition to chiropractic adjustments and ice, fibromyalgia can be improved with diet and exercise, but that is a subject for another article. If you are suffering from fibro or TMJ don’t hesitate to make an appointment. Relief could be just around the corner.
One way to test if your pains are fibromyalgia is to press these common pain points. If more than just a couple hurt, chances are you have fibro.
