Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain. Other associated conditions include tenderness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Fibromyalgia affects as many as 6-12 million people, 90% of them are female.

While fibromyalgia involves and affects the nervous system, the actual underlying cause is unknown. There are many treatment options, one being chiropractic care. Here at Orthopedic Surgery San Diego, we offer gentle chiropractic techniques for people with chronic pain issues.

In an article in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the possibility of chiropractic care could effectively manage this frustrating condition was examined.

Study participants underwent thirty chiropractic treatments combining ischemic compression and spinal manipulation. The first phase of the treatment consisted of applying ischemic compression to a number of tender points previously identified by palpation, rendering them inactive; the second phase involved spinal manipulation delivered as a short-lever, low-amplitude, high-velocity thrust.

Results showed a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, and corresponding improvement in quality of sleep and fatigue levels, in nine of the fifteen patients. These improvements were maintained after one month without treatment. The six patients who did not respond as positively to treatment tended to be older and had more severe fibromyalgia symptoms than those who responded to care.

Conclusions: Chiropractic care combining ischemic compression and spinal manipulation may help fibromyalgia sufferers.

JASON KART, D.C.