Fibromyalgia refers to pain in the body’s soft, fibrous tissues, which include the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Fibromyalgia is generally indicated by widespread pain, extreme fatigue and by disturbed sleep patterns. Pain is most often described as being intense in regions of the neck, the back and in leg cramps.
Chiropractic makes adjustments to the alignment of the neck and the spine, thus reducing pain significantly throughout the body. It is proven that regular spinal manipulation treatments will help fibromyalgia sufferers to enjoy a better quality of sleep as well as experiencing less pain and reduced fatigue. A 2009 study found that chiropractic adjustments resulted in an instant relief of pain in fibromyalgia patients.
Besides spinal manipulation, ischemic compression therapy is often used as a proven method of treating fibromyalgia with success. This involves a sustained pressure that is applied to an area of tenderness in the muscles. The tender spot is referred to as a trigger point and the ischemic compression therapy serves to deactivate the trigger. This compression deliberately stops the supply of blood to the affected area ensuring that, upon release of the pressure, a resurgence of blood flow to the trigger point will cleanse any waste products, bring a supply of oxygen and allow the tissue to heal.
Don’t let fibromyalgia ruin your life. Chiropractic might be able to help.
If you or someone you know suffers from fibromyalgia, give our office a call.
Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, et al. Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009;15(3):321-328.