Fibromyalgia (FM) is
one of the most commonly diagnosed soft tissue conditions in most branches of
health care, including chiropractic. A
paper was recently published with the primary purpose to review the existing
literature / published research to determine what aspects of chiropractic treatment
are the most commonly used and, to determine the quality of those treatment
approaches. The emphasis of the study
was to look at non-drug, conservative forms of therapy, rather than medication
based approaches.
Commonly utilized
chiropractic treatment options found to be beneficial include massage, muscle
strengthening exercises, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, movement/body
awareness, vitamins, herbs, and dietary modification. Cognitive behavioral therapy, not typically a
chiropractic specific form of care, was also reported to be of significant
benefit, as well as aerobic exercise.
This study places chiropractic in a very favorable position in the
management of FM.
Chiropractic is unique
in that it encompasses many non-drug, non-surgical forms of treatment, making
it appealing to many who do not want to risk the chances of drug related side
effects and post-surgical complications.
Patients with FM require a multi-dimensional treatment approach and a
health care provider versed in whole-body, holistic concepts is in the best
position to help this population.
Fibromyalgia can be
primary where the specific cause is not well understood or secondary to an
underlying injury or condition.
Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the exact cause as other
conditions can be present and/or arise simultaneously with FM making it
difficult to differentiate between primary and secondary. When other conditions are present, sometimes
attending those specific conditions will improve the status of FM and focus on
treatments that address all of the patient’s physical and emotional health
issues yields the most patient satisfying results.