Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition, affecting an estimated 4 million adults in the United States alone. Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas, fibromyalgia can significantly impact daily life. Those living with this condition frequently seek solutions to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, many individuals have found relief through complementary therapies, including chiropractic care.
In this post, we’ll explore how chiropractic care can support individuals with fibromyalgia, focusing on its role in improving nervous system function, reducing pain, and enhancing mobility.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is often accompanied by symptoms such as:
• Widespread pain and tenderness in muscles, joints, and soft tissues
• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping or non-restorative sleep
• Cognitive issues, often referred to as "fibro fog," which includes memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Depression or anxiety
• Digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some researchers suggest that the condition involves abnormalities in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, leading to a heightened sensitivity to pain. Additionally, the stress of living with chronic pain can exacerbate fatigue, mood issues, and other symptoms. Because fibromyalgia manifests in such a diverse range of symptoms, treatment typically requires a multi-faceted approach. This can include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and complementary treatments like chiropractic care.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on the health of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, which are closely linked to the overall functioning of the body. The primary goal of chiropractic is to correct misalignments in the spine, known as vertebral subluxations.
The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body, and structural shifts in the spine can obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. These structural shifts, known as vertebral subluxations, can disrupt the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When nerve pathways are obstructed, the body cannot function optimally, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility.
Chiropractors work to identify and correct these structural shifts through specific spinal adjustments. By removing vertebral subluxations, chiropractic care improves nerve supply and function, which allows the body to heal and operate more efficiently. For individuals with fibromyalgia, this can mean less pain, better mobility, and an improved ability to manage their symptoms.

Chiropractic Care and Pain Management

One of the most common and debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. Many patients experience pain that feels like aching, burning, or throbbing in various parts of the body. For these individuals, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to pain management.
Chiropractic adjustments help to restore alignment in the spine and reduce pressure on the nervous system. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractors help reduce inflammation and muscle tension, which can contribute to pain relief. Many patients report that regular chiropractic care helps to reduce the intensity and frequency of their pain episodes, providing them with greater comfort and improved quality of life.

In a recent case study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, a 56-year-old male patient with fibromyalgia saw significant improvements after undergoing chiropractic care. The patient, who had struggled with severe back and neck pain, chronic fatigue, migraines, and limited mobility, experienced substantial pain reduction and regained his ability to walk without the assistance of a cane after receiving chiropractic adjustments. This case highlights the potential for chiropractic care to alleviate some of the physical symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Improving Mobility and Functionality

In addition to pain relief, chiropractic care can play a crucial role in improving the mobility and overall functionality of individuals with fibromyalgia. Chronic pain and stiffness can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that exacerbates fatigue and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper movement and alignment in the spine and joints, which can improve a patient's range of motion. This improved mobility allows individuals to stay more active, which is essential for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Exercise and movement, even gentle forms like walking or stretching, can help to reduce pain, improve mood, and increase energy levels.

The Role of Chiropractic in Nervous System Health

One of the key benefits of chiropractic care is its focus on improving nervous system function. As mentioned earlier, the nervous system controls every function of the body, including how we perceive and process pain. When there are misalignments in the spine, nerve signals can become disrupted, leading to dysfunction throughout the body. By correcting vertebral subluxations, chiropractic care helps to optimize nerve function, which can have far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being. For individuals with fibromyalgia, this may mean that the body is better equipped to manage pain, regulate energy levels, and maintain balance within various systems, including the digestive and immune systems.

Chiropractic Care: A Focus on Self-Healing
It is important to note that chiropractic care does not directly treat fibromyalgia. Instead, chiropractic is focused on the location and reduction of vertebral subluxations, which interfere with the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself. By removing these structural misalignments, chiropractic care facilitates the body’s natural healing processes. Fibromyalgia is a systemic condition, and chiropractic care does not claim to cure it. However, by addressing the underlying spinal and nervous system issues that may exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms, chiropractic can help the body function more optimally. This holistic approach empowers the body to manage and mitigate symptoms, rather than merely masking them with medications.

Complementary Care for Fibromyalgia

For many individuals with fibromyalgia, chiropractic care is most effective when combined with other forms of treatment. Lifestyle changes, such as incorporating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress, can complement the benefits of chiropractic adjustments. In addition, some patients may find relief from therapies like acupuncture, massage, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Chiropractic care can be a valuable component of a comprehensive fibromyalgia management plan, helping patients to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve their overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia presents unique challenges, and its widespread symptoms can make day-to-day life difficult for those affected. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive approach to managing fibromyalgia symptoms by focusing on the health of the spine and nervous system. By addressing vertebral subluxations and improving nerve function, chiropractic care can help individuals with fibromyalgia experience relief from pain, regain mobility, and enjoy a better quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with fibromyalgia and looking for alternative or complementary therapies, chiropractic care may be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Website: [www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com]
Email: drmatthewmccoy@gmail.com
Phone: 404.247.2550