Because fibromyalgia patients are often at their wits ends when it comes to finding a solution to their problem, they may be reluctant to consider chiropractic care. Why is that? Maybe it's because they haven't read a good explanation as to how treating joint injuries can result in decreased muscle pain. After all, the pain experienced by fibromyalgia patients is often more in their muscles than in their joints.
Restoring joint mobility is an important aspect of chiropractic care, but how does this help muscles? Simple, when joints and ligaments are sprained and unable to properly move, the body must adapt to try and re-establish stability. This can result in muscles spasms, tight muscles, and even knots. Proper muscle function relies on good joint function. So, although chiropractic care is more aimed at restoring joint function, it will also affect muscular movement, which is often impaired in patients with fibromyalgia.
Most authorities now agree that a multifaceted approach is needed for the treatment of the fibromyalgia patient. In addition to restoring joint and nerve function, a doctor of chiropractic can also address the soft tissues through direct treatments such as massage or trigger point therapy.
But more is typically needed and research has shown that instituting an aerobic exercise and resistance training program can help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The fibromyalgia patient may also need to address dietary issues and eat more foods that promote healing and decrease inflammation. Some patients will also need supervised weight-loss to truly make maximal gains and get back to the activities they once enjoyed.
