Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia patients report greater benefits from lifestyle modifications and chiropractic care than from drug intervention.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. These “tender points” refer to sensitivity that occurs in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, though men, children, and the elderly may also be affected. Currently, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose. The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:
- Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.
- Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed.
Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that cause pain when pressed. There are 9 pairs of tender points. Each pair has one point on each side of the body for a total of 18 points. The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in a larger area.
Other symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or diarrhea, headaches, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the hands, and severe or excessive fatigue.
Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief. A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than 60% of the participants who underwent chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.
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