Fibromyalgia pain can
get you down very easily. If you are dealing with persistent
backaches, leg cramps, and foot pain, then chiropractic 
care may be just the thing for you. Chiropractic care is becoming
increasingly popular among fibromyalgia sufferers because of the
pain and stress relief that it offers. It can often provide relief
in short periods of time and help you to get back to enjoying life
fast.
What is Chiropractic
Care?
Though often termed an alternative treatment, chiropractic care is
now becoming more accepted by the mainstream medical community.
Almost 20% of American men and women have used the services of a
chiropractor at some point in their lives. 80% of those who use
chiropractors report significant pain relief, better functioning,
and an increased sense of wellbeing. But what theories are
chiropractic care based on and what exactly does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractic care is
based on the theory that illness and pain are caused by
misalignments in your skeletal structure. It sees the body as a
connected system, which relies on your bones, joints, muscles,
ligaments, and tendons to keep it functioning efficiently. When your
skeletal structure is sound, your body should feel healthy and
happy. But if parts of your skeleton are slightly off balance, it
could cause serious problems, like chronic pain.
Chiropractors aim to
solve pain and related symptoms by correcting the imbalances in your
skeletal structure. Through a series of techniques, including
stretches, adjustments, and manipulations, your chiropractor will
restore your skeletal balance, thereby eliminating any pain
symptoms.
Chiropractic Care and
Fibromyalgia
Recently, fibromyalgia patients have been seeking chiropractic care
increasingly often. Because fibromyalgia causes numerous tender
points all over the body, many fibromyalgia patients suffer from
back pain, neck pain, and leg cramps. In an attempt to solve these
problems, many sufferers have looked to chiropractors. Because
simple adjustments to the neck and spine can restore the carriage of
the whole body, a lot of fibromyalgia sufferers find that alignments
of the spine can significantly reduce pain all over their bodies.
Upper Cervical Spinal
Stenosis
Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from a condition called upper
cervical spinal stenosis. This causes the coverings of the upper
spine, known as meninges, to become compressed. This can cause
severe, debilitating pain all over the body. Chiropractors can
adjust the head and neck so the spine is no longer compressed,
helping to relieve the widespread pain symptoms of fibromyalgia.
How Effective is
Chiropractic Care in Fibromyalgia Patients?
Numerous studies have been conducted analyzing the benefits of
chiropractic care in fibromyalgia patients. A 1985 study asked 81
fibromyalgia patients to indicate drug or alternative treatments
that best relieved their pain. Chiropractic care treatment scored
surprisingly high in this study. Another study examined the
effectiveness of spinal manipulation in relieving fibromyalgia
symptoms. After just 15 treatments, fibromyalgia patients suffered
from less pain and fatigue, and actually enjoyed better sleep
quality.
