Over
6 million people in the U.S. suffer from fibromyalgia, “a disorder
characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep,
memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful
sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.”[1]
As
I’ve discussed in various blog posts, the brain and spinal cord are directly
connected, and the health of one undoubtedly affects the functioning of the
other. So, it makes sense that some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia (which
starts in the brain) can be alleviated with chiropractic care.
In
2014, Rehab Research and Practice conducted a study on sufferers of
fibromyalgia and ended up finding a “direct
link between the severity of fibromyalgia and the health and function of the
spine.”[2] It turned out that spinal adjustments improved the quality of
life and severity of symptoms in the study participants, aiding their pain,
sleep quality, mood, and depression, among other symptoms.
The study continued to
provide chiropractic care to these patients once per week for 23 weeks in a row
and found that it “decreased pain and positively influenced components relating
to chronic illness and functional health capacity.”[3]
This is yet another example of how interconnected all parts of the body are,
from the brain and spine to overall health and wellness. Although fibromyalgia
has no cure yet, chiropractic is a safe, beneficial alternative to many of the
drugs that are prescribed to treat it currently.
It’s important to remember
that the purpose of chiropractic is to remove interference between the brain
and nervous system, not to treat specific symptoms or act as a “Band Aid”
approach. It is the removal of this interference that leads to symptom and pain
relief, as seen in the fibromyalgia study. Through regular maintenance of the
spine, patients can experience health and wellness like no drug, surgery, or
other healthcare can provide.
Working to restore GOD’S perfect design in you!
[1] Mayo Clinic Staff.
“Definition: Fibromyalgia.” September 8, 2016.
<http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243>
[2] Connective Chiropractic.
“Fibromyalgia & the Proven Role of Chiropractic Care.” September 6, 2016.
<http://www.correctivechiropractic.net/fibromyalgia-relief-chiropractic/?goal=0_35f4bfc1d7-d644d01711-119316205>
[3] Id.
