Chiropractic Care and fibromyalgia

[Guest guest]

I have never used a Chiropractor except once n ad eneded up hurting

for 2 weeks worse than when i wne t in. He kept wanting me to come

back ever 2 weeks for he could help find a way toe ase my muscle and

bone pain. he used hot rocks and the heavy heating pads back in the

late 1990's. heidi

Chiropractic Care and Fibromyalgia

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 well being. 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.

Fibromyalgia (FM) patients have been seeking chiropractic care

increasingly often. Because FM causes numerous tender points all over

the body, many FM 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 FM

sufferers find that alignments of the spine can significantly reduce

pain all over their bodies.

How Effective is Chiropractic Care in Fibromyalgia Patients?

Numerous studies have been conducted analyzing the benefits of

chiropractic care in FM patients. A 1985 study asked 81 FM 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 FM symptoms. After just 15 treatments, FM

patients suffered from less pain and fatigue, and actually enjoyed

better sleep quality.

Types of Chiropractors

Though chiropractors often use many different techniques in their

treatment programs, most fall into one of two main categories:

" Straight " Chiropractors

Straight chiropractors are considered purists, as they adhere more

strictly to the original teachings of chiropractic medicine. These

practitioners tend to focus on performing manipulations to restore

body function and relieve pain.

" Mixers "

Mixers are chiropractors who combine techniques of manipulation and

adjustment with other holistic techniques, including diet, exercise,

and massage. The majority of chiropractors are mixers.

Depending upon the type of chiropractor you see, you will likely

undergo a variety of different treatment techniques. The most popular

chiropractic techniques is manipulation.

In order to adjust the spine and neck, a technique called

manipulation is performed. Manipulation usually consists of a short,

quick thrust to one of the vertebra in your spine, achieved through

twisting, turning, or hand pressure. This causes the vertebra to

shift back into its proper place.

When it is performed, you may hear a cracking or popping noise. This

might sound scary, but it is actually a healthy release of built up

oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide within the joint. As these gases

are released, you should notice immediate relief, though sometimes

manipulations can cause slight discomfort.

Manipulations can provide numerous benefits including:

better range of motion in your joints

increased blood flow (which helps to release toxins and promote

muscle healing)

increased production of endorphins, your body's natural painkillers

better pain tolerance

Side Effects of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors often come under fire from some medical doctors because

of the possible dangers of chiropractic care. On rare occasions,

manipulations have been known to cause internal bleeding and blood

clots. Manipulations are also associated with increased risk of bone

fractures in those with degenerative diseases like osteoporosis. More

worryingly, manipulations of the neck and spine have been associated

with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It is recommended

that you speak with a health care professional before engaging in any

form of chiropractic therapy.

Choosing A Chiropractor

It can be very difficult to find a chiropractor that is right for

you, especially if you are suffering from FM. Here are some tips to

keep in mind before settling on a chiropractor:

Be sure to find a chiropractor that is qualified. Chiropractors must

be licensed by the state in which they practice. They should also

have passed National Board exams Parts 1, 2, and 3.

Ask friends, family members, and coworkers for recommendations.

Ask for references.

Do a phone interview before making an appointment. Be sure to ask

about the techniques that are performed and the theories that

underlie them.

Go to the office and check it out. It should be clean, welcoming, and

professional.

Avoid chiropractors that seem dogmatic about one particular school of

thought.

Avoid any chiropractor who promises to " cure " chronic ailments like

FM, diabetes, and arthritis.