The Role of Chiropractic Care in Fibromyalgia Management
- Elizabeth Wells
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood changes. The condition affects approximately 2-4% of the population, with women being more commonly affected than men.
Diagnostic Criteria
According to the 2010/2011 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, fibromyalgia diagnosis requires:
Widespread pain index (WPI) ≥ 7 and symptom severity scale (SS) score ≥ 5, OR WPI 3-6 and SS score ≥ 9
Symptoms present at a similar level for at least 3 months
No other disorder that would explain the pain
Here is a PDF version of the WPI if you would like to do a self-test.
Additional symptoms commonly include:
Cognitive difficulties ("fibro fog")
Unrefreshing sleep
Depression and anxiety
Irritable bowel syndrome
Headaches
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia: What Does the Research Say?
Effectiveness Studies
1. Pain Management: Short-term studies (4-12 weeks) show modest improvements in pain scores, with average reductions of 20-30% on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Improvements are most significant when combined with other therapeutic approaches
2. Duration of Benefits:
Pain relief typically lasts 2-4 weeks post-treatment
Ongoing maintenance treatments may be necessary for sustained benefits
Benefits diminish without continued care
3. Quality of Life Measures:
Studies show improvements in sleep quality and fatigue levels
Reduced tender point sensitivity
Enhanced physical function and daily activity participation
Limitations of Current Research
Many studies have small sample sizes
Limited long-term follow-up data
Variation in treatment protocols makes comparison difficult
Need for more randomized controlled trials
What Can We Conclude About Chiropractic For Treating Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia isn't a cure or a permanent fix for fibromyalgia. However, it can be a good tool for managing pain levels. Expectations should be only about 20-30% improvement of pain for most people. This makes sense, because fibromyalgia is not a musculoskeletal condition; rather it is a condition with musculoskeletal symptoms. It is best combined with other therapies and treatments for maximum effectiveness. Positive results can last from 2-4 weeks, but results do not last if care is not ongoing. Other areas of life see improvement including sleep quality, which is something that affects many people with fibromyalgia.
Creating A Healthcare Team
1. Primary Care / Medical Management / Medical Specialists
Coordinates overall care
Manages medications
Monitors progress and adjusts treatment plans
Specialists may include rheumatology and/or pain management specialist
2. Exercise / Physical Therapy
Low-impact aerobic activities
Progressive strength training
Gentle stretching and flexibility work
3. Psychological Support / Mental Health Specialists
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Stress management techniques
Sleep hygiene education
4. Complementary Therapies
Massage therapy
Acupuncture
Mind-body practices (yoga, tai chi)
Chiropractic care
Recommendations for Optimal Care
1. Treatment Integration
Ensure all healthcare providers communicate regularly
Maintain consistent treatment goals
Document progress and adjust plans accordingly
2. Patient Education
Understanding condition mechanisms
Learning self-management techniques
Recognizing triggers and warning signs
3. Regular Monitoring
Track symptom changes
Document treatment responses
Adjust interventions as needed
Conclusion
While chiropractic care alone is not a cure for fibromyalgia, evidence suggests it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment approach. Best results are achieved when chiropractic treatment is integrated with other evidence-based interventions and delivered as part of a coordinated care team. Patients should work with their healthcare providers to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms and needs.
The effectiveness of chiropractic care may be enhanced when:
It is part of an integrated treatment approach
Treatment goals are clearly defined and monitored
Patient expectations are realistic
Self-management strategies are incorporated into the treatment plan
References
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