Resolution
of Fibromyalgia With Chiropractic Care: A Case Study
In the June 20, 2011, issue of
the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research is a case
study article documenting the resolution of fibromyalgia following Chiropractic care. The study notes
that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition affecting 4-6
million people in the United States, and is characterized by
chronic, widespread pain of the entire body for more than
three months.
The
National Fibromyalgia Association points out on their
website that fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a
disease that affects people physically, mentally, and
socially. They explain that in the case of fibromyalgia , a
“syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical
problems that tend to occur together but are not related to
a specific, identifiable cause."
In this study, the author writes,
“Ninety percent of fibromyalgia sufferers are women, who
begin to experience symptoms between the age of 40 and 50.
Concurrent symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include
numbness, stiffness, generalized fatigue, headaches,
irritable bowel symptoms, swollen feelings in the tissues,
as well as anxiety, depression, and mental fogginess.”
In this case, a 45-year-old woman
went to the chiropractor with complaints of migraine
headaches, chronic pain in the neck, upper and lower back, fibromyalgia, numbness in fingers, sciatica, right knee
pain, depression, and a duodenal ulcer. Her history had a
number of issues starting with a traumatic injury
sustained from diving head first into a shallow pool at the
age of 15. Additionally, the patient was in 10 car accidents
over the past 25 years. When she presented herself to the
chiropractor, she required a wheelchair to help her complete
her daily routine and reduce her tiredness.
Chiropractic examination showed
an abnormal posture and spinal positioning with a reduction
in most spinal ranges of motion. Numerous orthopedic tests
were also positive along with sensitivity to the touch of
many areas of the patient’s spine. X-rays of the patient
confirmed spinal misalignments and a determination of the
presence of subluxations was made. A course of care
consisting of specific chiropractic adjustments was
initiated to address the subluxations.
The results of this case showed
that the woman had steady improvement in her conditions, and within six
months of initiating her chiropractic care, she no longer
needed her wheelchair for her activities. The woman noted
that her fibromyalgia and left leg sciatica had been
resolved. Additionally, she reported that she was able to
move and perform basic daily functions and sleep in any
position. She was also feeling more relaxed and had more
energy throughout the day and did not require any
medications.
Top
|