Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on a man with fibromyalgia reveals the potential for chiropractic care to provide symptom relief and improved quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from the health challenges related to fibromyalgia and calls for more research in this area.
“Research indicates that minor shifts in the structure of the spine may impact function, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of disorders. Structural shifts may lead to nerve obstruction and could possibly result in a host of health problems such as fibromyalgia” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. Other chiropractic researchers have reported on similar results and reviews of the scientific research reveal numerous other studies that have shown a similar connection.
“It makes a lot of sense when you think about it” stated McCoy. “It’s reasonable to suggest that if you obstruct or damage the nerves exiting the spine, the result of the obstruction(s) and/or damage can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body. Through research reports like this we are finding that correcting these structural shifts reduces nerve obstruction, bringing about marked improvement in people who are experiencing a variety of maladies.”
A 56-year-old male diagnosed with severe fibromyalgia was not getting any relief. His symptoms included blackouts, chronic pain, migraines, difficulty sleeping, numbness in his extremities, and several other ailments. He also had trouble walking, requiring the use of a cane.
The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, mid back, and low back. He also had postural changes, decreased range of motion, and muscle spasms. Quality of life questionnaires, orthopedic testing and x-rays confirmed the findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, he experienced a significant decrease in pain, no blackouts, and his mobility improved. He was able to walk without a cane and reported increased overall functionality. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
To learn more about this study and chiropractic research visit, Vertebral Subluxation Research.
