Fibromyalgia is a difficult disorder for patients to fully recover from. Most patients will try a variety of alternative treatments, including chiropractic care. One study (Wahner-Roedler, et. al. Mayo Clinic Proc 2005;80:55-60) showed that 37% had used chiropractic care.

           Because spinal joint pain is such a common co-morbidity in fibromyalgia, it seems reasonable to try chiropractic care, since it is one of the most studied treatments for low back pain and carries minimal risk for adverse reactions. Although the evidence for efficacy for manipulation is only modest, many patients may want to reduce their need for prescription/OTC medications, so patient preference is also a consideration.

            As far as specific trials evidence for manipulation in fibromyalgia, the literature is scant. One pilot study (Blunt KL, et. al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997; 20:389) showed that chiropractic management improved pain levels, increased cervical and lumbar ranges of motion, and improved straight-leg raising capability. Also a preliminary randomized cross-over trial (Citak-Karakaya I, et. al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006;29:524) showed that connective tissue manipulation and ultrasound, improved pain intensity, complaints of non-restorative sleep, and impact on functional activities in patients with fibromyalgia.

           If you refer a patient with fibromyalgia to my office, I rule out certain fractures or comorbidities such as joint laxity e.g. (SLE). You may inquire about the techniques of spinal examination and the thrust procedures I use. I do not find these questions prying and want you to feel comfortable when referring your patient.

           Patients generally respond quickly, so there should not be months of treatment before deciding if chiropractic care is helpful. Ten to twelve treatments in a month often show improvement in frequency and intensity of pain. If your patient positively responds, then this is a rationale to continue with treatment. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for exercise, so the patient should also be increasing their activity levels during this time. I generally include weight-loss counseling, and home exercise approaches to overall care to enhance the clinical response. The addition of chiropractic care may make a patient prone to joint pain under exercise loading, to continue their active regimen. The adjustive interventions should gradually decrease in frequency as the patient responds to care.

It is a soft tissue condition that can involve the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the back and neck. The pain in TMS is caused or worsened by tension and in most cases, can be eliminated by a mental process that involves focusing on the emotional, rather than the physical. Now this is a strong statement and I want to repeat it.  Some people are more prone to these disorders than others--back pain may be more likely, for instance, in people who are perfectionistic, self-critical, and highly responsible for others. People with chronic back pain are often suffering from a mind-body disorder known as TMS, or Tension Myositis Syndrome, a diagnosis that is relatively unknown in both the medical and alternative communities.  This condition can be treated with daily mindfulness practices, autonomic nervous system balancing.  Our office utilizes daily reminders repeated throughout the day and upper cervical (C1-C2) mobilization and adjustments.  We are the premier Lake Tahoe Office working with the mind-body connection and inner healing wisdom.  Please call for a office tour or visit.  530-577-5433  

Tension Myositis Syndrome--describes a very common problem --back and neck pain--and redefines it as physical pain with roots in emotional tension. This syndrome was first theorized by Dr. John Sarno at NYU's Rusk Institute. In the late 1970's and early 1980's he described in detail a theory, involving the connections between emotions, the brain, the limbic system, and the autonomic nervous system that generates this process. The end products is painful tissue that causes local pain (trigger points, areas of spasm) and sometimes distant pain (sciatica,etc.). The cure is educational and psychological and highly effective in most patients.