Chiropractic Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Because of the pain and body aches that accompany fibromyalgia it would seem logical to assume that patients could anticipate relief by visiting a chiropractor for treatment. However, the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms seems to vary patient to patient.

Study showing no benefit

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that a study based on random results of clinical trials on the effectiveness of treating fibromyalgia with chiropractic care found no evidence that the treatment benefited patients.

Study showing promise

• In a study in Quebec, Canada, for fibromyalgia patients who had thirty chiropractic treatments, 77% of patients reported a noteworthy decrease in pain and 75% reported less fatigue.

Partial relief

• While some improvement has been recorded with chiropractic treatment, such as improved range of motion, there was no improvement in the classic fibromyalgia symptom of tender points.

Temporary benefits

• Improvements patients enjoyed after treatment only lasted for a month after completing treatment, according to one trial evaluation.

Only some patients benefit

• Patients who didn't get relief after treatments are not likely to benefit from chiropractic treatment for fibromyalgia.