A growing body of evidence indicates that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, according to chiropractor Deed Harrison of Ideal Spine Health Center in Eagle, Boise and Meridian, Idaho.
The latest evidence is a 2015 study conducted in Egypt and published in Rheumatology International. Study participants included 120 people ages 40 to 65 who had been plagued with severe fibromyalgia for at least four years. Each person also had C1-2 joint dysfunction, involving limited movement in the cervical (neck area) of the spine.
All participants in the study received 12 weeks of therapy, including:
- Education about fibromyalgia and available treatment options
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, including discussions on relaxation exercises to manage pain and positive reinforcement about actions that could ease fibromyalgia symptoms
- An exercise program that included relaxation techniques, plus active and passive stretches
Half of the participants also received upper cervical chiropractic adjustments.
The individuals who received chiropractic care showed more improvement and better results than the control group. This was validated by scores on questionnaires filled out at the beginning and conclusion of the study, and one year post-study, addressing physical functioning, work days missed due to fibromyalgia symptoms, sleep disturbances, level of pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Scores on the questionnaires improved by 15 percent or more among those who received chiropractic care.
As this study indicates, a common denominator among patients with fibromyalgia is chronic neck or back pain, caused by spinal misalignment of the upper cervical joint. Spinal misalignments exert pressure on the delicate nerves that send messages to and from your brain and to the rest of your body. “Nerve interference” prevents vital nerve energy from reaching the limbs and organs, which leads to dysfunction.
Chiropractic manipulation can alleviate the interference. But chiropractors such as Dr. Harrison take chiropractic a step farther through training in Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), a method of correcting spinal misalignments by remodeling and realigning the spine to restore normal nerve flow.
Only a small percentage of dedicated chiropractors are certified to practice CBP, the most research- and results-oriented chiropractic technique. At Ideal Spine Health Center in Eagle, Boise and Meridian, Idaho, we specialize in Chiropractic BioPhysics. In fact, Ideal Spine’s Deed Harrison is the preeminent authority on spinal health and CBP.
Ideal Spine Health Center is the largest corrective chiropractic care facility in the United States. Take advantage of our no-charge consultation to determine if you are a candidate for care at Ideal Spine Health Center in Eagle, Boise and Meridian, Idaho.