Chiropractic strengthens benefits of exercise for fibromyalgia patients

Many people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia find it difficult to follow all of their treatment instructions, which can include medications, creams, physical therapy, journals, and other techniques intended to reduce pain. It's easy to forget or get too busy to comply fully with the treatment, but sooner or later, you'll feel the pain creeping up.

New research suggests that regular chiropractic adjustments can help fibromyalgia patients follow long-term physical therapy schedules, ensuring that patients are able to reap the maximum benefits of treatment.

In 2009, researchers conducted a study involving 55 women with fibromyalgia. The participants, between the ages of 21 and 59, were divided into two groups. Some completed resistance training, while others did resistance training in addition to chiropractic adjustments. Both groups reported decreased pain and tender points, increased upper and lower body strength, and enhanced ability to perform daily activities.

But researchers found that participants who received the combination of both treatments were more likely to consistently follow the exercise program, and had more substantial improvements in balance, flexibility, endurance, and functionality.

The study confirmed that exercise and resistance training may help ease fibromyalgia pain. It also showed that combining chiropractic adjustments with physical therapy can enhance the benefits of both treatments.

Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, et al. “Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15.3 (2009): 321-328.