The Alternative Complimentary Medicine published a Florida State University study published in Alternative Complimentary Medicine focuses on the the results of resistence training and chiropractic on fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that disproportionately affects women. The study only had female participants.
The volunteers were split into two groups. Both groups were put on a resistance training program. In English, that means working out with weights. One group was given chiropractic care in addition to the exercise program. Strength, functionality and improvement of fibromyalgia indicators were assessed after 16 weeks.
Bottom line. Strength and function improved in both groups. Fibromyalgia indicators also improved in both groups. Only the chiropractic group showed improved flexibility, balance and endurance. None of those results were startling. Exercise ought to improve strength and assist in pain relief. Chiropractic is well known for increasing range of motion and balance.
There was one very interesting finding. The researchers concluded that adherence to the exercise regimen was significantly higher in the chiropractic group. As a matter of fact, in the exercise only group, 50% of the people who are taking part dropped out prior to the end of the 16 week program. In the group receiving chiropractic care, it was only around 10%.
The reason for this? In this research project we’ve ladies who are already suffering. Now they’re put through a weight lifting program. That might have increased pain, at least in the first few weeks of the program. This pain on top of their existing burden may have been enough to make them stop on the program. The group that was receiving chiropractic care had a unusual advantage. Chiropractic is a superb pain relief treatment and certainly mitigated some of the aches and pains along the way. This made it simpler for the fibromyalgia volunteers to stick with the program.
So how does all of this apply to you? If you’ve fibromyalgia, a regular workout routine will help your condition. Fibromyalgia impact was measured by both survey and amount of tender points. So exercise nearly every factor of health] is the key. Chiropractic should likewise a component of your plan to handle this chronic condition, as it increases adherence.
My additional recommendation would be to find a chiropractor who is proficient in extremity joint adjusting. For the fibromyalgia patient, only treating the spine just isn’t enough. In the upper extremity, shoulder pain is a common complaint. The wrists and elbows are not without their issues. The same can be said for the hips, knees and ankles. It is the extremity joints that take the stress when you embark on a new exercise program.
Many fibromyalgia patients need a variety of services to put the fibromyalgia monster in its place. While this research only covered adding chiropractic to a workout program, that’s not the only alternative therapies that help. Acupuncture and diet modification can have incredible results. That’s a subject for another day.
