An article released on August 6, 2009 appearing on EarthTimes.org by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress discussed chiropractic as a means of helping for those suffering with fibromyalgia. According to WebMD fibromyalgia is, “Widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. In this syndrome, the nervous system (nerves, spinal cord, and brain) is not able to control what it feels, so ordinary feelings from your muscles, joints, and soft tissues are experienced as pain.”
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress stated that chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the agonizing pain, debilitating fatigue, and joint stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. The Foundation noted that there are a variety of medical treatments for fibromyalgia, but that chiropractic care in particular has grown sharply in popularity among the millions of sufferers for dramatically reducing chronic, widespread pain and restoring patients to healthier lives.
Dr. Gerry Clum, a chiropractor and spokesperson for the Foundation and President of Life Chiropractic College West commented, “Fibromyalgia involves turmoil of the central nervous system, yielding a situation known as central sensitization, which causes heightened nervous system responses.” He continued his explanation, and explained how chiropractic fits into the care of fibromyalgia patients by saying, “Overall health and wellness is affected by an individual’s nervous system, an area in which chiropractors are proficiently trained to address, making chiropractic care a viable option for fibromyalgia patients.”
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress article noted that chiropractors aim to correct misalignments of the spine and pelvis through hands-on adjustments. As joint motion improves, fibromyalgia patients discover that the excruciating pain can be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated.
As a testimonial, the article reported that Retired Brig. Gen. Becky Halstead, the first woman General in the U.S. Army to command in Iraq, suffered from fibromyalgia during her service. The West Point graduate recalled her story by saying, “The adjustments and nutritional advice I received from my chiropractor helped in treating the fibromyalgia and made me feel better on a day-to-day basis.”