In March, Alternative Complimentary Medicine published a Florida State University study on the outcomes of resistance training and chiropractic on fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that disproportionately impacts women. All of the people who are taking part in the research were women.
The volunteers were split into two groups. Both groups were put on a resistance training program. In English, that’s a weight lifting program. One group was given chiropractic care as well as the exercise program. Strength, functionality and improvement of fibromyalgia indicators were assessed after 16 weeks.
The results? Strength and function improved in both groups. Fibromyalgia symptoms also improved in both groups. Only the chiropractic group showed improved flexibility, balance and endurance. None of those results were startling. Exercise should improve strength and assist in pain relief. Chiropractic is recognized a method for improving 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. In fact, in the exercise only group, 50% of volunteers dropped out prior to the end of the 16 week program. In the chiropractic group, it was only around 10%.
What could be the reason for that? In this study we have women who are already suffering. Now they are participating in a body building program. That might have increased pain, at least in the first couple of weeks of the program. This pain on top of their existing burden might have been enough to make them stop on the program. The group that was receiving chiropractic care had a unusual advantage. Chiropractic is a fantastic pain relief remedy and no doubt mitigated a few of the aches along the way. This made it easier for the fibromyalgia volunteers to stick with the program.
So how does all of this apply to you? If you have fibromyalgia, a regular workout routine will help your condition. Fibromyalgia impact was measured by both questionnaire and number of tender points. So exercise nearly every facet of health] is the cornerstone. Chiropractic should likewise be part of your plan to cope with this chronic condition, since it increases adherence. My additional recommendation would be to locate a chiropractor who is proficient in extremity joint adjusting. That is dealing with the joints of the arms and legs. It has been my experience that these joints need a little bit more attention at the outset of any workout program.
Chiropractic Leesburg. Dr. Richard Fink is a Leesburg Chiropractor and acupuncturist. Fibromyalgia patients receive individualized treatment programs that provide relief at Fink Family Wellness, a complete wellness center located in Leesburg, Virginia. 703-779-7909.