In March, Alternative Complimentary Medicine published a Florida State University study on the results of resistance training and chiropractic on fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that disproportionately affects 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 fascinating 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 the participants dropped out prior to the end of the 16 week program. In the group receiving chiropractic care, it was only around 10%.
Why would that be? In this research project we have females who are already suffering. Now they’re starting up a weight lifting program. That might have increased soreness, at least in the first few weeks of the program. This pain on top of their existing burden might have been enough to make them give up on the program. The group that was receiving chiropractic care had a unique advantage. Chiropractic is an excellent pain relief therapy and surely mitigated some of the painful sensations along the way. This made it simpler for the fibromyalgia volunteers to stick to 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.