In March, Alternative Complimentary Medicine published a Florida State University study on the effects of resistance training and chiropractic on fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that disproportionately affects women. All of the participants in the study were women.
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 symptoms 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 well known to improve 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 the participants dropped out before the end of the 16 week program. In the chiropractic group, it was only around 10%.
Why would that be? In this study we have women who are already suffering. Now they are being put through a weight lifting program. That may have increased soreness, at least in the first couple of weeks. This pain on top of their existing burden may have been enough to make them give up on the program. The group that was receiving chiropractic care had a distinct advantage. Chiropractic is an excellent pain relief treatment and no doubt mitigated some of the aches and pains 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, exercise will improve your condition. Fibromyalgia impact was measured by both questionaire and number of tender points. So exercise [as it is with almost every aspect of health] is the key. Chiropractic should also be part of your plan to deal with this chronic condition, since it increases adherence. My additional recommendation would be to find a chiropractor that is proficient in extremity adjusting [joints of the arms and legs]. It has been my experience that these joints need a little extra attention in the beginning of any exercise program.
