Fibromyalgia, Exercise and Chiropractic

—Apr 17, 2009

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.

— Richard Fink, DC, FIAMA

Filed under chiropractic

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Vacation Tune-up

—Jul 23, 2008

Between work, school and other activities getting the family unit to do anything together is a monumental task. And so the family summer vacation was invented. Heading to the beach, horsing around in the surf, trying your hand at miniature golf make for a week that is as American as a Norman Rockwell painting. Since it is the highlight of the year for most families, it requires quite a bit of planning. Reservations are made months in advance, bags are packed with care and even the family car gets the once over before leaving the house.

Of course it isn’t just the family jalopy that needs a tune-up. No one wants an aching neck or back to spoil the family vacation. Who needs that? Schedule a chiropractic check up for everyone in the house before you leave.

And if you overdo it on your trip [and who doesn’t?] check in with us to get those kinks worked out when you come home.

— Richard Fink, DC, FIAMA

Filed under chiropractic

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Chiropractic Doesn’t Relate to Gardening? You Have To Be Kidding…

—Apr 24, 2008

The Leesburg Flower and Garden show just got through a schizophrenic weather weekend [Sunny Saturday and Saturated Sunday]. Dr. Harrigan just reminded me of an experience a few years ago. He applied for a booth at the garden show and was told, “No, chiropractic has nothing to do with gardening.” The point being that chiropractic was not a gardening technique.

Actually, chiropractic is a technique for recovering from a weekend waged in the trenches of landscaping. The wonderful thing about gardening is the ability to actually see progress. The vegetables are tucked in their rows. The flowers are dressing up the front of the house. It’s all good. Well, it’s all good except for the aching back, shoulders neck and knees. Those need a little attention.

I think our office will make a concerted effort to be part of the Flower and Garden Show in 2009. As we always say, “A World Without Pain Is A Better Place To Live.”

As for this season, don’t hope and pray that the nasty pain in the spine goes away on its own. Call for an appointment today. Just think, by this time tomorrow your pain could be a fading memory.

— Richard Fink, DC, FIAMA

Filed under chiropractic

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