Does Chiropractic Help Fibromyalgia, or Make It Worse?

If you have fibromyalgia, the question is rarely just “will this help?” It is also “will this set me back for three days?” Here are the ten questions we hear most, including the one about whether chiropractic can make things worse.

What is fibromyalgia, and what does a flare feel like?

Fibromyalgia is a condition of widespread pain paired with fatigue, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases lists chronic widespread pain, fatigue and trouble sleeping as the main symptoms, along with stiffness, numbness, concentration problems often called “fibro fog,” and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. A flare is a stretch of days or weeks when all of that turns up at once. Pain spreads, sleep gets worse, and ordinary tasks cost far more than usual. It affects roughly 2 to 3 percent of people. Source: NIAMS; StatPearls.

Does chiropractic help fibromyalgia?

It can help as part of a broader plan, but it is not a cure. The American College of Rheumatology’s patient information states plainly that “acupuncture, chiropractic and massage can help.” At the same time, research reviews of complementary therapies for fibromyalgia report mixed and inconsistent results, so treat this as symptom support alongside your medical care rather than a replacement for it. Results vary from person to person. Source: American College of Rheumatology; Lauche et al.

Can chiropractic make fibromyalgia worse?

There is no good evidence that appropriately applied chiropractic care worsens fibromyalgia. What genuinely can happen is temporary soreness after a session. In fibromyalgia the nervous system is already in a state of heightened pain processing, which clinicians call central sensitization, so a normal amount of post-treatment soreness can register as a much bigger deal. The usual culprit is too much force too early, not chiropractic as such. Starting low and building tolerance is how that gets avoided. Source: StatPearls.

Is it safe to get adjusted if I am hypersensitive to touch?

Usually yes, as long as the technique is matched to your sensitivity. Instrument-assisted and drop-table methods deliver a smaller, more controlled force than a traditional manual thrust, which makes them a reasonable fit when touch itself is uncomfortable. Your first visit should be an evaluation and a conversation about what your body currently tolerates, not a full treatment session. Say clearly that you have fibromyalgia and describe your sensitivity before anything is done. Source: American College of Rheumatology.

What gentle techniques are used for fibromyalgia patients?

Low-force options, chosen to avoid a high-velocity thrust. The ones we use most for sensitized patients are:

• Activator. A small hand-held instrument delivers a quick, light impulse instead of manual pressure. Useful when even moderate hands-on force is too much.
• Thompson Drop. A segmented table drops a short distance under the body, so the table absorbs much of the work and less force is needed.
• Cox Flexion-Distraction. A table that flexes and distracts the spine in a slow rhythm with no thrust at all. More on how it works in our post on flexion-distraction therapy.
• Soft tissue work. Myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy and trigger point work, kept within your tolerance.

Dr. Baker is trained in all of these. Source: American College of Rheumatology.

What triggers a fibromyalgia flare?

Physical and emotional stress are the most commonly reported triggers. Clinical references note that multiple physical and emotional stressors can trigger or worsen symptoms. In practice patients most often point to poor sleep, weather changes, illness, overexertion on a good day, and periods of high stress. Triggers are quite individual, so a simple log of what preceded each flare is often more useful than any general list. Source: StatPearls; NIAMS.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There is no single test for it. The American College of Rheumatology notes that fibromyalgia “does not cause any abnormalities on x-rays or blood tests,” so those are used to rule out other conditions rather than to confirm this one. The 2016 ACR criteria are based on generalized pain in at least four of five body regions, a widespread pain index and symptom severity score, and symptoms present at a similar level for at least three months. Diagnosis sits with your physician or rheumatologist. Source: American College of Rheumatology; StatPearls.

Can I combine chiropractic with my rheumatologist and my medication?

Yes, and that is how it is meant to work. Chiropractic care is complementary and does not replace your rheumatologist, your primary care physician, or any prescribed medication. Three drugs are FDA-approved for fibromyalgia and those decisions belong with your physician, not with us. Never stop or change a prescription because of something you read online or hear in a chiropractic office. Tell us who else is on your care team so we can communicate with them. Source: American College of Rheumatology.

Should I exercise if it makes me hurt more at first?

Yes, in most cases, as long as you start gently and build slowly. The American College of Rheumatology describes exercise as “the most effective treatment” and points to yoga, tai chi and other low-impact aerobic activity. Clinical references also note that pain may initially increase when starting an exercise program, which is expected rather than a sign of harm. That early bump is exactly why the starting point should be modest. Ask your healthcare provider what is appropriate for you. Source: American College of Rheumatology; StatPearls.

What lifestyle changes help alongside care?

Sleep, pacing and stress management do most of the heavy lifting. Consistent sleep timing matters because poor sleep and pain feed each other. Pacing means spreading activity across the week instead of emptying the tank on a good day and paying for it afterwards. Gentle movement most days beats occasional hard sessions. Some patients also ask about IV nutritional therapy for fatigue; that supports hydration and general wellness and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and results vary. Source: NIAMS; American College of Rheumatology.

The PMHC difference

• Integrated care in one building. Chiropractic, medical, rehab and massage are all on site, so your plan can shift between them without starting over somewhere new.
• Trained hands for sensitive patients. Dr. Baker spent over a decade as a licensed massage therapist in Tampa before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He spent years learning how much pressure a painful body will take before he ever adjusted anyone. More on his training and background.
• No cookie-cutter plans. Fibromyalgia varies widely between people and within the same person month to month. We start conservative and adjust to what you report.
• We talk to your other providers. Your rheumatologist and primary care physician stay in charge of your diagnosis and medication, and we work around them.

Sources

• American College of Rheumatology, “Fibromyalgia” patient information.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, “Fibromyalgia.”
• Bhargava J, Goldin J. “Fibromyalgia.” StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf.
• Lauche R, Cramer H, Häuser W, Dobos G, Langhorst J. “A Systematic Overview of Reviews for Complementary and Alternative Therapies in the Treatment of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome.”