Tag Archives: fibromyalgia

Researching Chiropractic: Dowager’s Hump, Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond positively to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, reliant on medication and drugs, and facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Dowagers Hump

Dowager’s Hump in 40 Year Old Woman 

A 40-year-old woman developed a pronounced thoracic kyphosis-commonly called a Dowager’s hump-along with chronic neck and upper back pain. Her condition was linked to long-term forward head posture from excessive smartphone use. Examination confirmed hyperkyphosis and reduced cervical mobility. Chiropractic care included spinal adjustments, postural correction, myofascial therapy, exercises, and ergonomic changes.

Over nine months of consistent treatment, the patient experienced complete pain relief and visible improvement in posture. Follow-up radiographs showed a significant reduction in the kyphotic curvature. This case suggests that multimodal chiropractic care can effectively manage postural deformities like Dowager’s hump without surgery, especially when addressed early.[1]

Fibromyalgia in 34-Year-Old U.S. Veteran 

A 34-year-old U.S. veteran with fibromyalgia presented with widespread spinal pain affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, along with bilateral shoulder and hip discomfort and intermittent tingling in all four limbs. His condition significantly limited daily function and quality of life. An integrated care approach introduced a multimodal chiropractic management strategy, encompassing spinal adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, stretching, and exercise recommendations.

Throughout the course of care, the patient reported significant reductions in pain and improved functional capacity, enabling greater participation in daily activities. This case highlights the potential role of chiropractic care as part of a multidisciplinary strategy for managing complex chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.[2]

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

 

  1. Rocha-Romero E, López-Romero S, et al. Treatment of thoracic hyperkyphosis (Dowager’s hump) through chiropractic care: a case report. J Med Life. 2023;16(4):559-565. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2023-0026

2. Hansen C, Hecimovich M. Multimodal Chiropractic Care of a Veteran With Fibromyalgia: Case Report. J Chiropr Med. 2022;21(2):96-101. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2022.02.005.

 

Researching Chiropractic: Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis, & Meniere’s Disease

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There is no limit to the health problems that respond positively to chiropractic care. 

Fibromyalgia in a 64-year-old

A 64-year-old woman with fibromyalgia was medically diagnosed 6 years before beginning chiropractic care. In addition, she complained of sleep apnea, loss of coordination, glaucoma, degenerative disc disease, and changes in bowel habits. 

Using X-ray and other tools, an upper cervical subluxation was discovered at her atlas (C1) vertebrae. 

She received upper cervical care for three months. At the time of this study, she reported 80% relief from symptoms and an improvement in energy level. (1)

Scoliosis in a 10-year-old girl

This was the patient’s first time under chiropractic care. Analysis revealed a 16.2-degree right thoracolumbar scoliosis, measured from her 12th thoracic vertebra to her 6th lumbar vertebra.

She was adjusted for three months. X-rays, taken at 3 months, showed a 28.4% improvement in her scoliosis (a decrease of 4.6 degrees). (2)

Meniere’s Disease 

A forty-eight-year-old woman, a retired registered nurse, was diagnosed with right unilateral Meniere’s Disease (MD). Her symptoms included many episodes of dizziness with nausea and vomiting as well as drop attacks. She also had low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sense of ear fullness with pain. 

Chiropractic care consisted of twelve visits over six days. She returned for a reevaluation four months later. All her complaints were relieved, except hearing loss, though it did improve. (3) 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

Sources:

  1. Bennett CB, Tedder NT. Improvement in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Following Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific Care: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Issue 1, March 15, 2012, Pp. 27-30
  2. Michael T. Burcon. Resolution of Long Standing Intractable Bilateral Meniere’s Disease & Multiple Health Challenges Following Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care: A Case Report Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, Volume 2023Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume 2023 ~ March 21, 2023  ~ Pages 1-6
  3. Fedorchuk C, Wetterlin JK, McCoy M. Correction of Subluxation Using CBP Technique and Improvement of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report

Researching Chiropractic: Brain Function, Fibromyalgia, Birth

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, or facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?

Probably most of them.

Chiropractic improves brain function in children. 

Thirty-seven pediatric patients with neurological disorders were enrolled in a chiropractic clinic to see if subluxation correction would influence their brain function measured by improved processing, engagement, learning, and connection to the surroundings. In addition, primitive reflexes, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, auditory verbal skills, eye movement, and visual cognitive skills were evaluated. 

Learning included ease of completing homework, ability to concentrate on a task/goal, handwriting, reading comprehension, organization/planning, spelling, understanding concepts, vocabulary and expression, attention/focus, and participation in extracurricular activities,

Vertebral subluxations when found at specific spinal segments were adjusted. During care, patient outcomes were measured via both objective and subjective measurements.

There was an improvement of 74.1% in quality of life measured by parent surveys in all measured areas such as intra/interpersonal skills outcomes, feelings about school, relationships with peers, mood, anxiety, rigidity/demand for sameness, family relationships, loss of temper/emotional outbursts, and ability to self-regulate emotions. 

There was also steady improvement in getting to sleep, quality of sleep, amount of sleep, eating habits, digestive health overall, frequency of bowel movements, and energy levels. (1)

Fibromyalgia in a 64-year-old woman. 

The patient was a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia diagnosed 6 years prior. She also complained of sleep apnea, loss of coordination, glaucoma, degenerative disc disease, and changes in bowel habits. 

An upper cervical (upper neck) subluxation was determined using X-rays and other forms of analysis. 

The patient received chiropractic care for three months and by then had 80% relief of symptoms and an improvement in energy. (2)

Vaginal birth after cesarean section.

The patient is 40-year-old woman 33 weeks pregnant with her third child. She had two prior cesarean sections due to malposition of the fetus, deceleration of heart rate during labor, and Pitocin intolerance. 

Vertebral subluxations that decreased her pelvis and spinal range of motion, abnormal posture, and muscle spasms were observed during the chiropractic examination. The patient was adjusted weekly. Her progress was closely monitored. A total of ten adjustments were administered and the mother was successful in having a vaginal birth after a cesarean. (3) 

Do you know someone with any of these issues?

Please encourage them to make an appointment with us!

(517) 627-4547

  1. .Hock S, Spoelstra A.  Improved Brain Development in 37 Children Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis of Health Outcomes. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ October 3, 2022, ~ Pages 86-94.

2. Bennett CB, Tedder NT. Improvement in a Patient with Fibromyalgia Following Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific Care: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Issue 1 ~ March 15, 2012, ~ Pages 27-30.

3. Swenson A, Acevedo J. Successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section in a 40-Year-Old Female Utilizing Chiropractic & the Webster Technique: A Case Study & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ June 3, 2022 ~ Volume 2022 ~ Pages 44-50

Chiropractic & Exercise: Perfect for Fibromyalgia

Regular chiropractic visits can actually help fibromyalgia patients adhere to long-term physical-therapy programs, thereby ensuring that patients receive the full benefits of exercise.

In a 2009 study (1), 55 women with fibromyalgia ages 21-59 years old were divided into two groups: some completed resistance training and the others received chiropractic adjustments in addition to doing resistance training.  Both groups improved significantly with increased upper and lower body strength, decreased pain and tender points, and an improved ability to perform everyday tasks. But the patients who received chiropractic care were more likely to follow the exercise program consistently. They also had more significant improvements in functionality, balance, flexibility, and endurance.

This study confirmed the power of exercise and resistance training to ease the pain of fibromyalgia. At the same time, it demonstrates that combining chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy may enhance the benefits of both treatments.

  1. Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, et al. “Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15.3 (2009): 321-328.

Researching Chiropractic: ADHD

There seems to be no end to the conditions that respond to chiropractic care – physical as well as psychological conditions.

That is because chiropractic does not “treat” a particular condition. Chiropractic care “corrects” a serious interference to the brain, nervous system, and energy function known as the subluxation. 

No matter what condition you or a loved one may have, you and they will always function better when free from subluxations. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to locate and correct subluxations. Enjoy this month’s cases and see more next month. 

Low back pain, headaches and fibromyalgia

A 31-year-old female with low back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia began chiropractic care; she was seeking an alternative to pharmacological pain medications.

Spinal analysis established the location of the patient’s subluxations and she received five specific adjustments in the span of 18 months. The patient reported a decrease in fibromyalgia symptoms after two months of care and recently reported that she is no longer taking any medications. (1) 

Chiropractic and ADHD, depression and learning disabilities. 

An eight-year-old boy was brought into the chiropractor’s office for care. The child was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability regarding working memory and processing speed. The patient’s mother said that his medications were ineffective, causing nausea, heart palpitations, and low appetite. She brought him in for chiropractic care for an alternative treatment plan to manage these concerns.

The child was analyzed for subluxations and care was initiated to reduce and correct them using spinal and cranial techniques. He had significant improvements in irritability, mood swings, social interaction, temper, energy, memory, and immune function. After eight months of care, he continued to progress as evidenced by positive reports from his teachers and parents. (2)

If you know anyone who may be experiencing these issues, please share this article with them and encourage them to make an appointment with us. Call 517.627.4547 today!

1. Soriano W, Apatiga A. Resolution of fibromyalgia & polypharmacy concomitant with increased cervical curve & improved quality of life following reduction of upper cervical subluxation: a case study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. October 21, 2014:61-67.

2. Zielinski BA, Mankal K. An epidemiological approach to the effects of subluxation-based chiropractic care on the management of ADHD, depression and learning disabilities in an 8-year old: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 15, 2014:153-160.

Researching Chiropractic: Asthma, Diabetes, and Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?  Probably most of them.

researching chiropractic

Asthma, stomach and intestinal complaints, colds, and chiropractic

A 23-month-old child suffering from asthma, gastrointestinal complaints, and frequent colds was brought to a chiropractic office for evaluation and possible care by her parents. She was on various asthma medications and was under constant monitoring by her pediatric pulmonologist. 

Chiropractic care consisted of adjustments to address areas of vertebral subluxations in her cervical (neck), thoracic (midback), and lumbosacral (lower back) spine. 

Within approximately 11 months, the patient’s parents reported a 90% improvement in their child’s condition. All medications were discontinued with a dramatic decrease in asthma symptoms, sinus problems, and frequency of colds. 

Fibromyalgia and chiropractic

 A 36-year-old woman began chiropractic care due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident three days prior. Chiropractic examination found vertebral subluxations and the patient was placed on a schedule of chiropractic care. 

The patient was seen over a 12-week period. She responded well to care with dramatic improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms and was placed on a long-term maintenance plan.  

Diabetes and chiropractic

A 61-year-old man presented to the chiropractor with a 20-year history of type 2 diabetes. Chiropractic adjustments were applied to the sites of vertebral subluxations, and dietary modification to reduce inflammation in the body was recommended as well. After 1 month of chiropractic treatment and dietary changes, the patient decided to cease taking medication for the treatment of his type 2 diabetes.  After 2 months of chiropractic care, he returned to his medical doctor who confirmed that his blood-glucose levels had normalized. 

Dr. C notes that her sister dropped her insulin needs to virtually nil after getting under care.

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547

Researching Chiropractic

Chiropractic Case Studies

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Labor and Deliverypregnant woman's belly

A 28-year-old woman began seeing a chiropractor for wellness care. Her first pregnancy had been long and difficult and afterwards she experienced tailbone pain.

She received regular chiropractic care before the conception of her second child and continued to receive chiropractic adjustments throughout the pregnancy. Her second labor and delivery experience was both shorter and easier than the first birth. In addition, her earlier pain disappeared. (1)

Scoliosis and Pregnancylabor and delivery

A 21-week pregnant 28-year-old woman visited a chiropractor. She presented with shoulder and neck pain due to scoliosis and with pregnancy-related complaints. Her pain was constant and rated at 6/10. Seven years earlier she had scoliosis surgery with rods surgically implanted into her spine. The rods locked her spine from T2 (just below the neck) to L3 (the middle of the lower back).

Even with the rods she was able to receive chiropractic care for subluxation correction.

Each visit saw a reduction in pain. By her 13th visit (6 weeks) her pain reduced from 6/10 to 2/10, her quality of life improved and she successfully delivered a 7 lbs. 5 oz., 20″ baby vaginally. (2)

Fibromyalgia, fatigue, depression and headacheslabor and delivery

A 40-year-old woman with an eight-year history of fibromyalgia presented for chiropractic care. She complained of widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression and headaches that limited her ability to function and enjoy life.

Analysis revealed postural distortions and spinal distortions indicative of spinal subluxations. She received chiropractic care 44 times over 5 months. She showed improvements in all aspects of life that had been evaluated: emotional well-being, energy/fatigue, general health, pain, physical functioning and social functioning. (3)

“Stabbing” neck and shoulder pain, arm numbness and weakness.

A 16-year-old girl threw a discus and felt an immediate stabbing, burning pain in her neck and shoulder that she described as 10 out of 10. Within 40 minutes of the injury, her left arm went numb and weak.

She had a history of fatigue, dizziness and headaches, and depression. Medical examination including MRI could not find the cause of her problems so the MDs decided it was psychological and referred her for psychiatric evaluation. She refused and instead received chiropractic care.

After her first visit, she reported a 50% increase in her arm muscle strength. By her 4th visit her arm was back to normal but she still had neck pain and stiffness. By the 6th visit, all the pain and stiffness was gone.

She returned five months later with similar complaints after being hit in the head with a basketball. This time her symptoms completely disappeared after one visit. (4)

1.Kent D, Vanderslice KD, Beachum AR. Reduction of labor and delivery time in a pregnant patient undergoing subluxation centered chiropractic care. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;2:40-43.

2.Edwards J, Alcantara J. The chiropractic care of a patient with Harrington rods, scoliosis & back pain during pregnancy. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;1:32-39.

3.Fedorchuk C, Lightstone D, Moser JH. Improvement in symptoms, cervical alignment & quality of life in a 40-year-old female with fibromyalgia following Chiropractic BioPhysics® Technique: a case study and selective review of literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. March 13, 2017:34-46.

4.Michaeli S, Russell D, Alcantara J. The chiropractic care of a teenager with possible conversion disorder. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;1:24-31.

Chiropractic Case Studies

The following case studies report findings on how chiropractic care helped people with Breastfeeding, Edema, Low Back Pain, and fibromyalgia.

If you have one of these conditions, or know someone who does, please share this information. We can help!

Breastfeeding and latching difficulty breastfeeding

A four-week-old baby girl was brought in for chiropractic care by her mother who was concerned about the child’s inability to effectively latch onto her left breast when held in the traditional cradle position or any other position.

Multiple subluxations with spasm, limited motion and tenderness were found at the sacrum, the fifth thoracic vertebrae (T5), the atlas (C1) and right TMJ.

Following a specific adjustment to the upper cervical spine and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) the infant could turn her head better and there was a decrease in spasm of the right TMJ-related musculature and the left neck. Immediately afterwards the baby could breastfeed with success and no further issues remained.

The mother reported the baby was able to latch perfectly and nursed without interruption for 30 minutes. The mother returned the next week and reported total resolution of the infant’s inability to latch onto her left breast. (1)

Edema and lower back pain in pregnancypregnant woman's belly

A 28-year-old mom-to-be, pregnant for 33 weeks, presented at a chiropractic office. Her chief complaint was tingling and numbness in the second through fourth fingers on her right hand. She also reported low back pain and right leg swelling. She also had endometriosis, ovarian cysts and two miscarriages.

She was scheduled for 9 visits of care. Within that period of time she received chiropractic adjustments. Her presenting complaints resolved within the time of care. (2)

Chiropractic & exercise: perfect for fibromyalgiawoman lifting weights

Fifty-five women with fibromyalgia ages 21-59 years old were divided into two groups: some completed resistance training and the others received chiropractic adjustments in addition to resistance training. The patients who received chiropractic care were more likely to follow the exercise program consistently and had more significant improvements in functionality, balance, flexibility and endurance.

This study confirmed the power of exercise and resistance training to ease the pain of fibromyalgia. At the same time, it demonstrates that combining chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy may enhance the benefits of both treatments. (3)

References

  1. Drobbin D, Stallman J. Resolution of breastfeeding and latching difficulty following subluxation based chiropractic care: case report and review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2015;3:102-108.
  2. Edwards J, Alcantara J. Resolution of peripheral neuropathy, lower extremity edema, and low back pain in a pregnant female undergoing chiropractic care. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2015;3:86-91.
  3. Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD et al. Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009;15(3):321-328.