Significance: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a major musculoskeletal illness affecting nearly 6 million Americans, mostly women over the age of 25. It is prevalent worldwide and characterized primarily by multiple body tenderpoints (see diagram), nonrestful sleep and depression. Traditional primary care physicians and specialists remain uncertain about treatment approaches for these patients. Globally, a nonpharmaceutical approach to FMS may be more effective and more financially feasible. Methods: A case series of 40 men and women with FMS were asked during individual personal interviews about treatments they have tried, and those treatments the they found to be beneficial for their condition. Results: Over 75% of subjects report to have tried and found beneficial the following treatment approaches: Chiropractic manipulation, massage, and osteopathic manipulation. 90% of these patients stated that the "softer" techniques of these manual therapies were most beneficial. Conclusion: Soft-tissue techniques may be the best approach for FMS patients, in conjunction with proper diet and exercise. Manual therapies such as chiropractic manipulation, massage and osteopathic manipulation play an important role in treating this increasingly prevalent illness.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Chiropractic, Therapies
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