After the “Big Reveal” with my weight-loss, I have had a huge outpouring of support from my patients, colleagues, friends and family.  I am now having the pleasure of coaching a growing number of individuals to a better body composition on the road to improved health.  Is this congruent with Chiropractic?  Articles like the one below drive the message home to me that I am on the right track!  Weight-loss and Chiropractic might just be the magic combination to help those suffering from fibromyalgia!

According to a recent study, being obese may be associated with more severe fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain and sleep problems. Fibromyalgia causes pain, fatigue and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Researchers believe that several factors, including injuries, abnormalities in the nervous system and changes in the muscle metabolism, may lead to the development of fibromyalgia.

Obese patients often develop chronic pain in various parts of the body because fat eventually starts to crowd the space near the internal organs, impairs blood circulation and puts extra strain and pressure on the body’s joints. Sometimes the fat in the abdomen may prevent patients from sitting comfortably. Pain is most likely to develop in the feet, joints, back and muscles. However, the potential link between obesity and fibromyalgia is unclear.

In the study, 215 patients with fibromyalgia completed questionnaires about their symptoms and underwent medical examinations to assess their pain, physical abilities and sleep cycles.

Forty-seven percent of the participants were considered obese, and another 30 percent were overweight (77% total overweight/obese). The authors concluded that obesity was linked to significantly greater pain sensitivity (particularly on the lower body), reduced strength and lower-body flexibility and poorer sleep quality. More research is needed to fully understand the potential relationship between fibromyalgia and obesity.

There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia. However, Chiropactic has been shown in many studies to help alleviate symptoms. In women with fibromyalgia, resistance training improves strength, fibromyalgia’s impact, and strength domains of functionality. The addition of chiropractic care improved neurological components, flexibility and helped achieve overall functionality. Most subjects with fibromyalgia appear to have responded favorably to a course chiropractic adjustments and ischemic compression therapy.

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485. www.communitychiropractic.net

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