Mary Franz - Mar 29th, 2011
Fibromyalgia can be a debilitating condition, and it is one that is increasingly treated by chiropractors. The constant pain and insomnia can lead to physical, psychological and social disabilities. Worst of all, fibromyalgia has no concrete etiology and is often regarded as a psychosomatic disorder. Anti-depressants and other drugs are often prescribed, but a recent study shows promise in alternative treatment for fibromyalgia patients.
The purpose of the study was to see whether aerobic exercise and relaxation techniques would help improve anxiety, quality of sleep, depression and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
There were 56 fibromyalgia patients included in the study and each was randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The control group received a placebo sham treatment via magnet therapy. The intervention group underwent aerobic exercise and progressive relaxation techniques.
The researchers measured participants' anxiety levels, quality of sleep and depression, and each patient filled out a questionnaire that measured quality of life at baseline and after 10 weeks of treatment.
The intervention group showed significant improvement in sleep duration, trait anxiety and quality of life. This study reinforces other findings that alternative treatments such as chiropractic may provide a path to recovery for fibromyalgia patients.
Arcos-Carmona IM, Castro-Sanchez AM, Mataran-Penarrocha GA, Gutierrez-Rubio AB, Ramos-Gonzalez E, Moreno-Lorenzo C. Effects of aerobic exercise program and relaxation techniques on anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Medicina Clinica 2011 Feb 21.
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