Two thirds of FS patients used multiple interventions. All of these studies show that FS patients want and need a viable alternative therapy in addition to their standard medical care. Chiropractic doctors who offer advice on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral modification, in addition to chiropractic care, provide these patients with a valuable service. It is imperative to make the patient an active participant in their care and to establish a good home exercise program with stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercise. This will empower the patient to return to a functional lifestyle.
Nutritional supplements can include vitamins, mineral and herbal medicine.
A muscle study showed that there are no histological changes at the tender points. In a review article in JMPT, Schneider pointed out that FS and MPS are two distinct entities that require different treatment approaches. FS is a systemic problem that involves neuroendocrine dysfunction and requires multidisciplinary treatment. MPS is due to muscle dysfunction caused by trigger points which responds well to manual treatment, like myofascial release, ischemic compression, spray-stretch, etc. The doctor of chiropractic should be able to recognize fibromyalgia syndrome and participate in the care of this patient in conjunction with a rheumatologist and or psychotherapist.