Fibromyalgia

• Fibromyalgia is widely recognized in the medical literature as a common secondary consequence of whiplash injury.

• The American College of Rheumatology developed a diagnostic protocol for fibromyalgia in 1990 which included the following:
  1. A history of widespread pain for more than three months.
  2. Pain in 11 of 18 tender points upon palpation of the following bilateral points.
     • Occiput, Lower posterior cervical spine, Trapezius, Supraspinatus, Second rib, Lateral epicondyles, gluteals, Greater trochanters, Knees.
       

• Many medical providers consider myofascial pain to be malingering, but medical literature dispels this myth. It shows that the majority of fibromyalgia patients continue to treat long after a monetary judgment has been reached in the case.
  

Treatment

• Chiropractic adjustments and care, including muscle/myofascial work, can be very beneficial.
• Massage therapy
• Light exercise
• Physical therapy
• Biofeedback
• Medications have been widely used for fibromyalgia, but for most patients, the benefits have been modest and offset by adverse drug reactions.