Manipulative and Massage Therapy in the Lower Thoracic and Cervical Spine in Subjects With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Effects of Manipulative Therapy in the Lower Thoracic and Cervical Spine in Subjects With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Objective: Compare degree of improvement can reach patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome, by treatment with Manipulative and Massage Techniques versus an exercise program for lower thoracic and cervical spine.

Study Design: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Setting: Clinical setting. Methods: Sixty-four subjects with FMS were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving manipulative and massage therapy, or to a control group for exercise program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
• Limitation of usual activities due to pain on at least 1 day in the previous 30 days.
• Agreement to attend evening therapy sessions.
• Non-practice of regular physical activity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A history of surgery.
• The presence of comorbid conditions (e.g., morbid obesity, inflammatory diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis).
• A history of whiplash injury.
• Severe physical disability.
• Uncontrolled endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, diabetes).
• Illness (e.g., schizophrenia or substance abuse).
• The use of medication other than as-needed analgesics (excluding long-term narcotics).
• Malignancy.
• Psychiatric disorders.
• A score of ≥ 9 points in the Beck depression inventory.