In the United States alone, 10 million people suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), which is characterized by back pain, neck pain, chronic widespread muscle pain and abnormal pain processing. Women are more apt to suffer from FMS, in fact, 75-90% of the cases are women; FMS is also often seen within family histories. Some people will have genetic factors that may predispose them to FMS, or they will then have an illness or injury that will trigger the Syndrome. Recent research has shown that Fibromyalgia patients process pain differently than others without the Syndrome. One cause may be Substance P, a neuropeptide contained in the cerebral spinal fluid, is 3 times the level of patients without FMS, this in turn causes the FMS patients to experience pain more intensely. Some of the other symptoms of FMS are sleep disturbances, depression , “fibrofog” (inability to think clearly) and chronic fatique. Some Physicians believe FMS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are the same disorder, as the fatigue suffered by FMS patients can become quite disabling.

There is no test to diagnose Fibromyalgia, the patient must be have chronic widespread pain for greater than 3 months and be sensitive in 11 out of 18 tender points located throughout the four quadrants of their body. (See National Fibromyalgia Association website for more specific details.) For some discouraged patients it takes an average of five years to reach a diagnosis, as symptoms of FMS overlap other disorders.

At this time, there is no cure for FMS, therefore the treatment is tailored to adaptation of the patient’s lifestyle. Pain management techniques may include drugs specific for FMS, non-narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants and psychological support. Sleep management is important for the fatigue symptoms. Alternative treatments may include massage, acupuncture, yoga, osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation. Physical Therapy modalities may also be very helpful in treatment. Exercise is beneficial, but must be gentle and to the patient’s tolerance.

SpineSix BioMotion Spinal System® would also be a great therapy adjunct. A clinician using SpineSix therapy on a patient stated:

"The use of the SpineSix on the Fibromyalgia patient has been extraordinary. She has had the condition for many years and after each 15 min. session she states she feels better and better. Last session consisted of moist heat to her low back followed by the SpineSix treatment, afterwards she stated "this is the best that I have felt in YEARS!!" It was quite a statement from somebody that has a condition that has been known to debilitate and incapacitate people for weeks at a time. The condition itself is one that lends itself well to the patient. They often do well with light gentle exercise or very passive treatment, i.e., moist heat, electric stimulation, gentle massage, and gentle mobilizations. They Do Not do well with anything vigorous, exercise or otherwise. The SpineSix makes treatment a breeze and allows total relaxation of the entire body which is perfect for these patients."

SpineSix allows for computer controlled motion therapy in a non-weight bearing environment. The patient’s cervical and lumbar spine is treated to motion therapy in a clinician prescribed range-of-motion “figure 8” movements. The SpineSix’s patient pause switch allows the patient to be in full control of their treatment, if they become uncomfortable or distressed they simply push the switch and the SpineSix stops all movements. This gentle therapy increases blood flow, range-of-motion, flexibility and may in turn allow the patient to increase their daily activities with decreased levels of pain.

SpineSix BioMotion Spinal System® is an FDA Class 1 medical device. For more information, view a full list of clinical indications for SpineSix, or to locate a SpineSix location near you visit www.spinesix.com or call 1-772-781-1184.