Fibromyalgia: Osteopathic Evaluation and Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch and pressure. It often affects sleep, mood, and daily functioning, creating a significant impact on quality of life. At a practice specializing in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, we approach fibromyalgia through a comprehensive evaluation that considers the interconnected roles of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s ability to regulate and heal itself.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia involves an amplified pain response within the nervous system, where even minor stimuli can trigger disproportionate discomfort. While the precise cause is not fully understood, current research suggests that an imbalance in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals—combined with physical, emotional, and environmental factors—plays a central role.

In addition to widespread pain, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, memory difficulties (“fibro fog”), and sensitivity to temperature or sensory input. Because fibromyalgia affects multiple body systems, effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that addresses not only pain but also the underlying patterns contributing to dysfunction.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Fibromyalgia can be triggered or worsened by a variety of factors, including:

• Physical or emotional trauma.

• Prolonged stress or disrupted sleep.

• Chronic illness or inflammatory conditions.

• Hormonal and metabolic imbalances.

• Muscular and postural strain from injury or imbalanced biomechanics.

These factors can influence the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased muscular tension and alterations in blood flow, both of which sustain chronic discomfort and fatigue.

Who Is Affected

Fibromyalgia predominantly affects adults, with females representing the majority of diagnosed cases. It can develop gradually or following a specific physical or emotional event. Many patients have a history of repetitive strain, chronic stress, or other pain conditions such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (Please see Headaches and Migraines, Functional Bowel Issues, TMJ Pain). The widespread nature of fibromyalgia can make diagnosis and treatment complex, requiring practitioners to evaluate the body as an integrated whole.

The Role of Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine provides a valuable, integrative approach to the management of fibromyalgia. Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) trained in this specialty focus on identifying structural imbalances, myofascial restrictions, and neurologic contributors that perpetuate pain.

Treatment involves gentle, hands-on techniques—such as soft tissue manipulation, myofascial release, balanced ligamentous tension, and cranial osteopathy—to improve circulation, reduce tension, and calm overactivity in the nervous system. By optimizing the function of muscles, joints, and fascia, Osteopathic treatment can help decrease pain sensitivity and improve overall energy and mobility.

Regular treatment helps maintain structural balance and promotes self-regulation within the nervous system allowing better tolerance of regular, gentle activity and movement.  Osteopathic treatment is especially effective when done in combination with behavioral therapy that can address underlying effects of stress and trauma to support healthy nervous system responses to triggers.

Osteopathic care also emphasizes individualized support, including lifestyle, sleep, and movement recommendations that complement manual treatment. This holistic approach aims to regulate the body’s stress and pain responses, allowing patients to experience greater comfort and resilience over time.

Seeking Care for Chronic Pain and Fatigue

For individuals living with persistent pain, fatigue, and sensitivity, Osteopathic treatment offers a gentle and supportive path toward symptom management and improved function. Many patients find that Osteopathic care reduces the intensity of pain flares, improves sleep quality, and enhances their overall sense of well-being.

Our practice specializes in the evaluation and treatment of fibromyalgia using a patient-centered, biomechanical approach. If you experience widespread pain, fatigue, or stiffness associated with fibromyalgia, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levi. Through careful assessment and gentle, hands-on treatment, we can help you restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life.