EDS and Chiropractic

How Chiropractic Care Can Help When You Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, the aches and pains you’ve dealt with, especially those in your mid-back and ribs, start to make sense, but knowing what to do next can be daunting. If you’re newly diagnosed or suspect you might have EDS, you’re not alone in wondering how to manage the discomfort and stay active without making things worse.

One option that many people overlook—or may have even been warned against—is chiropractic care. But with the right approach, chiropractic can be one of the most helpful and supportive tools in your long-term care plan.

What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of connective tissue disorders that often involve joint hypermobility, fragile skin, and recurring joint pain. While every person’s experience with EDS is different, one common theme is chronic discomfort—especially in areas like the mid-back, ribs, shoulders, and hips.

Many EDS patients describe a sense that their body is “too loose” or “unstable,” which makes everyday movements tiring and painful. You might even feel like your body doesn’t hold itself together the way it should. And unfortunately, many traditional treatments either fall short or are too aggressive for hypermobile bodies.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Not all chiropractors are experienced in working with EDS. In fact, the wrong kind of spinal manipulation can leave you feeling worse. But gentle, customized chiropractic care, especially when combined with physical therapy-based techniques, can help ease pain and improve your body’s sense of stability.

In my practice, I’ve worked with many patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Using a blend of gentle instrument-assisted adjustments (no cracking or forceful twisting), soft tissue stretching, and muscle energy techniques, we create a treatment plan that supports your body-not fight against it.

Addressing Rib and Mid-Back Pain

One of the most common complaints I hear from EDS patients is mid-back pain or rib pain that feels like it’s “out of place.” This often stems from instability in the joints that connect your ribs to your spine or sternum. While your ribs may not actually be dislocated, the muscles and joints around them are often irritated or inflamed from micro-movements and poor support.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments and stabilizing techniques can calm the irritated tissue and help your body re-establish better movement patterns. Over time, this can mean less pain, fewer flare-ups, and more confidence in your daily activities.

Helping You Stay Active

Living with EDS doesn’t mean you have to give up doing what you love. In fact, staying active is a key part of feeling better long-term. The right kind of chiropractic care can help you find safe ways to move, modify activities that feel unstable, and build strength where your body needs it most.

Together, we’ll look at what causes your flare-ups and what helps you feel stronger. Whether it’s yoga, swimming, gardening, or just being able to get through a workday without pain, chiropractic care can be a tool to help you stay connected to the things you enjoy.

 

You deserve to feel heard, supported, and hopeful after an EDS diagnosis. If you’re curious whether chiropractic care might be right for you, give us a call today.