Fibromyalgia summary
Fibromyalgia is a chronic centralised pain syndrome that affects 2-5% of the population
- It is associated with sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue and mood disorders
- There is a female:male incidence ratio of 2:1
- Use the 2010 ARC diagnostic criteria
- A stepwise approach to treatment is advised
- Patient education is the first step and the patient needs to be an active participant
- The aim is to reduce symptoms and increase patient function
- There is a waxing and waning pattern to the condition
- There is scepticism in the medical profession as to the validity of the diagnosis
- There are measurable (research) biochemical changes in fibromyalgia
- There is an evidence base to treatment which must be tailored to the patient’s symptoms
- The management of fibromyalgia has 4 main components:-
- Patient education
- Physical therapy
- Psychological therapy/support
- Drug treatment
- Be aware that long term opiates may be associated with a poorer outcome
- Patients with fibromyalgia will need a long term relationship with their primary care physician – and this is best built on trust, mutual respect and an understanding of the condition
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