Fibromyalgia
Treatment:
In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress
is decreased. Treatment includes patient education, physical
therapy, and counseling. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have
found support groups helpful.
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressant medications or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes prescribed. Studies
show that antidepressants, in low doses, can decrease depression,
relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality,
and release painkilling endorphins.
No special diets are recommended at this time, though some
reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations,
or vitamins may be effective. Reducing stress and improving
coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms.
Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. The best
way to begin a fitness program is to start with low impact
exercises like walking and swimming. Starting slowly helps
stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics
and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort. Gentle
stretching and light massage may help relieve symptoms, as
will electronic acupuncture and relaxation techniques.
Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain
clinic.
Expectations (prognosis):
Fibromyalgia is generally a benign
condition causing no damage to muscles or connective tissue.
With a supportive treatment program, the probable outcome
is usually good, but symptoms may persist.
Complications:
There are usually no complications
Conditions reported as associated with fibromyalgia or that
mimic its symptoms include rheumatoid
arthritis, hypothyroidism,
cervical and low-back degenerative disease, Lyme
disease, chronic fatigue
syndrome, sleep disorders, depression,
and HIV infection.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if
symptoms of fibromyalgia develop.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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