Guidelines for the successful management of fibromyalgia patients

Publication date: December 2014 Source:Indian Journal of Rheumatology, Volume 9, Supplement 2 Author(s): Robert M. Bennett The successful management of fibromyalgia starts with establishing a firm diagnosis, followed by an evaluation of all other comorbid pain conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis, temporomandibular pain disorder, migraine headaches, myofascial trigger points) and fibromyalgia associated comorbidities (e.g. restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome). Then, it is necessary to systematically go through a list of problems that need to be addressed: pain, sleep, fatigue, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, functional limitations, social functioning, prior therapies and expectations. The most fundamental issue in successful management is initiating patient directed therapies. This involves education regarding the nature of fibromyalgia, the various tools for treating different aspects of the disorder and the development of a constructive and flexible treatment program that will be modified according to the results. All fibromyalgia patients should be given a trial of medications that have been shown to help pain. Non-restorative sleep diminishes the effectiveness of the descending inhibitory pain pathway, thus effective treatment is an essential component of pain management, as well as helping fatigue and cognition. It is important to rule out treatable associated sleep disruptors such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea. The basis of attaining effec...
Source: Indian Journal of Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research