Fibromyalgia Syndrome
(FMS)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia Syndrome
There is no definitive medical test for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made by doing a physical exam and a thorough history.
Not all people with unclassified pain should be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Rather, diagnosing fibromyalgia requires the recognition of the characteristic patterns and the absence of any other medical condition (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) that may be causing similar symptoms.
Treating and Preventing Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibromyalgia is often treated in a multifaceted fashion, using both medications and non-medication methods to improve individual symptoms. Treatment is individualized to each person depending on their symptoms. Non-medication methods to manage symptoms include sleep hygiene, stretching and aerobic exercises, stress reduction, and massages.
Treatment plans can provide patients with support and a better understanding of their needs.
Counselling can also be very helpful. Counsellors and doctors help people find ways to address problems that may be playing a role, encouraging people to believe that their problems can be overcome. Psychotherapy with talk therapy may also be used for treatment if indicated.
Medication is used in fibromyalgia to manage symptoms on an individual basis. Painkillers, such as acetaminophen,* and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen) are generally not helpful in fibromyalgia. Narcotic painkillers should be avoided because of the risk of dependence when there is no clear physical cause for the pain.
There are medications available specifically for fibromyalgia, including pregabalin and duloxetine. They work by affecting different pain pathways in the body, and help to improve pain in some patients with fibromyalgia.
Low doses of antidepressant medications (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, trazodone) are often used to treat fibromyalgia, but are not approved by Health Canada for fibromyalgia. Antidepressants can improve sleep and may help with the pain. In higher doses, they can also be used to treat mood disorders in people who develop them along with their fibromyalgia.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Fibromyalgia-Syndrome
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