Fibromyalgia: Progress in diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a frequent cause of chronic widespread pain and affects up to 5% of the general population. Diagnosis and treatment have been especially challenging due to limited knowledge of etiology and poor response to conventional treatment of pain. Appreciation for the interactions of neurobiologic, psychologic, and behavioral factors in the disease pathogenesis has led to improved treatment options that can be effective in individual patients. Current evidence advocates a multifaceted program emphasizing patient education, medications for improving symptoms, and aggressive use of exercise and cognitive-behavioral approaches to retain or restore function.

Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine Associated With Amitriptyline on Pain Relief and Plasma Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine Concentrations in Fibromyalgia

“…9 In our study, pain relief was obtained in both groups, and lidocaine probably did not show an additional effect on pain relief. This probably occurred because amitriptyline alone could promote pain relief.…”

Comorbidity of fibromyalgia and psychiatric disorders

“…Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder of diffuse pain or stiffness in the muscles or joints, accompanied by tenderness on examination at specific, predictable anatomic sites known as tender points [1].…”

Chronic Prostatitis: Approaches for Best Management

“…Nevertheless, this hypothesis has not been followed up with conclusive studies and therapeutic achievements. In chronic fibromyalgia, extensive recent researches has provided evidence of a lowered pain threshold determined by the individua's genetic characteristics [20,21]. Those predisposed patients may have the condition 'triggered' by 'stressors' such as infection, physical trauma, or severe psychological trauma [21].…”

“…In chronic fibromyalgia, extensive recent researches has provided evidence of a lowered pain threshold determined by the individua's genetic characteristics [20,21]. Those predisposed patients may have the condition 'triggered' by 'stressors' such as infection, physical trauma, or severe psychological trauma [21]. These abnormalities may be present at several levels of pain: processing systems as well as psychological pathways, both domains being influenced by specific genetic variants [22].…”