Diagnosis and Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by multiple musculoskeletal pain with simetric distribution, stiffness, fatigue, paraesthesia and sleep disturbance. Until recently, the exact etiology of fibromyalgia has not been found, but it is known that fibromyalgia can be triggered by emotional stress, infection, surgery, hypothyroid, trauma, lack of exercise, muscle overuse, and muscle metabolism changes. Some physiological and biochemical abnormalities can be found including low serotonin level, increase substance P and nerve growth factor level. Treatments for fibromyalgia consist of pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments. Pharmacological treatment can be used to manage pain, sleep disturbance, depression and anxiety. Non pharmacological treatments, beside reducing pain, sleep disturbance and depression also can be used to manage muscle fatigue. Education for lifestyle changes is the main therapy for fibromyalgia.