FIBROMYALGIA: AN EXAMINATION OF THE DISORDER AND ITS TREATMENTS

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects approximately 2–3 % of the world population, yet its origin remains unknown. The pain is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Several risk factors may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia, including being female, being overweight or obese, and having traumatic past experiences. Many of the available treatments are used to address the symptoms and comorbidities or counter any risk factors present. There are three drugs approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia and several others that are efficacious or promising. Opioids, however, are not recommended for fibromyalgia. Diets such as the ketogenic diet and the Mediterranean diet may result in weight loss and decreased inflammation. Strength training, aerobic exercise, and stretching are each beneficial in decreasing pain and increasing overall quality of life, and they are even more effective when combined. Light therapy is not widely used or acknowledged, but the visual or cutaneous application of certain colors of light may elicit analgesic effects. Psychotherapy may aid in decreasing the severity of psychiatric symptoms and comorbidities and therefore may lead to reduced pain. A complete plan of care for individuals with fibromyalgia should consist of unique, patient-specific combinations of these treatments.