Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Shim, Jae Chol

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome, which is characterized by widespread pain, unrefreshed sleep, a disturbed mood and fatigue. Until more is understood about fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, the management issues concerning its treatment remain difficult and problematic. Symptom management, with emphasis on functional restoration, takes priority. Such treatment should ideally be offered as part of a multidisciplinary treatment program using both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment modalities. The critical components of any successful fibromyalgia treatment program include addressing physical fitness, work and other functional activities, as well as mental health, in addition to symptom-specific therapies. The pathophysiological differences between fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome have not been clearly elucidated in the laboratory, and the terminology for these conditions has been confusing. The terms fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome has been used generically to refer to this group of musculoskeletal disorders. Chronic fatigue syndrome may be listed in the future as a separate entity, but currently awaits further research efforts. The care of each patient has to be individualized, as all patients are unique, and astute, empathetic clinicians can make a difference to the suffering of patients with these disorders.