Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
- Don L. Goldenberg, MD;
- Carol Burckhardt, PhD;
- Leslie Crofford, MD
- Author Affiliations: Department of Rheumatology, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Mass, and Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (Dr Goldenberg); Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Nursing, Portland (Dr Burckhardt); and Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Division, University of Michigan, School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (Dr Crofford).
- Corresponding Author: Don L. Goldenberg, MD, Department of Rheumatology, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2000 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462 (dgoldenb{at}massmed.org).
Abstract
Context The optimal management of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is unclear and comprehensive evidence-based guidelines have not been reported.
Objective To provide up-to-date evidence-based guidelines for the optimal treatment of FMS.
Data Sources, Selection, and Extraction A search of all human trials (randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials) of FMS was made using Cochrane Collaboration Reviews (1993-2004), MEDLINE (1966-2004), CINAHL (1982-2004), EMBASE (1988-2004), PubMed (1966-2004), Healthstar (1975-2000), Current Contents (2000-2004), Web of Science (1980-2004), PsychInfo (1887-2004), and Science Citation Indexes (1996-2004). The literature review was performed by an interdisciplinary panel, composed of 13 experts in various pain management disciplines, selected by the American Pain Society (APS), and supplemented by selected literature reviews by APS staff members and the Utah Drug Information Service. A total of 505 articles were reviewed.
Data Synthesis There are major limitations to the FMS literature, with many treatment trials compromised by short duration and lack of masking. There are no medical therapies that have been specifically approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for management of FMS. Nonetheless, current evidence suggests efficacy of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants, cardiovascular exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and patient education. A number of other commonly used FMS therapies, such as trigger point injections, have not been adequately evaluated.
Conclusions Despite the chronicity and complexity of FMS, there are pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions available that have clinical benefit. Based on current evidence, a stepwise program emphasizing education, certain medications, exercise, cognitive therapy, or all 4 should be recommended.
