Fibromyalgia - Treatment

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These evidence-based rankings were determined from published clinical trials. However, some treatments have not been as extensively studied as others and have less available published evidence. Doctors' recommendations and individual patients' experiences may differ from clinical trial results.

Preparation for Treatment

Patients must have realistic expectations about the long-term outlook of their condition, and their own individual abilities. It is important to understand that fibromyalgia can be managed, and patients can live a full life. The following tips may be helpful when starting a treatment program for fibromyalgia:

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• The goal of therapy is to relieve symptoms not cure them.
• Treatment must be tailored to each patient, and a combination approach is often needed.
• Patients must begin all treatments with the attitude that these treatments are trial and error. There is no clear treatment solution. Patients and doctors need to work together to make the best choices for individual symptoms and concerns.
• Treatments are long-lasting, in some cases life-long, and patients should not be discouraged by return of symptoms (relapses).
• Enlisting family members, partners, and close friends, particularly to help with exercise and stretching programs, can be helpful.
• Becoming involved with support groups of fellow patients also benefits many patients. Support groups may also benefit family members, particularly parents of children with fibromyalgia. One study noted that the severity of the disorder increased in children whose parents were less able to cope with their child's pain.

The definition of improvement is personal. For example, some patients are pleased with only a 10% reduction in pain and other symptoms.

Review Date: 12/15/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital