Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on the identification of symptoms – widespread pain plus the presence of tender points, or points on the body that are painful when pressure is applied to them – and the exclusion of other conditions. This means undergoing initial laboratory tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as thyroid conditions.
Unlike many other medical conditions, including arthritis, no evidence of fibromyalgia appears on X-rays or in laboratory test results. People with fibromyalgia often look healthy with no outward signs of pain or fatigue. This and a general lack of knowledge about the condition can lead to long delays in diagnosis. In fact, studies show that most people with fibromyalgia spend an average of five years seeking a diagnosis after they start experiencing symptoms.
This is starting to change, however, as medical schools are starting to teach about the condition and doctors are becoming more knowledgeable about it.
Is there a cure for fibromyalgia?
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but appropriate treatment, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits can greatly relieve symptoms and restore a high quality of life for many, if not most, people with the condition.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
There is no single treatment that works alone to relieve fibromyalgia or that helps all people with the condition. Usually a fibromyalgia treatment program will include some or all of the following:
* Moderate exercise to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness
* Relaxation techniques to reduce stress
* Education to help people understand and cope with the condition
* Healthy habits such as eating well and not smoking
* Medications to diminish pain and improve sleep
* Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage or herbs and supplements
What drugs are used to treat fibromyalgia?
Doctors may prescribe a variety of medications to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but they aren’t necessarily the types of medications you would expect. For example, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesic medications often used for many other arthritis-related conditions are often minimally effective against the pain of fibromyalgia. Other types of medications, however, may work in different ways to relieve pain and other symptoms of the condition.
Only one of these medications, the anti-seizure medication pregablin (Lyrica), is actually FDA-approved for treating fibromyalgia.
Others that have shown effectiveness in randomized clinical trials of people with fibromyalgia include:
* the anti-seizure medication gabapentin (Neurontin);
* antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline (Endep), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil);
* muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Cycloflex, Flexeril)
* and certain pain relievers, including tramadol.
The combination of 20 mg Prozac taken in the morning and 25 mg amitriptyline taken at night also has shown effectiveness in easing symptoms through the day and helping to ensure sleep at night.
For more information about medications used in fibromyalgia treatment, check out the Arthritis Today Drug Guide.
Next: Why are antidepressants used? Will acupuncture and other alternatives help?
