Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as “fibro fog”), and emotional distress. The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to involve abnormal pain processing within the central nervous system.

Causes:

The precise cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear; however, it is commonly associated with other conditions such as migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, hypermobility syndrome, uterine fibroids, and lupus.

Assessment and Diagnosis:

There is no definitive test for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is often based on:

– Patient history and symptom patterns.

– Physical examinations to rule out other conditions.

– Blood tests to exclude rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

– Imaging studies such as MRI, X-ray, or CT scans to eliminate other conditions.

– Specific criteria include the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and the symptom severity scale.

Multimodal Treatment:

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, symptoms are managed through a combination of approaches:

– Oral analgesics, including anti-neuropathic medications.

– Physical therapy: graded exercises targeting widespread pain.

– Therapeutic infusion of Lignocaine might help a minority of patients.

– Lifestyle and dietary modifications.

– Psychological support: stress management and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

– Coping strategies: join support groups and identify triggers.

– Development of an individualised management plan.