Fibromyalgia: Therapy [Clinical Review Discussion]

Treatment of FM is indeed difficult.  It is a condition that is poorly understood, over-diagnosed and often improperly treated.  Whether it even exists as a separate entity has been questioned in the literature, Unfortunately our lack of understanding of the condition does not release us from the responsibility of striving to help those afflicted with the physical signs of FM.  Often the treatment of FM must go beyond muscle pain as fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are often present in FM patients.  Another complicating factor is the common co-morbidities of headache, bruxism, irritable bowel syndrome and cognitive defect, just to name a few.  A review of the literature provides some guidance in conservative and medical treatment that can be effective in lessening the symptoms.  Often the physician must utilize a multi-disciplinary approach as well as move from one treatment option to another in order to find an approach with acceptable results.