Fibromyalgia Diagnosis, Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Pain Management

Course overview

Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and many other symptoms. The American College of Rheumatology criteria on fibromyalgia assists clinicians in the evaluation of the clinical severity of fibromyalgia and issues of differential diagnosis and comorbidity. The current criteria incorporate self-reporting tools for FM symptoms, e.g., fatigue and insomnia, as well as a clinical evaluation of central sensitization and repeated pain responses. The diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia require clinicians to have an understanding of the etiology and risk factors influencing disease progression. Abnormally functioning pain pathways lead to an enhanced pain experience in individuals with fibromyalgia. Therapeutic modalities tend to vary with individual responses to long-term treatment and any benefits received. Interdisciplinary health clinicians provide treatment options aimed at reducing pain and other chronic symptoms. They also provide education for fibromyalgia patients on symptom management and holistic healing.