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The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Fibromyalgia: a Comprehensive Review

Current Rheumatology Reports volume 21, Article number: 14 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain syndrome that can have debilitating consequences for affected patients. When compared to the general population, patients with fibromyalgia experience lowered mechanical and thermal pain thresholds, altered temporal summation of painful stimuli, and higher than normal pain ratings for known noxious stimuli.

Recent Findings

There is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia and treatment primarily focuses on both symptom management and improving patient quality of life. This treatment strategy involves a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach consisting of lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic measures, and other complementary approaches including but not limited to acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and meditation.

Summary

This manuscript will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, as well as complementary and alternative therapies that should be considered by healthcare providers.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Amit Prabhakar

  2. Medical College of Wisconsin, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd Suite 2-730, Wausau, WI, 54476, USA

    Jennifer M. Kaiser & Matthew B. Novitch

  3. Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA

    Elyse M. Cornett

  4. Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Richard D. Urman

  5. Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Room 656, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA

    Alan D. Kaye

Authors
  1. Amit Prabhakar
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  2. Jennifer M. Kaiser
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  3. Matthew B. Novitch
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  4. Elyse M. Cornett
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Correspondence to Elyse M. Cornett.

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Cite this article

Prabhakar, A., Kaiser, J.M., Novitch, M.B. et al. The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Fibromyalgia: a Comprehensive Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 21, 14 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-019-0814-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-019-0814-0

Keywords

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Fibromyalgia treatments
  • Complementary therapy
  • Alternative therapy
  • Pain
  • Symptom management