Fibromyalgia in Primary Care

Prim Care. 2018 Jun;45(2):325-341. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2018.02.008.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a common disorder and has substantial impact on quality of life. The cause remains unknown, but current evidence points to multifactorial involvement of pain processing. Clinical diagnosis is aided by evidence-based diagnostic criteria with subscores for widespread pain and symptom severity. Nonpharmacologic treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, and regular aerobic exercise, form the cornerstone of management. Pharmacologic intervention is an important adjunct, but benefit is variable. There is no cure for fibromyalgia at this time, but persistence and patience in management may lead to a satisfactory lifestyle.

Keywords: Antidepressive agents; Antiepileptics; Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); Exercise; Fibromyalgia; Pain; Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI); Sleep wake disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Fibromyalgia / diagnosis*
  • Fibromyalgia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*