Fibromyalgia commonly affects the musculoskeletal system. Pain is the predominant symptom but there may be other symptoms that include fatigue, memory, sleep and mood disorders. Patients have a lowered threshold for musculoskeletal pain such that even small stimuli are perceived as being very painful. Triggering factors include infections, trauma and stress. There are several fibromyalgia treatment options that can be used to improve symptoms.

The cause of this condition is yet to be established. Several risk factors are believed to contribute to its development. Susceptible individuals often have a similar mutation of genes and this has led researchers into believing that the condition may have a familial inheritance pattern. Constant infections especially of the musculoskeletal system are also a predisposing factor. Gender also plays a role as more women than men are affected.

Patients with mild symptoms are usually treated with NSAIDS. Paracetamol, which is available as an over-the-counter drug, helps relive muscle pain. Other NSAIDS that may be used are ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. In the event that the NSAIDS are ineffective, stronger analgesic agents such as opioids are used. These include drugs such as codeine and tramadol. Tramadol is highly effective for pain relief but may lead to side effects such as fatigue, diarrhoea and withdrawal symptoms.

Antidepressants are drugs whose main indication is the treatment of mood disorders. They have been found, however, to have some effect in the treatment of fibromyalgia. By reducing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, they help reduce the abnormally increased perception to pain. The frequently used antidepressants include amitriptyline, fluoxetine and duloxetine.

Anticonvulsants are believed to have some benefit in some cases. Pregabalin is one of these drugs. Pregabalin decreases the level of the neurotransmitter, glutamate, in the brain and this in turn reduces perception to pain stimuli. It is mainly used to treat epilepsy, a condition characterised by recurrent seizures. The most common side effects of pregabalin include dryness of mouth, nausea, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, weight gain and blurred vision.

Apart from pharmacological drugs, there is a role for psychological intervention. Since most of the affected individuals have also been found to suffer from depression, cognitive-behavioural therapy may be used to relive a number of the associated symptoms. Patients are able to diver their attention from negative thoughts that may precipitate the condition and to remain positive. It is also common for drugs to be administered alongside these treatments.

When seeking treatment for fibromyalgia, the main concern for the affected individual is often the constant pain. It should also be remembered that the other symptoms also need to be treated. These include, among others, fatigue, depression, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis and anxiety. For this reason, patients are advised to seek the help of various specialised medical professionals to sort out these symptoms.

Patients with fibromyalgia require psychological counselling as they have to live with this condition for a long time. They need to remain positive so that responsive to treatment is improved and their quality of life is also improved. They need to know that while there is no definitive treatment, symptoms may subside with time. An encouraging development in fibromyalgia treatment is the fact that there is hope for better and more effective therapies in future.