Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Do They Exist?

Abstract

"It is in the healing business that the temptations of junk science are the strongest and the controls against it the weakest." Despite their subjective nature, these syndromes (particularly MPS) have little reliability and validity, and advocates paint them as "objective." Despite a legacy of poor-quality science, enthusiasts continue to cite small, methodologically flawed studies purporting to show biologic variables for these syndromes. Despite a wealth of traditional pain research, disciples continue to ignore the placebo effect, demonstrating a therapeutic hubris despite studies showing a dismal natural history for FS. In reviewing the literature on MPS and FS, F.M.R. Walshe's sage words come to mind that the advocates of these syndromes are "better armed with technique than with judgment." A sympathic observer might claim that labeling patients with monikers of nondiseases such as FS and MPS may not be such a bad thing. After all, there is still a stigma for psychiatric disease in our society, and even telling a sufferer that this plays only a partial role may put that patient on the defensive. Labeling may have iatrogenic consequences, however, particularly in the setting of the work place. Furthermore, review of a typical support group newsletter gives ipso facto proof of this noxious potential. The author of a flyer stuffed inside the newsletter complains that getting social security and disability benefits for "the invisible disability" can be "an uphill battle. But don't loose (sic) hope." Apparently the "seriousness of the condition" is not appreciated by the medical community at large, and "clinician bias may well be the largest threat," according to Boston epidemiologist Dr. John Mason. Sufferers are urged to trek to their local medical library and pull four particular articles claiming FS patients have more "stress," "daily hassles," and difficulty working compared with arthritis patients. If articles can't be located, patients are told to ask their lawyers for help. Although "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" and FS are not considered by everyone to be the same malady, the "National Institute of Health (sic) has lumped these two conditions together. This could work in your favor." (A U.S. political advocacy packet is available for $8, but a list of U.S. senators with Washington, DC addresses is freely provided.) These persons see themselves as victims worthy of a star appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show. A sense of bitterness emerges; one literally bed-bound Texas homemaker writes in Parents magazine that "Some doctors may give up and tell you that you are a hypochondriac."(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)