Zur Wirkung einer iterativen milden Ganzkörperhyperthermie auf den Fibromyalgieschmerz - Pilotstudie

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a very common non-inflammatory rheumatic disease. Main symptoms are wide-spread pain, multiple tender points, and irritations of autonomous nervous system which are often accompanied by depression and sleep disturbances. The disease is very resistant against pharmacological as well as physical treatment, but may be ameliorated by heat applications. Objective: Investigations about a possible influence of repeated moderate hyperthermia on pain. Methods: Using Iratherm 1000 (von Ardenne GmbH, Dresden) whole-body hyperthermia was induced (duration: 30 min, mean body temperature: 38±0,32°C, 3 treatments per week for 3 weeks). In addition, all patients received an identical standardized drug and a physical treatment program. Pain threshold was measured at 42 tender points using a dolorimeter (Pain Diagnostics and Thermography Inc., Great Neck, USA). For subjective pain intensity, a pain score and a visual pain analog scala were used. Results: Immediately after a single hyperthermia treatment, pain was significantly reduced. At the end of 3 weeks' treatment, pain no longer reached the pretreatment level. Conclusions: Moderate whole body hyperthermia has a significant analgesic effect in fibromyalgia, especially under repeated application. Further investigations in controlled studies are necessary.