Understanding Of Fibromyalgia Research Articles

The prevalence of fibromyalgia in adults at Al-Karak Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and intricate musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific anatomical regions. Although its prevalence varies among populations, understanding the prevalence in different geographical areas is crucial for healthcare planning. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia in adults residing in Al-Karak, Jordan. The city's unique demographic and environmental characteristics may influence the occurrence of fibromyalgia among its adult population. The study aims to address gaps in knowledge, provide localized insights, and shed light on fibromyalgia's burden on the community's health. Accurate prevalence data aids healthcare planning and resource allocation. This research collected data from 965 social media participants using Google Forms. The American College of Rheumatology survey criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia were used. To investigate the predictive value of various parameters, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The study found a 26.5% prevalence of fibromyalgia in the studied population. Female gender, mental health illnesses, and comorbidities like irritable bowel syndrome, psychiatric disorders, and rheumatological and neurological diseases were significantly associated with fibromyalgia. Age, BMI, marital status, employment status, and certain comorbidities did not show statistically significant predictive value. This study sheds light on fibromyalgia's prevalence and associated factors in the Al-Karak population. The identified predictors highlight the necessity for comprehensive healthcare strategies and interventions to mitigate the disease burden. These findings aid policymakers and healthcare professionals in planning and implementing effective measures for fibromyalgia management and prevention. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of fibromyalgia's complexity and its implications in this region.

Investigation of patients' understanding of fibromyalgia: Results from an online qualitative survey

ObjectiveAn important component to effective fibromyalgia treatment is patient education about the condition. While previous educational interventions have been developed, these have not incorporated the lived experiences of patients and may not address common misunderstandings among those who may benefit from these interventions. This study aimed to explore understanding, confusion, and gaps in knowledge about fibromyalgia among those who report a fibromyalgia diagnosis. MethodsParticipants were recruited via clinic flyers and the social media page of a chronic pain research laboratory. Participants completed an online survey that assessed their knowledge of fibromyalgia via open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed via thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and report themes. ResultsThirty-eight participants completed the survey (63% female, ages 18–68). Common themes that arose from patients included being unsure of the cause of their fibromyalgia, frustration and confusion about the random/variable nature of symptoms and flares, feeling that their condition was invisible, and desiring more information on available treatments. ConclusionParticipants in this study expressed confusion about many aspects of fibromyalgia and a desire for more understanding from others in their life about this condition. Practice implicationsFuture interventions would benefit from tailoring fibromyalgia education to the specific knowledge and lived experiences of patients.

Fibromyalgia : A review

This paper reviews guidelines of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a common medical condition which is still misdiagnosed with other rheumatological disorders. It can be complex and brings many challenges. Presentation can vary from patient to patient. It is estimated that around up to 5% of population may have fibromyalgia with more cases in women. Although there is no cure for this condition, more understanding of Fibromyalgia can contribute to a well-rounded effective treatment and therapy options via a multidisciplinary approach to help in relieving the symptoms. Keywords : fibromyalgia, challenges, multidisciplinary approach, therapy, rheumatological disorders.

Addressing Self-Stigma in Fibromyalgia Using Pain Neuroscience Education: An Occupational Therapy Case Study

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be misperceived because they are often visibly undetectable, thereby leaving persons with fibromyalgia exposed to others’ incorrect understanding of their experience and physical capabilities. Persons with fibromyalgia may experience stigma, when nobody understands the condition or how it affects their daily occupations. This retrospective case study describes how occupational therapy, as part of a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary team approach, can use pain neuroscience education as an effective treatment strategy for fibromyalgia and discusses the benefits of an educational approach to improve our understanding of fibromyalgia, as well as decrease self-stigma and increase occupational performance.

The 4 U's Rule of Fibromyalgia: A Proposed Model for Fatigue in a Sample of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study.

Although fatigue usually goes unnoticed, it is a symptom that poses great challenges to patients with fibromyalgia and is a strong limitation. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the variables involved in fatigue in nine different situations of the Goal Pursuit Questionnaire (GPQ) that may occur in the daily lives of women with fibromyalgia, according to an ABC (Antecedents–Behaviors–Consequences) model. This study followed a qualitative descriptive research method and a deductive–inductive hybrid approach based on a phenomenological paradigm. Twenty-six women with fibromyalgia participated in focus group discussions between February and March of 2018. Thematic content analysis was carried out from transcribed verbatim interviews. We identified nine major themes that emerged from the participants’ conversations: self-imposed duties, muscle fatigue, overwhelming feeling of tiredness, difficulty thinking, difficulty concentrating, negative emotions, lifestyle changes, affected everyday activities, and lack of motivation for daily activities and social interactions. We conclude that the ABC model allowed certain elements to emerge regarding the fatigue experience, highlighting its importance as a symptom in fibromyalgia. This additional analysis of the ABC model showed that fatigue can be described through the 4 U’s Rule, which is integrated by these four adjectives: (1) Unpredictable, (2) Uncontrollable, (3) Unseen, and (4) Unintelligible. Identifying these characteristics can contribute to a better understanding of fibromyalgia in addition to better treatment for these patients.

Association of employment and working conditions with physical and mental health symptoms for people with fibromyalgia

Purpose: This study examines physical and mental health symptoms among people with fibromyalgia (FM) by employment status and working conditions. Method: Secondary data analysis of the 2007 National Fibromyalgia Association Questionnaire study resulted in employment and symptom information for 1702 people of working age with FM. In this cross-sectional internet study, six factors of symptom clusters (physical, mental health, sleeping, concentration, musculoskeletal, support) were seen in the data. Linear regression models used employment, age, income, gender, and education to predict symptom clusters. Among those employed, working conditions were also associated with symptom severity. Results: In the predominately female sample, 51% were working. Of these, 70% worked over 30 hours/week and half had flexible hours. Employment, higher income, and education were strongly associated with fewer symptoms. Working conditions, including level of physical and mental exertion required on the job as well as coworkers’ understanding of FM, were related to symptoms, particularly physical and mental health symptoms. Many participants reported modifying their work environment (66%) or changing occupations (33%) due to FM. Conclusions: Work modifications could allow more people with FM to remain employed and alleviate symptoms. Persons with FM should be counseled to consider what elements of their work may lead to symptom exacerbation.Implications for RehabilitationPeople with fibromyalgia (FM) are at increased risk for unemployment.People with FM who remain working experience benefits, including fewer physical and mental health symptoms, higher income, and more social support.To remain working, people with FM may require an altered work situation, such as flexible or reduced hours.Persons with FM should be counselled upon diagnosis to consider which elements of their work may lead to symptom exacerbation or problems with work productivity.

Neoteric pharmacotherapeutic targets in fibromyalgia

Introduction:Fibromyalgia is a debilitating, chronic pain disorder typically present with allodynia and hyperalgesia. Estimates from the USA suggest that fibromyalgia affects about 5% of women, and is the third most common rheumatic disorder after lower back pain and osteoarthritis. Recent research advances highlighted a role for aberrant central pain processing in fibromyalgia, and consistent with this, the first three drugs (pregabalin, duloxetine and milnacipran) approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia over the past 2 years have a predominantly central mode of action. Despite progress in understanding of fibromyalgia and the long-awaited introduction of three medications for treating it, fibromyalgia continues to pose a significantly unmet medical need, negatively affecting the lives of millions of individuals worldwide in all ethnic groups and all economic classes.Areas covered:Prevailing theories of pathogenesis of fibromyalgia, existing therapies and the potential of current research on novel targets.Expert opinion:Current research on novel sedative–hypnotics, anti-epileptic medications, various reuptake inhibitors, growth hormone agonists, canabinoid agonists, non-opiate analgesics and 5-HT3 antagonists offers hope for the the next generation of therapeutic options for fibromyalgia. With regards to the development of novel pharmacotherapies, there seem to be grounds for increased optimism regarding prospective treatments of the disorder.

Therapy Insight: fibromyalgia—a different type of pain needing a different type of treatment

In the past decade, we have made tremendous progress in our understanding of fibromyalgia, which is now recognized as one of many 'central' pain syndromes that are common in the general population. Specific genes that might confer an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia syndrome are beginning to be identified and the environment (in this case exposure to stressors) might also have a significant effect on triggering the expression of symptoms. After developing the syndrome, the hallmark aberration noted in individuals with fibromyalgia is augmented central pain processing. Insights from research suggest that fibromyalgia and related syndromes require a multimodal management program that is different from the standard used to treat peripheral pain (i.e. acute or inflammatory pain). Instead of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids commonly used in the treatment of peripheral pain, the recommended drugs for central pain conditions are neuroactive compounds that downregulate sensory processing. The most efficacious compounds that are currently available include the tricyclic drugs and mixed reuptake inhibitors that simultaneously increase serotonin and norepinephrine concentrations in the central nervous system. Other compounds that increase levels of single monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine), and anticonvulsants also show efficacy in this condition. In addition to these pharmacologic therapies, which are useful in improving symptoms, nonpharmacologic therapies such as exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy are useful treatments for restoring function to an individual with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia: Present to future

There has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of fibromyalgia throughout the past 14 years since the publication of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Before 1990, and for most of the 20th century, fibromyalgia was considered to be predominantly a muscle disorder; now the critical abnormality is described as "central sensitization." However, central sensitization has to have an initial genesis and nociceptive stimuli from painful foci in muscle are increasingly recognized as being relevant to the development of fibromyalgia. Clinicians also recognize an association between the initiation of fibromyalgia and chronic psychologic stressors and inflammatory disorders. It has been more difficult to understand how two such apparently diverse events could affect central pain physiology. However, some clues are emerging from the role of diverse stimuli in activating glial cells and the role of disordered cytokine networks. Some predictions about future developments in fibromyalgia are ventured based on the current state of knowledge.

Fibromyalgia: present to future.

There has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of fibromyalgia throughout the past 14 years since the publication of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Before 1990, and for most of the 20th century, fibromyalgia was considered to be predominantly a muscle disorder; now the critical abnormality is described as "central sensitization." However, central sensitization has to have an initial genesis and nociceptive stimuli from painful foci in muscle are increasingly recognized as being relevant to the development of fibromyalgia. Clinicians also recognize an association between the initiation of fibromyalgia and chronic psychologic stressors and inflammatory disorders. It has been more difficult to understand how two such apparently diverse events could affect central pain physiology. However, some clues are emerging from the role of diverse stimuli in activating glial cells and the role of disordered cytokine networks. Some predictions about future developments in fibromyalgia are ventured based on the current state of knowledge.

Health Care Seeking Behavior in Fibromyalgia:

Objective: Our aim was to identify factors that distinguish persons with fibromyalgia who have obtained medical treatment at a tertiary care practice [patients] from those who have not sought treatment [non-patients] and from healthy controls. Results: Patients, relative to non-patients, show significantly lower pain thresholds at tender and control points, report significantly greater symptoms severity and disability, and meet criteria for a significantly greater number of lifetime psychiatric diagnoses. Both patients and non-patients display significantly lower pain thresholds than controls. However, non-patients do not differ from controls in psychiatric comorbidity. Conclusions: Our understanding of fibromyalgia has been limited by studies of patients as tertiary care practices with high levels of symptom severity and psychiatric morbidity. Evaluation of non-patients suggests that psychological distress is not a primary feature of fibromyalgia.