Dr. Forster: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome. Diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms of fatigue and diffuse pain in the absence of objective physical findings to identify the source of pain. It’s usually associated with widespread, symmetrical tender points and other physical symptoms, such as irritable bowel or bladder, headaches and sleep abnormalities. Fibromyalgia primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50, but it also can occur in children and men.
Q: What new medications treat fibromyalgia?Dr. Forster: The new drug for fibromyalgia is Lyrica. It’s the first drug tested and approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. That gives credibility to the concept of fibromyalgia as a disease, which has come under question in recent times. The drug may cause significant side effects, including fatigue and weight gain. (Note: A recent FDA analysis of earlier studies linked it and 10 other drugs with an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.) So while it may be more effective than other forms of drug therapy, it’s not a cure-all. Individuals should talk with their doctor about the potential risks and benefits.
Q: How can people with fibromyalgia control pain?Dr. Forster: Functional brain studies show that the brain of a person with fibromyalgia is experiencing stress and anxiety along with persistent pain. To adequately treat people with chronic pain conditions, you have to treat not only the pain, but also control the perception of fear, stress and anxiety. Therefore, effective therapy includes exercise, biofeedback and other methods of trying to improve an individual’s perception of themselves, their body and pain in general.
