Topic 10: Fibromyalgia

Question 1

Fibromyalgia

Answer 1

chronic central pain syndrome marked by widespread, nonarticular musculoskeletal pain and fatigue with multiple tender points

Question 2

clinical manifestations of fibromyalgia

Answer 2

· Widespread burning pain
· Patient cannot determine if pain occurs in muscle, joints, or soft tissues
· Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (1/3 of patients with fibromyalgia)
· Point tenderness at 11 or more of 18 identified sites
· Allodynia: pain in response to a stimulus that does not typically cause pain
· Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses
· Stiffness, non-refreshing sleep, fatigue
· Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
· Restless leg syndrome is typical

Question 3

diagnosis for fibromyalgia

Answer 3

pain is experienced in 11 of the 18 tender pints on palpation, and a history of widespread pain is noted for at least 3 months

Question 4

management for pain of fibromyalgia

Answer 4

rest, massage, use of alternating heat and cold to increase blood circulation

Question 5

what should be limited in fibromyalgia

Answer 5

· Consider limiting sugar, caffeine, and alcohol because they may be muscle irritants

Question 6

CAM for fibromyalgia

Answer 6

· Gentle stretching (yoga and tai chi)
Relaxation strategies (imagery, medication, biofeedback)