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Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group.

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In this Article

• Fibromyalgia facts
• What is fibromyalgia?
• What causes fibromyalgia?
• Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
• What are symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia?
• How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
• What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
• What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?
• Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
• What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
• Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?
• Find a local Rheumatologist in your town

What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?

The outlook for patients with fibromyalgia is generally quite good. It is important to note that fibromyalgia is not an organ-threatening illness. Those patients with an approach to treatment that involves optimal understanding of the condition, as well as sleep improvement, stress reduction, and exercise, tend to do best.

Can fibromyalgia be prevented?

There is no method of preventing fibromyalgia. Exacerbations of fibromyalgia can be minimized with exercise, promotion of optimal sleep, stress reduction, and proper medical treatment.

What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?

The key to unlocking the mystery of fibromyalgia has yet to be found. Research scientists have been studying numerous viruses as potential causes for fibromyalgia. Identification of an infectious agent or toxin which causes the disease may one day lead to a laboratory test that can help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia. Specific fibromyalgia treatment aimed at a cure awaits future research that uncovers the exact cause of the disease.

Recent scientific studies suggest that a specific area of the brain called the insula may be involved in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. New drugs may be developed that block substance P or nerve growth factor to relieve pain of fibromyalgia. Many fibromyalgia patients can be helped by improved patient education, proper exercise, and medications. With ongoing research, the future prognosis will certainly improve for those affected by fibromyalgia.

Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?

Arthritis Foundation
PO Box 19000
Atlanta, GA 30326

National Fibromyalgia Association

American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association

REFERENCES:

Klippel, John H., et al., eds. Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. 13th ed. New York: Springer and Arthritis Foundation, 2008.

Rao, Srinivas G., Judith F. Gendreau, and Jay D. Kranzler. "Understanding the Fibromyalgia Syndrome." Psychopharmacol Bull. 40.4 (2008): 24-56.