The first unbiased assessment of fibromyalgia.

Called the “invisible disease,” fibromyalgia is estimated to impact more than 10 million Americans. And yet, so much is still misunderstood about this chronic disorder. Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia is an invaluable resource for understanding fibromyalgia and its debilitating symptoms. Those living with fibromyalgia know it is an invasive disorder, one that can cause overwhelming fatigue, joint stiffness, sleep problems, migraines, digestive problems, and troubles with memory and concentration, a symptom so common it is often referred to as “fibrofog.” While it's believed that humans have suffered from fibromyalgia for hundreds, even thousands, of years, a delay in medical research means many people living with fibromyalgia are still in the dark, confused by their symptoms and what causes the painful disorder. By drawing upon decades of advanced research in studying and treating fibromyalgia, Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia combines anecdotes from real cases with expertise from Mayo Clinic’s rheumatology and chronic pain experts to provide an all-encompassing guide for understanding one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting Americans today. This book also offers reasonable, proven strategies—like worksheets to help readers craft a personalized daily plan—for managing common fibromyalgia symptoms, while serving as a comforting guide for those who may feel alone in their journey with fibromyalgia. This book breaks down what fibromyalgia is—and isn’t—in 4 separate sections: · Section 1 introduces fibromyalgia, the history and modern discoveries of fibromyalgia research, as well as common myths and misconceptions associated with the condition · Section 2 outlines the different treatment options available to those who suffer from fibromyalgia, including prescription medications, therapies, and forms of integrative medicine · Section 3 offers helpful tips for managing—and improving—chronic pain through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management · Finally, Section 4 explains how to find guidance and support from your family, friends, and physicians to help you live a life unhindered by fibromyalgia If you’re struggling to advance past your painful fibromyalgia symptoms, get the book Publisher’s Weekly described as “the first [book] a newly diagnosed patient should consult.”

Part of the Oxford Rheumatology Library, the second edition of Fibromyalgia Syndrome provides a succinct and practical guide to help rheumatologists and general practitioners diagnose and manage patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. The emphasis throughout is on tailoring treatment to the individual patient, and considering a combination of education, non-pharmacological, and pharmacological treatments. This comprehensive approach improves symptoms and quality of life in all those treated for FMS, benefitting not only patients but also healthcare providers and society. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) afflicts 2-5% of the population, more commonly females than males. It is characterised by chronic widespread pain, although fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, stiffness, and cognitive dysfunction are also common. National and international societies recognise the healthcare burden of FMS, and published recommendations and guidelines emphasise the importance of a positive diagnosis and management strategy to empower patients to cope with FMS. Now updated with new ACR criteria and additional international guidelines on the management of the syndrome, this pocketbook provides the reader with an essential understanding of the pathophysiology of pain in fibromyalgia, the different subtypes of fibromyalgia, and the pitfalls in diagnosis and management of this chronic condition.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are serious, debilitating conditions that affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. ME/CFS can cause significant impairment and disability. Despite substantial efforts by researchers to better understand ME/CFS, there is no known cause or effective treatment. Diagnosing the disease remains a challenge, and patients often struggle with their illness for years before an identification is made. Some health care providers have been skeptical about the serious physiological - rather than psychological - nature of the illness. Once diagnosed, patients often complain of receiving hostility from their health care provider as well as being subjected to treatment strategies that exacerbate their symptoms. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proposes new diagnostic clinical criteria for ME/CFS and a new term for the illness - systemic exertion intolerance disease(SEID). According to this report, the term myalgic encephalomyelitis does not accurately describe this illness, and the term chronic fatigue syndrome can result in trivialization and stigmatization for patients afflicted with this illness. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome stresses that SEID is a medical - not a psychiatric or psychological - illness. This report lists the major symptoms of SEID and recommends a diagnostic process.One of the report's most important conclusions is that a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted work-up are necessary and often sufficient for diagnosis. The new criteria will allow a large percentage of undiagnosed patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome will be a valuable resource to promote the prompt diagnosis of patients with this complex, multisystem, and often devastating disorder; enhance public understanding; and provide a firm foundation for future improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Pain management is an essential part of clinical practice for all healthcare providers from trainees, physician assistants and nurse practitioners through to practising physicians. Problem-Based Pain Management is a collaboration between experts in anesthesiology, geriatric medicine, neurology, psychiatry and rehabilitation which presents a multidisciplinary management strategy. Over 60 chapters follow a standard, easy-to-read, quick access format on: clinical presentation, signs and symptoms, lab tests, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacologic approach, interventional procedure, follow-up and prognosis. The broad spectrum of topics include headache, neck and back pain, bursitis, phantom limb pain, sickle cell disease and palliative care. Unlike other large, cumbersome texts currently available, this book serves as a quick, concise and pertinent reference in the diagnosis and management of common pain syndromes.

This volume is the first comprehensive text devoted to fibromyalgia and other centrally mediated chronic pain syndromes. Leading experts examine the latest research findings on these syndromes and present evidence-based reviews of current controversies. Chapters discuss the definition, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of chronic pain and fibromyalgia, the clinical presentations of fibromyalgia syndrome, and central sensitization syndromes associated with chronic neuromuscular pain. The contributors thoroughly examine various approaches to evaluation and management of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Other chapters focus on disability issues, prognosis, and future research directions. A critically reviewed listing of Websites and other resources is included.

Designed for anyone involved in the management of musculoskeletal pain, this practical guide to fibromyalgia syndrome and its treatment provides a multidisciplinary perspective on this multifaceted and frequently encountered syndrome. The updated and expanded 2nd edition rapidly distills contemporary research on the subject and relates it specifically to the problems of assessment, diagnosis, and management. Information on the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia is provided with a quick and clear reference for dealing with a group of difficult to manage patients. The latest research findings are included in one place, eliminating the need to scan through multiple journals. All aspects of this multifaceted syndrome are addressed to help make a clear diagnosis and select the most appropriate management. Complementary approaches to treatment include answers to the questions many patients ask. Content is written by a well-known osteopath with contributions from other expert professionals - providing a multidisciplinary view of the problem and a variety of approaches to management. Two new chapters, expanded content, and additional illustrations reflect the emerging information on this syndrome. Material on physical therapy approaches to the syndrome has been added. The section on the cognitive/behavior approach to treatment has been expanded. A companion CD-ROM includes video clips, a narrative that shows how to assess and diagnose the syndrome, and techniques for treatment.