ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the evidence for treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which can be selected to suit the individual concerned. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain, whereas pain in myofascial pain is localized. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms behind FMS remain unknown although a number of hypotheses and contributing factors have been identified and proposed. A characteristic feature of FMS is hyperalgesia and allodynia. These are likely to be due to altered mechanisms within the central nerveous system such as “wind-up” and central sensitization which have been demonstrated in FMS patients. A number of pharmacological interventions have been shown to be efficacious in randomized controlled trials for FMS, despite the fact that at this point in time only one treatment is specifically licensed for its management. Antidepressants should be considered for FMS patients. Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome of widespread pain that is associated with a variable spectrum of symptoms and concomitant disorders.
