Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-02-01
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| Series: | Medicina |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/2/272 |
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| author | Sarah Al Sharie Scott J. Varga Lou’i Al-Husinat Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini Mohammad Araydah Batool Riyad Bal’awi Giustino Varrassi |
| author_facet | Sarah Al Sharie Scott J. Varga Lou’i Al-Husinat Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini Mohammad Araydah Batool Riyad Bal’awi Giustino Varrassi |
| author_sort | Sarah Al Sharie |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized as a global health concern affecting millions of people, with a prevalence transcending demographic boundaries. The clinical features and diagnosis of fibromyalgia encompass a range of symptoms beyond pain, including sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis, considering the shift from tender point reliance to a more holistic approach. Etiology and pathophysiology involve genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter dysregulation, central sensitization, and immune system involvement. Risk factors such as gender, age, family history, and comorbid conditions contribute to susceptibility. The impact on quality of life is profound, affecting physical and social aspects, often accompanied by mood disorders. Management approaches include pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological therapies, lifestyle modifications, and alternative treatments. This study also delves into emerging research, exploring advances in neurobiological understanding, brain imaging, genetic markers, glutamate modulation, cannabinoids, gut microbiome, and digital health tools for fibromyalgia management. Overall, this study provides a nuanced and up-to-date overview of the complexities surrounding fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance understanding and support for individuals grappling with this challenging condition. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:22:16Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-dde427db420c475395d9f0218a776b24 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:22:16Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Medicina |
| spelling | doaj.art-dde427db420c475395d9f0218a776b242024-02-23T15:26:37ZengMDPI AGMedicina1010-660X1648-91442024-02-0160227210.3390/medicina60020272Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative ReviewSarah Al Sharie0Scott J. Varga1Lou’i Al-Husinat2Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini3Mohammad Araydah4Batool Riyad Bal’awi5Giustino Varrassi6Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, JordanDepartment of Neurology, OhioHealth Mansfield General Hospital, Mansfield, OH 44903, USADepartment of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, JordanRheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University School of Medicine, 20157 Milan, ItalyDepartment of Internal Medicine, Istishari Hospital, Amman 11942, JordanDepartment of Family Medicine, Jordan Royal Medical Services, Amman 11855, JordanPaolo Procacci Foundation, 00193 Rome, ItalyFibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized as a global health concern affecting millions of people, with a prevalence transcending demographic boundaries. The clinical features and diagnosis of fibromyalgia encompass a range of symptoms beyond pain, including sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis, considering the shift from tender point reliance to a more holistic approach. Etiology and pathophysiology involve genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter dysregulation, central sensitization, and immune system involvement. Risk factors such as gender, age, family history, and comorbid conditions contribute to susceptibility. The impact on quality of life is profound, affecting physical and social aspects, often accompanied by mood disorders. Management approaches include pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological therapies, lifestyle modifications, and alternative treatments. This study also delves into emerging research, exploring advances in neurobiological understanding, brain imaging, genetic markers, glutamate modulation, cannabinoids, gut microbiome, and digital health tools for fibromyalgia management. Overall, this study provides a nuanced and up-to-date overview of the complexities surrounding fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance understanding and support for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/2/272fibromyalgiachronic paindiagnosismanagementemerging treatments |
| spellingShingle | Sarah Al Sharie Scott J. Varga Lou’i Al-Husinat Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini Mohammad Araydah Batool Riyad Bal’awi Giustino Varrassi Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review Medicina fibromyalgia chronic pain diagnosis management emerging treatments |
| title | Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review |
| title_full | Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review |
| title_fullStr | Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review |
| title_short | Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review |
| title_sort | unraveling the complex web of fibromyalgia a narrative review |
| topic | fibromyalgia chronic pain diagnosis management emerging treatments |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/2/272 |
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