Positive Health Online

Abstract

SARAC and GUR, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical Faculty, Dicle University, 21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey, have reviewed (123 references) complementary and alternative therapies in fibromyalgia. Abstract: This article describes the studies that have been performed evaluating complementary or alternative medical (CAM) therapies for efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia. There is no permanent cure for fibromyalgia; therefore, adequate symptom control should be the goal of treatment. Clinicians can choose from a variety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological modalities. Controlled studies of most current treatments have failed to demonstrate sustained, clinically significant responses. Some herbal and nutritional supplements (magnesium, S- adenosylmethionine) and massage therapy have the best evidence for effectiveness with fibromyalgia. Other CAM therapies such as chlorella, biofeedback, and relaxation have either been evaluated in only one randomised controlled trial with positive results, in multiple RCTs with mixed results (magnet therapies), or have positive results from studies with methodological flaws (homeopathy, botanical oils, balneotherapy, anthocyanidins and dietary modifications). Chiropractic care has neither well-designed studies nor positive results and is not currently recommended for fibromyalgia treatment. Once CAM therapies have been better evaluated for safety and long-term efficacy in randomised, placebo-controlled trials, they may prove to be beneficial in treatments for fibromyalgia. It would then be important to look at studies assessing cost-benefit analyses comparing conventional therapies and CAM.

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References

Sarac AJ, Gur A. Complementary and alternative medical therapies in fibromyalgia. Current Pharmaceutical Design 12 (1): 47-57, 2006