Prognosis

Fibromyalgia is a chronic life long condition with no single, complete cure. During the last decade, better ways to diagnose and treat this chronic pain disorder have have been developed. Since June 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications for fibromyalgia treatment and other FM medications are in development. Research efforts have expanded as well. In 1990 there were approximately 200 published fibromyalgia  scientific research papers. Today there are more than 4,000 published reports.

While medications are an important part of any fibromyalgia treatment plan, they are only a fraction of a total regimen.  Research shows that people who are treated by a multidisciplinary team approach including: a physician to oversee the entire treatment plan and regulate medications; an alternative therapy expert who helps with an exercise plan and oversees cognitive behavior therapy, massage, physical therapy treatments, etc; and a mental health expert who assists the patient with life style adjustments appropriate for living life successfully with a chronic pain condition, demonstrate  the best treatment outcome. A person with fibromyalgia who is aggressive in learning self-management skills while working in conjunction with knowledgeable healthcare professionals, over time can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Developing an individualized self-management plan, from identifying effective treatment approaches to making necessary lifestyle changes, will help a person live successfully with fibromyalgia.