Non-drug techniques help reduce symptoms of fi...( Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (...)

Non-drug techniques help reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) who exercise and practice relaxation and other non-drug techniques report fewer symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness than do patients who receive medication alone, according to scientists at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"Optimal treatment of FMS should include non-pharmacological interventions, specifically exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to appropriate medication management as needed for sleep and pain symptoms," says Lynn A. Rossy, MA, head of the study.

FMS is a poorly understood rheumatologic disorder that leaves those afflicted with fatigue, painful 'tender points,' and difficulties with sleep and functioning throughout the day. Rossy and colleagues examined data on more than 2,000 patients in 33 studies of drug treatments -- including antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- and 16 studies of non-drug treatments --such as aerobic exercise, relaxation, and cognitive behavioral techniques.

The researchers used a statistical technique called 'meta-analysis' to pool the data from the disparate studies and compare the overall effectiveness of drug and non-drug treatments for FMS. They report their findings in the current issue of Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Overall, both drug and non-drug treatments produce significant improvements in FMS patients' physical condition, their report of FMS symptoms, and their mental condition. Non-drug treatments were superior to drug treatments in reducing the number of FMS symptoms patients reported and in improving their ability to function on a daily basis. In fact, no drug treatment had any significant effect on daily functioning.

There was no difference between drug and non-drug treatments in their effects on patients' physical or mental condition.

"Our analysis suggests that a combination of drug and non-drug treatments is superior to drug treatment alone," says
'"/>

Contact: Lynn A. Rossy, M.A.
c209470@showme.missouri.edu
573-445-4654
Center for the Advancement of Health
31-Aug-1999

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Non-drug treatment device delivers sustained blood pressure reductions within 3-4 weeks in the home
2. Non-drug, treatment for hypertension gets further physiological backing in AHAs Hypertension Primer
3. Fixing of the lumbar column aided by simple radiological techniques
4. Acting techniques may help doctors empathize with their patients
5. Cartilage repair techniques shown to restore patient mobility and reduce pain
6. Molecular tailoring of chemotherapy with novel imaging techniques
7. Limitations of current evaluation techniques for the cost-effectiveness of treatments
8. Several new techniques show promise for spinal cord repair
9. New hope for ALS seen with genetic techniques, growth factors
10. Modifications to body contouring techniques for post-bariatric patients
11. Virtual colonoscopy techniques and training need to be improved before widespread clinical use

Post Your Comments: