Does low bone density influence symptoms and functional status in patients with fibromyalgia? Observations from rural South India.
BACKGROUND
The presence of more than one musculoskeletal disease has been found to impair quality of life (QoL). The influence of low bone mineral density (BMD) on symptoms and function in those with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is unknown.


METHODS
A cross sectional study was carried out on 158 patients attending camps in rural South India. BMD was determined using quantitative ultrasound of the distal radius. Symptoms and function were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).


RESULTS
Low BMD was seen in 81.6% (129/158) of the persons screened. FMS was seen in 37/158 persons, of which 31/37 (83.7%) had low BMD.


CONCLUSIONS
FMS with low bone density leads to higher levels of pain and a poorer QoL compared to those without FMS. Coexisting musculoskeletal problems could also contribute to this. Therefore, medical practitioners and rehabilitation specialists should consider screening for bone density among those with FMS and should use this information to decide appropriate therapies to reduce pain and improve QoL.
School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Abraham Samuel
AS
Babu
Department of Orthopaedics, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Kottakal, India.|Department of Orthopaedics, CSI Mission Hospital, Codacal, Kerala, India.
Faizal M
FM
Ikbal
Department of Rehabilitation, CSI Mission Hospital, Codacal, Kerala, India.
Manjula Sukumari
MS
Noone
Department of Rehabilitation, CSI Mission Hospital, Codacal, Kerala, India.
Anupama Naomi
AN
Joseph
Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Debashish
D
Danda
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D015897:Comorbidity; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
chronic pain; fibromyalgia syndrome; osteoporosis; rehabilitation