title: Management strategies for fibromyalgia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  What are the effective, evidence-based strategies available for the management of fibromyalgia?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are a number of management strategies available with robust evidence to support their use in clinical practice.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Fibromyalgia is a complex pain syndrome characterized by widespread, chronic muscular pain and tenderness, disordered sleep, emotional distress, cognitive disturbance, and fatigue. Its prevalence is estimated to be 3%-5% in the population and higher yet in patients with comorbid rheumatic diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  PubMed, Cochrane Library, manual search.
  Key messages for patients and clinicians are: There are many effective pharmacological management strategies available for fibromyalgia.A nonpharmacological, multicomponent approach utilizing education, aerobic exercise, psychological therapy, and other strategies is also effective for fibromyalgia.Despite the significant and, at times, disabling physical and psychological symptoms, fibromyalgia can be a manageable condition with a potentially good outcome.
authors: Departments of Rheumatology and Medicine, Monash Medical Centre and Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Kim Francis
authors: KF
authors: Le Marshall
authors: Departments of Rheumatology and Medicine, Monash Medical Centre and Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Geoffrey Owen
authors: GO
authors: Littlejohn
keywords: evidence; fibromyalgia; management; pain; treatment