Brief Review of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive difficulties, mental health symptoms, sleep problems, and various other physical complaints. Current research refers to FM as dysfunction of pain processing in the central nervous system, also known as central sensitization. 

FM should be suspected in patients with chronic pain of at least three months' duration without another identifiable cause. Diagnosis of FM is symptom-based. 

Nonpharmacologic therapy, such as assessment of psychosocial stressors, regular aerobic exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy, should be initiated as first-line therapy in all patients. Although approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, pharmacologic therapy for FM such as pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran, provides a modest benefit over placebo.