The clinical management of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic diffuse muscular aches, fatigue and poor sleep; it affects nearly three million individuals in the United States alone, predominantly younger women. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires adherence to the American College of Rheumatology criteria and the exclusion of secondary causes and systemic diseases. Treatment with sleep cycle regulators, NSAIDs, and light aerobic exercise is usually helpful. Patients must be reminded that fibromyalgia is often a chronic condition, but can be successfully treated.