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Relationships between neuromuscular functioning, disability and pain in fibromyalgia
Nina K Vøllestad1, Anne Marit Mengshoel
1Section for Health Science, Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway. nina.vollestad@medisin.uio.no
Disability and Rehabilitation
|July 14, 2005
Summary
Fibromyalgia (FM) neuromuscular changes may be adaptations to reduced activity, not primary pathology. Differentiating chronic pain from activity-induced pain is crucial for effective FM treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by pain and altered neuromuscular function.
- Neuromuscular changes are often presumed to cause functional limitations in FM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the basis for understanding neuromuscular changes as a primary feature of FM.
- To investigate the interplay between pain and neuromuscular properties/function in FM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simplified model to analyze relationships between pain, neuromuscular function, and activities/participation.
- Distinguished between chronic pain and acute, contraction-induced pain.
Main Results:
- Neuromuscular alterations in FM may represent adaptations to decreased physical activity rather than intrinsic pathology.
- Chronic pain and acute pain have differential impacts on functioning.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and research efforts should differentiate between chronic and activity-induced pain in FM.
- Observed muscular property deviations in FM are likely not pathological.
- Physical activity and muscle function improvement alone may be insufficient for FM treatment.