Nonarticular pain syndromes. Differentiating generalized, regional, and localized disorders

Nonarticular pain syndromes, although not inherently crippling, can have significant impact on patients' comfort, daily activities, and job performance. These syndromes include fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendinitis, and localized myofascial pain syndromes. Although differentiating these conditions from one another may be difficult, early diagnosis and follow-up are important for determining appropriate treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, or corticosteroid injections; trigger-point desensitization therapy; physical therapy; and patient education.