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Updated: Jul 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
"Fibromyalgia - are there any new approaches?"
José Eduardo Martinez1, Izabela Guimarães2
1Rheumatologist, Full professor of Department of Clinic, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Member of the Fibromyalgia, Pain and other Soft Tissue Syndromes Comission, Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, Brazil.
Introduction:
Approaching patients with fibromyalgia (FM) is challenging due to the limited availability of scientifically proven effective therapies.
Objective:
Review the treatments in use for FM and present new knowledge that could benefit these patients. Non-pharmacological interventions are recommended as the first line of treatment: aerobic exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy and patient education, all aimed at improving pain and other symptoms. Additional approaches have been studied, such as, digital health interventions, combined treatments, noninvasive neuromodulation, and others. Concerning pharmacological therapy, the mechanism of action of the medications currently used is to promote pain modulation. Medications approved by Food and Drug Administration are duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin. Amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, gabapentin and naltrexone are considered for off-label use. Cannabinoids, vitamin D supplementation are still controversial and further research is needed.
Conclusion:
The combination of therapies, whether old, recent or reformulated, are the most effective strategy for managing symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia.
Key Words:
fibromyalgia, treatment, nonpharmacological interventions, pharmacological treatment.
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