On April 16, 2014 the Journal of the American Medical Association published “Fibromyalgia: A Clinical Review” by Daniel Clauw MD.
What I love about the article:
1. The fact that JAMA published it at all–the last time JAMA published an article on Fibromyalgia was in 2009! The review article notes that fibromyalgia is common (2% to 8% of the population) so it’s about time JAMA published an article about a condition may affect 16 million or so people in the US alone (using 5% of the population).
2. The pain we are feeling is real. Dr. Clauw notes that studies show we “feel more pain than would normally be expected based on the degree of nociceptive input.” That’s right. We feel it. We are not making it up. Just because people without fibromyalgia do not feel pain at lower thresholds doesn’t mean WE don’t actually feel it. Our pain sensations are real.
3. Don’t withhold the diagnosis from us. Dr. Clauw states “some believe that a label of fibromyalgia may harm patients. However, studies suggest that the opposite is true: a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can provide substantial relief for patients.” Spot on. First we need a diagnosis. Only then we can figure out how to get better.
4. Kids have fibromyalgia too! Dr. Clauw writes; “Fibromyalgia can develop at any age; including childhood.” So true. I treat many children with fibromyalgia, and most of the time they respond to treatment very well and very quickly. Now if only pediatric rheumatologists would get more comfortable making the diagnosis then thousands of children could get treatment sooner, sparing them months to years of worsening symptoms.
5. Your doctor’s toolbox better contain more than just pain meds. Dr. Clauw states; “If clinicians treat fibromyalgia or other chronic pain conditions with drugs alone, they will fail.” So true.
Stay tuned. Next week my blog will detail what I do NOT like about this article.