Survey Provides View Into Fibromyalgia

The pain, stiffness and fatigue from fibromyalgia often motivate its sufferers to seek massage therapy.

An online survey of more than 2,500 people with fibromyalgia provides information into the health-care habits of people with the condition.

The survey concluded in March, and results were published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2007 and on BioMed Central’s Web site (www.biomedcentral.com).

The study explored the feasibility of using an Internet survey of people with fibromyalgia to provide information on demographics, sources of information, symptoms, functionality, perceived aggravating factors, perceived triggering events, health care utilization, management strategies and medication use.

A survey questionnaire was developed by the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) in conjunction with a task force of experts.

The questionnaire was completed by 2,569 people. Most were from the United States, with at least one respondent from each of the 50 states. Respondents were predominantly middle-aged Caucasian females, most of whom had fibromyalgia symptoms for four years.

The most common problems were morning stiffness, fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, pain, concen­tra­tion and memory.

Aggravating factors included emotional distress, weather changes, insomnia and strenuous activity. Respondents rated the most effective management modalities as rest, heat, pain medications, antidepressants and hypnotics.