Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2003 Aug; 17(4): 667-83.

Complementary and alternative medicine in fibromyalgia and related syndromes.

Holdcraft LC, Assefi N, Buchwald D.

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 359797, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. holdcraf@u.washington.edu

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has gained increasing popularity, particularly among individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) for which traditional medicine has generally been ineffective. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs on CAM studies for FMS was conducted to evaluate the empirical evidence for their effectiveness. Few RCTs achieved high scores on the CONSORT, a standardized evaluation of the quality of methodology reporting. Acupuncture, some herbal and nutritional supplements (magnesium, SAMe) and massage therapy have the best evidence for effectiveness with FMS. Other CAM therapies have either been evaluated in only one RCT with positive results (Chlorella, biofeedback, relaxation), in multiple RCTs with mixed results (magnet therapies), or have positive results from studies with methodological flaws (homeopathy, botanical oils, balneotherapy, anthocyanidins, dietary modifications). Lastly, other CAM therapies have neither well-designed studies nor positive results and are not currently recommended for FMS treatment (chiropractic care).