SPA TREATMENT FOR FIBROMYALGIA

Journal/Book: XXIe Congrès international de Thalassothérapie Hammamet (Tunisie) 30 janvier-2 février 2000 S. 14. 2000;

Abstract: J.J. RASKER MD Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences Department of communication studies University of Twente The Netherlands Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized mainly by diffuse musculoskeletal pain stiffness fatigue and sleep disturbance. The cause and the pathology of the syndrome remain unknown up to present. Although in the past a variety of definitions were in use recently formal criteria for FM have been developed by the ACR and are widely accepted. Prevalence of FM is estimated to be 2 % of the general population and 6 to 15 % of out patients. The syndrome is predominantly seen in middle aged women and routine laboratory tests are normal. However it is suggested that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be disturbed. Disturbed stage 4 non-REM sleep patterns are found in 80 % of FM patients. Current and lifetime major depression are common among FM patients. Although musculoskeletal pains are the major complaint of FM patients they have other problems like fatigue irritable bowel syndrome female urethra syndrome. migraine like headaches cold intolerance and cognitive dysfunction. As the efficacy of current treatments appears unsatisfactory innovative and effective therapies must be developed. Therapeutic strategies should consider chronicity realistic outcome expectation as well as the broad spectrum of additional symptoms. Because there are no therapies with proven efficacy one could consider other methods to relieve symptoms and to facilitate reintegration. Physical fitness- and aerobic training appear to be beneficial. The natural history of FM is a gradual progression over the years in most cases. FM is associated with high use of health care services. It was demonstrated that the cost of medical care expenses in the USA approximates twice the average per capital. Moreover unemployment and work disability are increased to a multiple. SPA Treatment : Several multi-disciplinary group approaches are designed and used for the treatment of FM patients. Although preliminary results are encouraging follow-up shows controversial results. Among the multiple differences between programs there is no consent on the optimum length of a treatment program for FM. ... wt

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