Juvenile Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Juvenile fibromyalgia is a common referral in pediatric rheumatology settings. Providing a clear diagnosis and explanation of altered pain processing offers reassurance that pain has a biologic basis and the symptoms are part of a recognized pain syndrome. Physicians should acknowledge the impact of chronic pain and associated symptoms on patient's lives and take time to understand contributing factors including stress, mood, inactivity, and lifestyle factors. The optimal treatment for juvenile fibromyalgia is multidisciplinary, focusing on education about juvenile fibromyalgia, along with physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, healthy lifestyle habits, and medications for symptom management as appropriate.

Keywords: Chronic musculoskeletal pain; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Combined treatments; Juvenile fibromyalgia; Multidisciplinary treatment; Physical exercise.