Fibromyalgia

Each and every one of us is familiar with the experience of pain.  Typically this experience is specific to one area of the body, and disappears once tissue damage repairs.  However for some people pain is more widespread and does not resolve with time or treatment.  People suffering from this type of pain may be experiencing a pain condition called fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia involves widespread pain and increased pain sensitivity in certain areas of the body.  Stiffness in the morning and fatigue are also common symptoms.  Although fibromyalgia can cause considerable change to the way you lead your life, you can do a lot for yourself to make living with fibromyalgia easier.

Key Points:

  1. The experience of fibromyalgia can be hard to understand and difficult to accept – learn about fibromyalgia to help you make sense of how you feel
  2. Form a good partnership with your doctor – the management of your fibromyalgia is a team effort

  3. Stress can aggravate pain – learn to relax both physically and emotionally
  4. Stay physically active – this is an important part of pain management
  5. Learn tips for promoting restful sleep
  6. Spend time with people who can support you and help you deal with the emotional impact of your pain condition


Fibromyalgia Pamphlet

Overview

In this section you will find some useful webpages and information sheets to help you understand what fibromyalgia is and how you can manage it.

htmlWhat is Arthritis? Arthritis NZ
  
pdfArthritis Information Sheet Arthritis Australia 2 Pages
  
htmlWhat is Fibromyalgia? Arthritis NZ
  
pdfFibromyalgia Information Sheet Arthritis Australia 2 Pages
  
pdfWhat is Fibromyalgia? Arthritis NZ2 Pages
  

Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis

In this section you will find a helpful risk factor/symptom checklist to help you recognise the signs of arthritis, as well as personal stories of the search for a diagnosis for long-term pain.

htmlArthritis Self-Assessment Arthritis NZ
  
VideoWhat is Chronic Pain - Search for a Cause & Diagnosis Health Talk online
 Videos/audios

What can I do? - Self help measures

The webpages and information sheets in this section will provide you with some useful tips to help you live well with fibromyalgia.

Treatments & Medication

In this section you will find information about common treatments for arthritis and/or fibromyalgia.

Clinical Resources

Resources for improving clinical practice including clinical guidelines and educational tools.

htmlPain Treatment Guidelines & Reports Pain Treatment Topics - US
  
htmlCME: Treating Fibromyalgia Pain Pain Treatment Topics - US
 Detailed
htmlClimateGP: Online Arthritis Treatment The University of New South Wales, Australia
  Clinician prescribed treatment programme
pdfWhat is a Rheumatologist? Referral Brochure Australian Rheumatology Association 2 Pages
  

Support

Support is a vital part of self-management. Here you will find personal stories form people with fibromyalgia, information about NZ arthritis support services, a national arthritis newsletter, and tips for caring for someone with arthritis.

htmlSupport Services Arthritis NZ
  
htmlThe Juice Arthritis Newsletter Arthritis NZ
  
VideoLiving with Chronic Pain - Importance of Support Groups Health Talk online
 Videos/audios
VideoFibromyalgia Personal Stories Health Talk online
 Videos/audios
htmlCaring for a Person with Arthritis Arthritis Research Campaign UK
  

Want to Learn More?

Want more information about arthritis and fibromyalgia? Here you will find information in other lanaguages and links to arthritis websites.