Fibromyalgia Clinic

Welcome to the Fibromyalgia Clinic at Emirates Hospitals Group. We specialize in providing comprehensive care for fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Our team of experts is dedicated to offering personalized treatment plans, advanced diagnostic tools, and ongoing support to help you manage your condition effectively and improve your quality of life.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”), and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is thought to result from central sensitization, where the brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals, leading to increased pain sensitivity. While the exact cause remains unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors contribute to its development.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Widespread Pain: Persistent pain on both sides of the body and above and below the waist, often described as aching, burning, or throbbing.
• Fatigue: Chronic exhaustion that persists even after adequate sleep and can interfere with daily activities.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, and non-restorative sleep.
• Cognitive Issues: Problems with memory, concentration, and mental clarity, often referred to as “fibro fog.”
• Mood Disorders: Depression, anxiety, or increased sensitivity to stress.
• Other Common Symptoms: Headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, dizziness, and temperature sensitivity.

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Diagnosing fibromyalgia involves:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Assessment of symptoms, pain locations, and overall health.
• Exclusion of Other Conditions: Blood tests and imaging studies help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroidism, and myofascial pain syndrome.
• Diagnostic Criteria: Evaluation based on criteria set by medical guidelines, including the presence of widespread pain for more than three months, without another identifiable cause.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute:

• Genetics: While fibromyalgia is not directly inherited, a family history of the condition may increase susceptibility, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
• Infections or Illness: Some cases may be triggered by infections or illnesses that impact the body’s pain response.
• Physical or Emotional Trauma: Stressful events, such as accidents, surgeries, or psychological trauma, may contribute by altering nervous system function, leading to heightened pain sensitivity (central sensitization).
• Neurochemical Imbalances: Imbalances in brain chemicals and neurotransmitters may affect pain perception and contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Treatments in Dubai

At our Fibromyalgia Clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to manage and alleviate symptoms:

• Medications:

• Pain Relievers
• Antidepressants: Medications such as duloxetine, milnacipran and amitriptyline can help reduce pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
• Anti-Seizure Drugs: Pregabalin and gabapentin are commonly used to reduce nerve-related pain and improve sleep quality.
• Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall function while managing pain.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A form of psychotherapy that helps in managing the emotional aspects of fibromyalgia, including stress and anxiety.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on improving sleep quality, stress management, and dietary changes to enhance overall health and well-being.
• Complementary Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga to complement traditional treatments and enhance symptom relief.

Management of Fibromyalgia 

Managing fibromyalgia effectively involves a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments:

• Regular Follow-Up: Ongoing consultations to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and address any new symptoms.
• Self-Management Strategies: Techniques to manage symptoms daily, including relaxation exercises and stress management practices.
• Patient Education: Providing resources and support to help you understand fibromyalgia and its management.

Last update date: 08-08-2024

Written by

Dr. Nathalie E. Chalhoub +

Consultant Rheumatologist

Dr. Nathalie E. Chalhoub is an American Board-Certified Consultant Rheumatologist who has worked in the USA, UAE and Lebanon.