Central Auckland, East Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland, West Auckland > Private Hospitals & Specialists >
Auckland Rheumatology Specialists
Private Service, Rheumatology
Fibromyalgia
This is a syndrome of widespread aches, pains and fatigue. There may be morning stiffness and sleep problems. The diagnosis is made on the history of the pain and accompanying symptoms as well as the presence of tender points at specific sites on the body. There are a number of different theories and reasons for this condition. There will often be blood tests and maybe x-rays to exclude other diagnoses. Treatment involves pain killers, exercises, rest and sometimes medications often referred to as "pain modulating agents". An example of a pain modulating agent is amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic anti-depressant but used in very small doses for pain relief. For more information see www.arthritis.org.nz