Authors

Ana Bacáicoa Clemente

Position

Enfermera del Servicio de Rehabilitación. Ambulatorio Conde Oliveto. Servicio Navarro de Salud.

Contact address

C/ Dr. Galán nº 5, 10º C. 31012 Pamplona (Navarra)

Contact email: abacaicoa@yahoo.es

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread, chronic musculo-skeletal pain, asthenia, stiffness and lack of deep restorative sleep. Its cause is still unknown.
The nurse’s role in the care of these patients consists mainly of helping them manage and control symptoms in order to improve their quality of life.
Regular physical exercises, self-massaging and relaxation at home and adherence to good postural hygiene, constitute the non-pharmacological treatment recommended to reduce pain and other symptoms.
This article describes the nursing intervention required to teach the fibromyalgia patient how to perform these techniques, which, if done regularly, can help the patient reduce symptoms and feel more in control of the disorder.

Keywords:

fibromyalgia; chronic pain; physical exercise; self-massagingrehabilitation

Versión en Español

Título:

Cuidado enfermero de pacientes con fibromialgia