When Nonspecific Low Back Pain Goes Sideways: Fibromyalgia in the College Student Athlete

Abstract:
Fibromyalgia is a complex clinical diagnosis that may initially present in patients with non-specific pain and fatigue. While not traditionally considered in the athletic population, fibromyalgia is diagnosed in approximately 2 to 3% of the population worldwide. Due to the lack of definitive diagnostic testing, fibromyalgia is typically found secondary to failed intervention and is made through a diagnosis of exclusion. Fibromyalgia has been correlated with psychosocial factors, including stress levels and anxiety, but has also been found to have a neuroplastic and inflammatory influence. While fibromyalgia lacks a definitive cure, treatment can be provided through a multi-disciplinary healthcare team to include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, psychotherapy and pharmacology to improve patient functioning during activities of daily living.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key red flags for non-orthopedic etiologies of back pain.
• Outline best practices for a multimodal treatment strategy for a patient with fibromyalgia.
• Describe the current literature regarding risk factors for fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Level:
Advanced

Domain(s):
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords: General Medical; Red Flags; Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team

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