Summary
I’ve worked with 100’s of those with FM (Fibromyalgia) and collaboratively with world famous Dr. Dan Clauw. Here you will find excellent videos to help you understand the state-of-the-art treatment for FM.
OnAir Post: Fibromyalgia (FM)
About
Understanding Fibromyalgia (FM)
Dan Clauw, MD is the Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan as well as Professor of Anesthesiology, Medicine (Rheumatology), and Psychiatry. As a leader in Fibromyalgia research, he explains the current understanding and best practices for treating Fibromyalgia and related conditions.
Dr. Clauw’s multidisciplinary team has extensively studied the use of CBT and exercise in context to Fibromyalgia and discusses his findings (in plain language).
Cannabinoids & Opioids for FM
Depression, FM, & Centralized Pain
Depression is common among chronic pain and Fibromyalgia. However, it’s also important to pay attention to what Dr. Clauw calls the 800 pound gorilla in chronic pain – centralized pain – which he believes will be a primary focus of the future of pain research and treatment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLNPwivnmJo
Computer-based (free) CBT for FM
Dr. Clauw’s research team, including pain psychologist David Williams, PhD, developed an online self-paced version of CBT for Fibromyalgia. If you would like to try a do-it-yourself approach to CBT, this is a wonderful first step. Go to FibroGuide. I was part of the clinical research team (when it was based at Georgetown University) that tested an earlier, face-to-face version of CBT modules for FM.
Find CBT-trained Therapists
If self-help is not enough, contact me at drcary@mac.com or look for CBT providers in the CBT Directory for providers near you or the ABCT Directory. Also, many providers will conduct CBT using teleconferencing.