Fibromyalgia Clinical Studies

Volunteer for our clinical trials and research studies on fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, debilitating illness characterized by intense musculoskeletal pains, aches and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, extreme fatigue and sleep problems. Approximately 3 – 6% of all Americans may have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is characterized a group of symptoms including:

• Pain – Intense, widespread and chronic pain most commonly affecting the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle and hands for a minimum duration of three months. Pain has been described as deep, throbbing and shooting. Sometimes patients will also complain of numbness, tingling and burning.
• Tenderness or pain in specified tender points when pressure is applied.
• Fatigue and severe exhaustion
• Sleep disorders
• Other symptoms may be present such as: headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome, dizziness, irritable bowel and bladder, skin sensitivity, Raynaud’s syndrome and neurological symptoms.

There are currently no laboratory tests available for diagnosing fibromyalgia. To diagnose fibromyalgia, physicians will take a medical history and perform a physical examination including what is called an “accurate manual tender point” examination. Based on standardized criteria of this examination, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia may be made. Because there are no lab tests and fibromyalgia symptoms can mimic - and be present with - other medical conditions, it can take up to five years to receive a diagnosis. The course of fibromyalgia is unpredictable. The symptoms may improve or worsen over the years. The pain may be mild or disabling. Sometimes the chronic discomfort may become so severe, it causes not only physical problems, but also emotional difficulties. It is important to remember that most people with fibromyalgia tend to improve over time.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers are learning more about the condition every day. Researchers believe that abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system causes the pain experienced by fibromyalgia patients. Studies are also showing a possible link between genetics and a person’s susceptibility to fibromyalgia.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. Current treatments focus on managing its symptoms. Treatments may include:

Anti-depressants Psychotherapy Physical therapy Therapeutic massage Relaxation techniques Nutritional therapy

Pain medications – over the counter and prescription Gentle exercise including water therapy, yoga and light aerobics Alternative therapies including biofeedback, acupuncture and acupressure

Living with fibromyalgia can cause pain, discomfort and impede on your normal, everyday activities. However, fibromyalgia research and clinical trials are offering hopeful insights and innovative treatments that can help relieve symptoms and slow down the course of the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with – or think that you may have – fibromyalgia, you may want to consider being a part of one of our clinical trials. Our fibromyalgia clinical trials are fully supervised and observed by renowned physicians in the field. By volunteering for our fibromyalgia clinical trials you will have the opportunity to try promising new treatments and help in the understanding of your condition. If you are eligible for our fibromyalgia clinical trials, all medications, examinations and laboratory tests are provided to you at no cost. Most clinical trials also include compensation for your time and travel expenses.

Interested in participating in our fibromyalgia clinical trials and research studies?

If you would like to be a part of our clinical trials and research studies for fibromyalgia please contact us. We encourage you to read through our site to learn more about clinical trials and the highly qualified physicians that conduct all of our medical research studies. We look forward to serving you.