Belfast Forum Raises Fibromyalgia Profile

The University of Ulster has teamed up with Arthritis Research UK to explore new ways of treating and researching fibromyalgia – a life-crippling disease that affects millions of people worldwide. 

Leading researchers and clinicians from across Europe recently met in Belfast to discuss the management of this complex, chronic pain syndrome, which causes extreme muscle pain and tenderness combined with overwhelming fatigue, sleeplessness and possible psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. There is currently no known cure for the disease but researchers at the University of Ulster in collaboration with the University of Seville, Spain, have been spearheading the use of gentle exercise techniques that could greatly improve the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients.  

Dr Joseph McVeigh, from the School of Health Sciences, in the Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies (CHaRT), at Ulster, said: “Fibromyalgia syndrome causes a huge impact on the lives of sufferers and their families, but unfortunately it is often regarded as a ‘Cinderella’ condition, receiving little research funding or attention. This chronic pain condition affects approximately 2% of the population, with women affected six times more often than men. Current management of the syndrome is frequently poor with patients obtaining little relief from medications. Guidelines advocate non-pharmacological treatments such as physiotherapy, advice and education.” 

Dr McVeigh’s research in collaboration with colleagues at CHaRT focuses on the management of fatigue and sleep dysfunction, which, in addition to pain, are two of the most debilitating aspects of fibromyalgia.   

Dr McVeigh added: “We are extremely grateful to Arthritis Research UK for funding the ‘think tank’ event in Belfast, bringing together an exceptionally talented group of rheumatologists, physiotherapists, sports scientists, biochemists, occupational therapists, sleep neurophysiologists, statisticians and epidemiologists to map out future research directions.”