850,000 Kids Could Be Happier with this Treatment
Teaching teens with fibromyalgia coping skills may alleviate some of their symptoms, according to a new small study.1
The study monitored the progress of 114 adolescents who underwent one of two treatments. One group received cognitive behavioral therapy, and the other received information about the disorder with no treatment. Both groups improved in terms of pain, disability, and levels of depression. By the end of the study though, the behavioral therapy group had significantly lower levels of disability.
The exact number of children with fibromyalgia is unknown but some scientists estimate that the disorder affects at least 850,000 US school children.2 Even still, there has been little research into juvenile fibromyalgia, so this study makes an important contribution into scientists’ understanding of how the disorder affects children.
Dr. Jeffery Dvergsten, a specialist in pediatric rheumatology, recommended a multi-pronged approach for juvenile fibromyalgia that includes behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and treating sleeping disorders for teens with fibromyalgia.3 Chiropractic care may be another powerful treatment for children with fibromyalgia, as it has proven to significantly aide adults in relieving their pain.4
To learn more about juvenile back pain, check out our article on Kids with Back Pain.
References
- Kashikar-Zuck, Susmita, et al. ” Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of juvenile fibromyalgia: A multisite, single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.” Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2011, December; 64(1): 297-305. DOI: 10.1002/art.30644.
- Thrasybule, Linda. “Behavioral Therapy May Ease Kids’ Fibromyalgia.” Reuters Health. Medscape. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/754702. December 2, 2011. Accessed January 17,2012.
- Ibid.
- Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, et al. Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009;15(3):321-328.
