Use of complementary and alternative medical therapies by patients referred to a fibromyalgia treatment program at a Tertiary Care Center

Dietlind L. Wahner-Roedler, Peter L. Elkin, Ann Vincent, Jeffrey M. Thompson, Terry H. Oh, Laura L. Loehrer, Jayawant N. Mandrekar, Brent A. Bauer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients referred to a fibromyalgia treatment program at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients referred to the Mayo Fibromyalgia Treatment Program between February 2003 and July 2003 were invited on their initial visit to participate in a survey regarding CAM use during the previous 6 months. An 85-question survey that addressed different CAM domains was used. RESULTS: Of the 304 patients invited to participate, 289 (95%) completed the survey (263 women and 26 men). Ninety-eight percent of the patients had used some type of CAM therapy during the previous 6 months. The 10 most frequently used CAM treatments were exercise for a specific medical problem (48%), spiritual healing (prayers) (45%), massage therapy (44%), chiropractic treatments (37%), vitamin C (35%), vitamin E (31%), magnesium (29%), vitamin B complex (25%), green tea (24%), and weight-loss programs (20%). CONCLUSION: CAM use is common in patients referred to a fibromyalgia treatment program.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-60
Number of pages6
JournalMayo Clinic proceedings
Volume80
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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