Fibromyalgia /chronic widespread pain

This condition is treated in the Rheumatology clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Referrals will be accepted for diagnostic purposes only and on a non-urgent basis. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by the Rheumatologist a management plan will be recommended. Re“referrals are unable to be seen.

Please note: Medical causes (hypothyroidism, depression) must be excluded before diagnosis but fibromyalgia can co-exist with other managed conditions.

All referrals should comply to the referral standards and include in particular:

• A history of:
  • Onset of symptoms
  • Muscle or joint pain pattern during/after activities
  • Morning stiffness duration
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbance
• Please include:
  • Psychological evaluation
  • Examination findings
    • Tender points
    • Pain behaviours
    • Normal clinical findings
  • Current capacity restrictions to assist with prioritisation of referral

Tests

• FBE
• ESR and CRP
• U+E
• LFT
• TSH
• CK
• Vitamin D
• Calcium, PO4

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Rheumatology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Consider medical causes of fatigue, myalgia e.g. statins

Patient education and reassurance.

Exercise and lifestyle advice.

Simple analgesics.

Consider antidepressants.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Patient information advice is found at Arthritis Australia

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Routine (Category 3)

Fibromyalgia

Chronic musculoskeletal pain

Next available appointment

Availability

North

Refer to General Medicine

North West

Refer to General Medicine

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 10)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 3982