Mind and Body Approaches for Chronic Pain:
What the Science Says

September 2019

Clinical Guidelines, Scientific Literature, Info for Patients:

Mind and Body Approaches for Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia

Recent systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials provide encouraging evidence that practices such as tai chi, qi gong, yoga, acupuncture, mindfulness, and biofeedback may help relieve some fibromyalgia symptoms. Current diagnostic criteria(link is external) are available from the American College of Rheumatology. Treatment often involves an individualized approach that may include both pharmacologic therapies (prescription drugs, analgesics, and NSAIDs) and nonpharmacologic interventions such as exercise, muscle strength training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, movement/body awareness practices, massage, acupuncture, and balneotherapy.