Ayurvedic management of fibromyalgia in elderly women: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and various other symptoms, affecting about 2% of the population. Pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia often provide limited relief, and no definitive cure has been established. Ayurveda therapies and internal Ayurvedic medicines have shown potential in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. This case report presents the management of a fibromyalgia patient using Ayurvedic therapies. PATIENT INFORMATION: A 60-year-old nondiabetic, normotensive woman presents with chronic, progressively worsening polyarticular pain, generalized myalgia (notably in the neck, right arm, and leg), and fatigue since 2016. She reports severe morning stiffness, leg cramps, cold sensitivity, poor concentration, and insomnia, along with associated depression and anxiety related to family stressors. THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: The treatment regimen included Ayurveda therapies such as Udvartana, Dhanyamla Pinda Sweda, Sarvanga Abhyanga Bashpa Swedana , and Vaitarana Basti , followed by internal Ayurvedic medications. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), with evaluations conducted before treatment and 2 months after its completion. RESULTS: The patient’s initial FIQ score was 65, indicating severe fibromyalgia. After 2 months of treatment, the score decreased to 39, reflecting a significant improvement. A follow-up assessment showed a further reduction in the FIQ score to 14. These results indicate substantial relief in symptoms, including physical impairment, pain, fatigue, and stiffness, following the Ayurvedic treatment. CONCLUSION: In the present case, Ayurveda-based treatment targeting Vata imbalance effectively reduced fibromyalgia symptoms, as reflected by improved FIQ scores, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy.