Bone mineral density is decreased in fibromyalgia syndrome – new findings

Bone mineral density in the lower back appears to be decreased in people with fibromyalgia, so screening this group for osteoporosis is advised, experts highlight in Rheumatology International.

We already know that fibromyalgia is associated with low levels of exercise, which may lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. But studies of bone mineral density in fibromyalgia have had conflicting results. So researchers decided to analyse all of the available data; four studies involving 680 people were of a high enough quality to be included.

They found that in the lower back, bone mineral density is decreased in people with fibromyalgia compared with a control group. The same is not true for the hip, however.

“In this meta-analysis, we observe that bone mineral density at lumbar spine is decreased in fibromyalgia syndrome compared with normal individuals,” the team concludes. “Patients with fibromyalgia should be assessed for risk of osteoporosis.”

Click here for the original research.

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