Fibromyalgia is more likely in people with a common form of back arthritis

People with axial spondyloarthritis should consider that they may also have fibromyalgia, as one of the first evidence reviews in the area shows that the risk may be high.

Axial spondyloarthritis is inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis.

We know that having fibromyalgia can worsen the disease activity of axial spondyloarthritis, reducing function and quality of life of people affected. But until now it hasn’t been known how many people may have axial spondyloarthritis and fibromyalgia simultaneously.

So experts reviewed the research that has been carried out and found 16 studies that were relevant and of a high enough quality to include. Data from 5,214 people with axial spondyloarthritis was evaluated and it was found that over 16% also had fibromyalgia.

“Focusing management solely on inflammatory disease in this patient group is unlikely to yield optimal improvements in quality of life,” the experts conclude.

Worried you may be affected? Ask your consultant or specialist nurse for more information at your next appointment.

Interested? Read more about fibromyalgia here.

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