The Impact of Repeated Lidocaine Injections, Exercise, and Mindfulness on Fibromyalgia Symptoms in a Clinical Population

A Pilot Study

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) patients usually are resistant to conventional single mode therapy. Therefore, the efficacy of combined pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for the management of FM symptoms in a clinical population was assessed. Participants were injected with 4x5 mL 1% lidocaine HCl solution and given education materials and support on increasing their daily steps walked and to engage in mindfulness techniques to reduce their overall pain and accompanying symptoms of their condition. Participants self-reported pain intensity, unpleasantness, anxiety, fatigue, and depression three days prior to and after each injection. Overall ratings of pain intensity and unpleasantness showed statistically significant reductions of 34.7 and 47.2 percent respectively with the combined use of treatments. Additionally, fatigue levels had a significant decrease but depression and anxiety ratings were not significantly modified by this treatment modality. Patients who had a greater adherence to their protocol had an improved pain relief when compared to others. These results suggest that the use of a combination treatment method for FM in a clinical setting and when used in combination is effective. This pilot study can be used as a model for future randomized controlled studies on comprehensive treatments for FM.