Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 8, Number 6, 1998
Resource Reviews
John D. Loeser, MD, Department Editor
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Reviewed by John D. Loeser, MD
D. Starlanyl & M.E. Copeland, New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, CA, 1996, 401 pages, $19.95 (softcover), ISBN 1-57224-046-6
This large softcover volume was written by a physician and a teacher-writer, both of whom suffer from fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. It is, therefore, an insider's tale of these perplexing chronic pain conditions. The book is written at the level of an intelligent layperson, and it does a good job of simplifying some difficult issues. The first part, a description of these conditions in rather traditional format, will be familiar to any healthcare provider who has read the basics. The second half describes a wide array of traditional and nontraditional treatments for these conditions. As is so often the case, the evidence for efficacy of treatment is usually anecdotal or authoritarian; there is little room for outcomes-based medicine in this type of text. Nor is there much in the literature for either of these syndromes. The importance of the patients' belief system and willingness to conceptualize the problem in terms of self-actualization are appropriately emphasized. There is also a good section on strategies for dealing with the healthcare delivery and disability systems. A good list of resources for additional information and help is included; there is a useful index as well.
This volume could be a valuable resource for patients with fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome. To make good use of this book, I think the reader must have comprehension skills above that of the average American high school graduate. The content seems to be well balanced and all inclusive; no single set of ideas about these illnesses is promulgated. The price is quite reasonable for the size and scope of the text. The book could be a useful addition to your patient library.
John D. Loeser is professor of neurological surgery and anesthesiology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Reviewer content represents the opinion of the reviewer, not APS.
Please direct your suggestions for future Resource Reviews to John D. Loeser, MD, Department Editor, at jdloeser@u.washington.edu