Balneotherapy in fibromyalgia - As we have already discovered, balneotherapy is very important in treating or alleviating conditions of an organ, system, part of the body or the whole body.
Balneotherapy has been used for thousands of years throughout cultures as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Different places endowed with unique physical and chemical qualities have attracted the attention of people suffering from rheumatologic conditions such as arthrosis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome, but also for social and recreational purposes.
Spa treatment is indicated in the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, to improve joint movements, increase muscle tone, relieve muscle spasms and maintain or improve functional mobility. The effectiveness of the therapy can be explained by its thermal, mechanical, chemical, immunologic and chondroprotective effects.
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of diffuse chronic pain accompanied by fatigue, anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbances, depression, irritable bowel, irritable bowel, urinary urgency, intolerance to noises and cold, low back pain, neck pain, weather-sensitive symptoms. The pathophysiology of the disease is still unclear, although several factors have been blamed, such as: disruption of pain-modulating mechanisms, reflex phenomena associated with chronic pain of deep origin, psychogenic factors, sleep disturbances.
Although some progress has been made in the development of pharmacologic treatments for fibromyalgia syndrome, these options are still reserved, due to the relatively limited response compared to placebo and frequent side effects. Given these limitations, there is a growing recognition of the importance of non-pharmacological and complementary therapies in the therapeutic strategy.
A review by Guidelli et al. concluded that mineral water hydrokinetotherapy balneotherapy appears to be effective and useful in fibromyalgia in reducing pain, improving function and improving quality of life. In the prospective randomized study "Balneotherapy for fibromyalgia at the Dead Sea", Buskila et al. evaluated the efficacy of balneotherapy in patients with fibromyalgia at the Dead Sea, concluding that the treatment spa was effective and safe. Neumann et al. evaluated the possible effect of balneotherapy in the Dead Sea area on the quality of life (QOL) of fibromyalgia patients, finding a transient improvement in patients. Zijlstra et al. also demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial that this combination of thalassotherapy, exercise and patient education can significantly improve symptoms and QOL.
In our country the following can be recommended seaside resorts: Sovata, Baile Felix, Tușnad Baths, Călimănești-Căciulata, Olănești, Vatra Dornei, Techirghiol, Buziaș, Herculane Baths, Ocna Sibiului.
Balneotherapy along with exercise, a balanced diet, psychotherapy, and quality sleep can play an important role in improving quality of life and relieving pain in fibromyalgia patients.
On the recommendation of the rehabilitation physician, physical medicine and balneology benefit from treatments, which may include:
- electroanalgesia procedures
- massage therapy
- thermotherapy - paraffin wraps, mud wraps, mud baths
- individual or group physiotherapy
- hydrotherapy - herbal baths, compressed air baths, subacval shower, hydrokinetotherapy in mineral waters
- field cure
- climatotherapy
Dr. Gabriela Dogaru
Primary Physician Recovery, Medicine and Balneology Cluj Napoca
Vice-President of the Romanian Association of Balneology
Dr. Ionela Peter
Resident Doctor Recovery, Physical Medicine and Balneology Cluj Napoca
Nasermoaddeli A, Kagamimori S. Balneotherapy in medicine: A review. Environ Health Prev Med .2005;10:171-9.https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8757685
Lange U, Muller-Ladner U, Schmidt KL. Balneotherapy in rheumatic diseases-an overview of novel and known aspects. Rheumatol Int .2005;12:1-3
G. M. Guidelli, S. Tenti, E. de Nobili, and A. Fioravanti, "Fibromyalgia syndrome and spa therapy: myth or reality?". Clinical Medicine Insights. 2012; 5 : 19-26
T. R. Zijlstra, M. A. F. J. van de Laar, H. J. Bernelot Moens, E. Taal, L. Zakraoui, and J. J. Rasker, "Spa treatment for primary fibromyalgia syndrome: a combination of thalassotherapy, exercise and patient education improves symptoms and quality of life," Rheumatology. 2005;. 44( 4): 539-546
D. Buskila, M. Abu-Shakra, L. Neumann et al., "Balneotherapy for fibromyalgia at the Dead Sea," Rheumatology International.2001; 20( 3): . 105-108
L. Neumann, S. Sukenik, A. Bolotin et al., "The effect of balneotherapy at the Dead Sea on the quality of life of patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome," Clinical Rheumatology.2001; 20 ( 1) :15-19
Primary Doctor Recovery, physical medicine and balneology - Clinical Hospital of Recovery Cluj Napoca, First Vice President Romanian Association of Balneology