Assessment of complementary and alternative medicine methods in the management of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

A wide variety of musculoskeletal, arthritic, connective tissue, and vasculitic diseases fall under the umbrella of "rheumatic diseases". Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome are the three members of this disease group with relatively high prevalence. Pharmacological options are at the center of therapeutic algorithms in treating rheumatic diseases, particularly in reducing inflammation. Despite significant advances in pharmacological treatment in recent years, achieving complete treatment success in a group of patients is impossible. Therefore, patients with rheumatic diseases frequently utilize alternative treatment options, such as complementary and alternative medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad category of health practices not part of the leading health system. Patients with rheumatic diseases turn to complementary and alternative medicine for various reasons, including restricted access to some treatments due to high prices and rigorous regulations, worries about drug side effects, and symptoms that continue despite pharmacological treatment. In addition, because complementary and alternative medicine options are considered natural, they are frequently accepted as well tolerated and have few harmful effects. Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome are the primary foci of this comprehensive review. First, we attempted to summarize the non-traditional physical medicine and complementary and alternative medicine options that can be utilized to manage these diseases. Second, we addressed the link between exercise and inflammation in rheumatic diseases. We briefly discussed the possible benefits of exercise-based approaches. In addition, we highlighted the benefits of cooperation between rheumatology and physical medicine-rehabilitation clinics.

Rates, patterns, and predictors of complementary medicine use among patients with musculoskeletal diseases

“…A growing number of patients are turning to CM [10]. The burden of MSK diseases has increased substantially from 2000 to 2015, with MSK diseases being the second leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide [19], Possible explanations might be the current increase in average life expectancy coupled with the fact that many degenerative MSK diseases are largely irreversible [20].…”

“…Our study also demonstrated similar findings where nutritional CM was more common than physical CM or combined forms. This could be because oral medicine is self-administered, potentially less expensive, and more easily accessible [10,24]. Almost all the study patients reported using nutritional or physical CM in conjunction with their prescribed treatment.…”

“…In this study sample, most patients believed CM would relieve disease symptoms; in contrast, a minority thought the CM therapy would cure their disease. People with rheumatic disorders resort to CM for various reasons, including limited access to some treatments due to the chronicity of these diseases, high costs of standard therapies such as biologic medications, and rigorous regulations from insurance companies in addition to concerns about drug side effects [10]. Phang et al analyzed 60 randomized controlled trials on using CM for rheumatic diseases [45].…”

“…Therefore, the findings of this study serve as an important reminder for physicians treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders to be aware of their patients' use of CM and to routinely inquire about it to provide appropriate guidance on its potential benefits and risks to their specific medical conditions. Kocyigit et al reviewed a PLOS ONE variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CM) treatments for ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia [10]. The authors concluded that these therapies are safe procedures with some positive outcomes, but that there is a poor level of evidence for many CM strategies.…”

“…Both opioid and non-opioid analgesia have drawbacks and adverse effects in clinical practice [6]. CM use in MSK conditions has been addressed in many studies, and research in this area is growing steadily [6][7][8][9][10]. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions for which CM is used [11].…”