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Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi has successfully diagnosed and treated a patient who suffered from unexplained chronic pain for years, highlighting the challenges of identifying fibromyalgia. The 27-year-old patient, identified as Shaza, experienced symptoms since age 12 but only received an accurate diagnosis one year ago after visiting numerous healthcare facilities without clear answers. Following comprehensive evaluation at the rheumatology department, medical teams confirmed she was suffering from fibromyalgia, a condition frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed in clinical practice.
After diagnosis, the patient was referred to a multidisciplinary care team at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, which included physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. According to the hospital, this integrated approach resulted in a remarkable transformation in the patient’s condition and overall quality of life.
Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Symptoms
Dr. Shahrbaan Diab, rheumatology consultant at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, explained that fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder causing excessive pain sensitivity. The condition affects how the brain processes pain signals, leading to widespread discomfort and stiffness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments rather than joint inflammation.
Common symptoms include pain that spreads throughout the body with varying intensity and location, frequently affecting the neck, back, chest, hips, and legs. Additionally, patients experience muscle tenderness upon touch, persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues commonly described as brain fog.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
Dr. Diab discussed various care and treatment options available for fibromyalgia patients. Pharmaceutical interventions include pain relievers and antidepressants, while non-pharmacological treatments encompass physical therapy, exercise programs, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications aimed at improving quality of life.
The case of Shaza demonstrates the critical need for increased awareness to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, the delay between symptom onset and diagnosis remains a significant challenge in managing this condition.
Personalized Treatment Plans for Fibromyalgia Patients
Mais Johari, a physical therapist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, revealed that the patient’s fibromyalgia had psychological roots linked to traumatic childhood experiences. Consequently, the treatment plan focused heavily on psychological support, improving emotional regulation capacity, reducing anxiety and stress, and enhancing sleep quality, as these factors form the foundation for pain improvement in this patient category.
The therapeutic plan began with scientifically educating the patient about fibromyalgia, followed by specialized pain management that included Chinese acupuncture therapy. Meanwhile, therapists designed a gradual therapeutic exercise program for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, strengthening weak muscles, and improving endurance, recognizing that movement is essential in fibromyalgia treatment when implemented appropriately.
Research Initiative to Track Cases
Johari indicated that precise numbers for fibromyalgia patients remain unavailable because this disorder is still under global study. Many patients experience delayed diagnosis for years due to symptom overlap with other diseases. In contrast, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City recently launched an advanced research project aimed at scientifically and accurately documenting cases.
The research will study common factors among patients including age, gender, medical and psychological history, sleep quality, and accompanying autoimmune diseases. Clinical observations at the clinic show most diagnosed patients range between 30 to 50 years old, though fibromyalgia can affect women, men, children, and adolescents.
Patient Perspective on Living with Undiagnosed Pain
Shaza described her suffering as pain that quietly infiltrated her life, accompanied by persistent fatigue, migratory pain, and sleep that did not provide rest. The hardest part was not the physical pain itself but the constant feeling of explaining invisible and misunderstood suffering, as if her pain required proof.
She characterized the diagnostic journey as long and mentally exhausting, involving transitions between tests and doctors, periods of doubt and fear, and sometimes self-blame. When finally diagnosed, it was not merely a disease name but recognition of her suffering and a turning point that helped her understand herself and her body anew.
The ongoing research project at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is expected to provide clearer data on fibromyalgia prevalence in the coming period. This initiative may improve diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies for patients experiencing chronic unexplained pain throughout the region.
