Dublin Pain Clinic Group explains fibromyalgia, its challenges, and the promising potential of intravenous lidocaine treatment.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition which involves widespread body and muscle pain, tenderness, fatigue and unrefreshed sleep, and is often associated with disability, depression and a general reduction in quality of life. It is a problem seen in millions of people around the world, affecting 10 million in the USA and 1.2-2.8 million in the UK (NFCPA 2020). The condition is not completely understood, but it is thought to be the result of disordering changes to central pain processing pathways, which causes amplification of pain signals from all over the body (Marks 2015). Fibromyalgia is usually treated with oral medication and physical and psychological therapies; however, these methods do not always show a satisfactory effect. Oral steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs show almost no relief in most patients. Anti-depressants are often prescribed as they bring some relief, although their use can cause adverse effects and there is a risk of developing addiction (Goldenberg 1986, Clark 1985, Crofford 2001, Jaeschke 1991, Burckhardt 1992).
"Living with fibromyalgia feels like battling invisible pain every day, with no clear cause or predictable relief."
- Testimony from a patient with fibromyalgia
Current Treatments
Fibromyalgia is commonly treated with oral medications and physical and psychological therapies. However, these methods do not always yield satisfactory results. Oral steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide little to no relief for most patients. Antidepressants are often prescribed as they can offer some pain relief, but they may cause adverse effects and carry a risk of dependency (Goldenberg, 1986; Clark, 1985; Crofford, 2001; Jaeschke, 1991; Burckhardt, 1992).
Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion
Intravenous lidocaine infusion presents a promising alternative for patients who experience limited relief from conventional treatments. Lidocaine works by targeting sodium channels in the nervous system, effectively dampening the hyperactive pain signals characteristic of fibromyalgia. Additionally, lidocaine is thought to inhibit the release of interleukins from neutrophils—proteins responsible for triggering the body's inflammatory response. By reducing interleukin activity, lidocaine can help alleviate peripheral inflammation (Oliveira, 2010).
The Procedure
The intravenous lidocaine infusion is conducted under continuous monitoring, including ECG, blood pressure, and overall wellbeing. Patients remain conscious throughout the procedure, allowing for real-time communication and adjustments to the infusion rate.
Treatment Outcomes
- 6 out of 10 patients report a 70% pain reduction
- Relief lasts between 3 and 12 months
- 2 out of 10 patients experience relief for 3 weeks to 3 months
- Minimal side effects with professional monitoring
Patient Benefits
- Reduced pain intensity
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced daily functioning
- Better overall quality of life
Safety and Side Effects
When administered following established protocols and under appropriate supervision, intravenous lidocaine infusion is generally safe. Side effects typically only occur if monitoring is inadequate or procedures are not followed correctly.
Conclusion
For individuals struggling with fibromyalgia, intravenous lidocaine infusion offers a potential breakthrough in pain management. With many patients reporting significant and long-lasting relief, this treatment represents a hopeful step towards improving the quality of life for those affected by this debilitating condition.