Fibromyalgia Resource

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles offers an interdisciplinary outpatient Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia Rehab Program, of the sort that might benefit FM patients everywhere. Directed by internationally recognized Fibromyalgia specialist Dr. Stuart Silverman, the Cedars program, founded more than 11 years ago, is a pioneer in FM self-management. It requires a physician’s referral and provides the referring physician with follow-up consultation.

The program reflects a recognition that:
n Medication is at best only partially effective in relieving the symptoms of chronic pain/Fibromyalgia.
n Medications are too often prescribed piecemeal, by specialists dealing separately with the FM patient’s different symptoms.
n Likewise, supportive therapies are too often prescribed piecemeal over time, with no overall framework for improvement of the patient’s self-management skills.

The Cedars-Sinai program provides an individually-tailored, coordinated treatment plan centered around a self-help “wellness model.” It is designed to inform patients and help them change their behaviors via constructive attitude, understanding of proper nutrition, sleep “retraining,” and pain, exercise, and energy management techniques.

Patients who obtain a referral to the FM Rehab Center receive:
n A thorough evaluation.
n A prescribed plan of care, and a course of training tailored to their individual needs, either one-on-one or in a group. Trainers range from medical doctors to physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, and biofeedback therapists.

There is also an inpatient version of the program for individuals “who need to get off of narcotic medications or are too disabled to take part in the outpatient program.”

More information about the program is available at (310) 423-9722, and at http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/3937.html, where you'll also be able to send an e-mail to the program and find maps and travel directions.

For physician-to-physician consultations regarding rehabilitation services, the number is (310) 423-9200; or send an e-mail.

Patient appointments require a doctor's written prescription, and prior authorization by the health plan or insurance carrier may also be needed. Patients will be called within 24 hours of the prescription's receipt to arrange an initial evaluation.

Patients who might wish to make an appointment to see Dr. Silverman, MD, FACP, FACR for a private consultation may visit his personal website at http://www.drstuartsilverman.com. In addition to serving as Medical Director of the Cedars-Sinai Fibromyalgia Rehab Program, Dr. Silverman is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA.