Hyperbaric medicine as an adjunct treatment for fibromyalgia: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3216Keywords:
Fibromyalgia, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Chronic Pain, Quality of Life, NeuroplasticityAbstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain, frequently associated with fatigue, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment, with a significant impact on quality of life. Recent evidence suggests that mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and central sensitization play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of the disease. In this context, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been investigated as a complementary therapeutic strategy due to its ability to increase tissue oxygenation and modulate inflammatory and neurobiological processes. This study aims to conduct an integrative literature review on the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The search was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS/LILACS databases, using descriptors related to fibromyalgia, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chronic pain, and quality of life. 77 articles were identified, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising approach in the adjunctive treatment of fibromyalgia, contributing to pain reduction, improved quality of life, decreased fatigue, and modulation of central pain mechanisms, such as neuroplasticity. However, further studies with more standardized methodology are needed to consolidate its effectiveness and define ideal treatment protocols.
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