The effect of balneotherapy at the Dead Sea on the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia (FS) is an idiopathic chronic pain syndrome defined by widespr ead non-articular musculoskeletal pain and generalised tender points. As th ere is no effective treatment, patients with this condition have impaired q uality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the possible effe ct of balneotherapy at the Dead Sea area on the QoL of patients with FS. Fo rty-eight subjects participated in the study; half of them received balneot herapy, and half did not. Their QoL (using SF-36), psychological well-being and FS-related symptoms were assessed prior to arrival at the spa hotel in the Dead Sea area, at the end of the 10-day stay, and 1 and 3 months later . A significant improvement was reported on most subscales of the SF-36 and on most symptoms. The improvement in physical aspects of QoL lasted usuall y 3 months, but on psychological measures the improvement was shorter. Subj ects in the balneotherapy group reported higher and longer-lasting improvem ent than subjects in the control group. In conclusion, staying at the Dead Sea spa, in addition to balneotherapy, can transiently improve the QoL of p atients with FS. Other studies with longer follow-up are needed to support our findings.