Individuals with Friedreich ataxia frequently experience pain. When that pain is musculoskeletal in origin — distinct from neuropathic pain — it warrants a specific clinical approach tailored to this population.
This protocol addresses pain not related to neuropathy in Friedreich ataxia — specifically musculoskeletal pain. Identifying the pain type is essential, as the management pathway differs from neuropathic pain management in the same condition.
Physical therapy is the recommended starting point for musculoskeletal pain in individuals with Friedreich ataxia. When medications are not tolerated or prove insufficiently effective, an interventional option may be considered — the full protocol specifies the approach, criteria, and sequencing.
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02568-3
We conditionally recommend the use of physical therapy in the first instance, over no physical therapy or medication to manage pain in individuals with Friedreich ataxia.
We conditionally recommend that injections for musculoskeletal pain can be tried in individuals with Friedreich ataxia when medications are not tolerated or are insufficiently effective.
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