Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, multifaceted condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and a spectrum of somatic and psychological symptoms (affecting approximately 2–4% of the global population, with a female predominance). Despite decades of research, the field remains divided between rheumatology and neurology, with each discipline offering distinct yet overlapping perspectives on the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of FM. Objectives This study aimed to explore the evolution of FM research through a bibliometric and thematic analysis, providing comparative insights into the contributions of rheumatology and neurology while identifying emerging trends and knowledge gaps. Methods A robust bibliometric approach was employed using the bibliometrix R package, complemented by visualization tools including R’s ggplot2 package, to analyze and map research trends over several decades. The literature search was conducted on January 7, 2025, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, covering publications from 1990 to 2024. Thematic analyses and concept mapping were utilized to identify dominant research themes and interdisciplinary trends. The study synthesized findings across temporal and thematic dimensions to offer a holistic view of FM research. Results The analysis revealed the distinct yet interconnected contributions of both rheumatology and neurology to the evolving field of FM research. While rheumatology has historically been the dominant field, particularly in the classification and foundational understanding of FM as a disorder of chronic widespread pain and tender points, recent trends indicate an increasing influence of neurology. This shift is driven by a growing recognition of the central nervous system’s role in FM pathophysiology, with research into central sensitization, altered pain processing, and neuroinflammation becoming central themes in more recent publications. Conclusions FM research has made considerable strides through the interplay of rheumatology and neurology, yet interdisciplinary collaboration remains essential to fully address the condition’s complexity. This work underscores the importance of a multidimensional approach to future research and clinical care, aiming to improve patient outcomes through the integration of diverse scientific perspectives.

A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Fibromyalgia Research: Comparative Insights from Rheumatology and Neurology

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发表日期：

2025年12月2日

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Rui Marcelino

摘要

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, multifaceted condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and a spectrum of somatic and psychological symptoms (affecting approximately 2–4% of the global population, with a female predominance). Despite decades of research, the field remains divided between rheumatology and neurology, with each discipline offering distinct yet overlapping perspectives on the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of FM.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the evolution of FM research through a bibliometric and thematic analysis, providing comparative insights into the contributions of rheumatology and neurology while identifying emerging trends and knowledge gaps.

Methods

A robust bibliometric approach was employed using the bibliometrix R package, complemented by visualization tools including R’s ggplot2 package, to analyze and map research trends over several decades. The literature search was conducted on January 7, 2025, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, covering publications from 1990 to 2024. Thematic analyses and concept mapping were utilized to identify dominant research themes and interdisciplinary trends. The study synthesized findings across temporal and thematic dimensions to offer a holistic view of FM research.

Results

The analysis revealed the distinct yet interconnected contributions of both rheumatology and neurology to the evolving field of FM research. While rheumatology has historically been the dominant field, particularly in the classification and foundational understanding of FM as a disorder of chronic widespread pain and tender points, recent trends indicate an increasing influence of neurology. This shift is driven by a growing recognition of the central nervous system’s role in FM pathophysiology, with research into central sensitization, altered pain processing, and neuroinflammation becoming central themes in more recent publications.

Conclusions

FM research has made considerable strides through the interplay of rheumatology and neurology, yet interdisciplinary collaboration remains essential to fully address the condition’s complexity. This work underscores the importance of a multidimensional approach to future research and clinical care, aiming to improve patient outcomes through the integration of diverse scientific perspectives.