Causes Of Fibromyalgia
Investigators are constantly looking at various explanations for the occurrence of fibromyalgia pain. Some, for example, are exploring hormonal disturbances and chemical imbalances that affect nerve signaling. Other experts believe fibromyalgia with its deep muscle pain is linked to stress, illness, or trauma. Still others think there is a hereditary cause or say there is no explanation at all. But while there is no clear consensus about what causes fibromyalgia syndrome, most researchers believe fibromyalgia syndrome results not from a single event but from a combination of many physical and emotional stressors.
What causes fibromyalgia? Some have speculated that lower levels of serotonin in the blood leads to lowered pain thresholds or an increased sensitivity to pain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is associated with a calming, anxiety-reducing reaction. The lowered pain thresholds may be caused by the reduced effectiveness of the body’s natural endorphin painkillers and the increased presence of a chemical called “substance P.” Substance P amplifies pain signals. There have been some studies that link fibromyalgia syndrome to sudden trauma to the central nervous system. Keep in mind, though, theories about what causes fibromyalgia syndrome are merely speculative.
Who gets fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is far more common in women than in men. Some interesting studies show that women have approximately seven times less serotonin in the brain. That may explain why fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS, is more prevalent in women. Another theory states that fibromyalgia is caused by biochemical changes in the body and may be related to hormonal changes or menopause. In addition, some but not all people with fibromyalgia syndrome have low levels of human growth hormone, which may contribute to the muscle pain.
Does stress cause fibromyalgia? Some researchers theorize that stress or poor physical conditioning are factors in the cause of fibromyalgia pain. Another theory suggests that muscle “microtrauma” (very slight damage) leads to an ongoing cycle of pain and fatigue. This mechanism, like all the others, is still unproven for fibromyalgia syndrome.
Do insomnia or sleep disorders cause fibromyalgia? Most people with FMS experience insomnia or non-restorative sleep – sleep that is light and not refreshing. Disordered sleep might lead to the lower levels of serotonin, which results in increased pain sensitivity. Researchers have created a lower pain threshold in women by depriving them of sleep, possibly simulating fibromyalgia pain.
Is depression linked to fibromyalgia? Some scientists used to believe that because fibromyalgia syndrome was accompanied by low-grade depression, there may be a link between the two illnesses. Today, mental health issues are no longer thought to cause fibromyalgia. However, chronic pain can cause feelings of anxiety and depression, which may worsen fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms.
Is fibromyalgia hereditary? Like other rheumatic diseases, fibromyalgia could be the result of a genetic tendency that is passed from mother to daughter. Some researchers believe that a person’s genes may regulate the way his or her body processes painful stimuli. These scientists theorize that people with fibromyalgia may have a gene or genes that cause them to react intensely to stimuli that most people would not perceive as painful. To date, these genes have not been isolated or identified.
It is thought that when a person with this genetic tendency is exposed to certain emotional or physical stressors such as a traumatic crisis or a serious illness – there is a change in the body’s response to stress. This change can result in a higher sensitivity of the entire body to pain.
What are risk factors for fibromyalgia syndrome? Risk factors are distinct characteristics researchers have identified that may increase your chance of getting a certain illness. While researchers have identified some common risk factors for fibromyalgia syndrome, there are still many people with the disease who have none of these traits. Also, some women have fibromyalgia with certain diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or other autoimmune diseases. But others have fibromyalgia pain without any underlying disease. Possible risk factors for fibromyalgia pain include:
1. gender (usually female)
2. genetic disposition (may be inherited)
3. menopause (loss of estrogen)
4. poor physical conditioning
5. surgery
6. trauma to the central nervous system (after an injury, accident, illness, or emotional stress)
