Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic widespread pain. It is the second most common musculoskeletal condition, surpassed only by osteoarthritis. However, it doesn’t matter how common it is and that over 5 million people- mostly women are affected by it- it is still the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood condition. Even the medical world is left baffled and confused by fibromyalgia. In addition to the widespread pain, individuals experience anxiety/depression, fatigue, and so much more.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Individuals with fibromyalgia ache all from the tops of their heads to the bottoms of their feet. Even after sleeping all night long, they may wake up with crippling fatigue. There are tender points on their body that are likely to be painful to the touch. Additionally, they may experience swelling, sleep disturbances, and even disturbances in their mood or depression.
Even if they haven’t worked out or participated in strenuous activity, they may feel as if their muscles have been overworked or pulled. Occasionally, they may experience muscles twitching and/or burning and at times, a deep and stabbing pain.
Some individuals with fibromyalgia could have achiness and pain around the joints in their neck, back, shoulders, and hips. This tends to interfere with their sleep patterns and exercise. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Dryness in eyes, nose, and mouth
- Chronic headaches
- Extreme sensitivity to heat/cold and light
- IBS and/or incontinence
- Difficulties with concentration
- Numbness/tingling in feet/toes and hands/fingers
- Joint stiffness
The symptoms that fibromyalgia presents with are similar to those of other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, and even osteoarthritis. However, in the cases of tendonitis and bursitis, the pain is localized, while with fibromyalgia it is widespread.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Physicians are not sure what exactly causes fibromyalgia. However, they do agree that it probably involves several factors working together. These factors could possibly include: stress, depression, sleep disorders, heredity and others.
Is Fibromyalgia Caused by Stress?
Some researchers have said that stress and/or poor physical condition are factors that could cause fibromyalgia. However, as of right now, this theory is unproven. It is true though, that controlling stress levels can possibly reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Is Fibromyalgia Caused by Sleep Disorders?
Those who have fibromyalgia do experience sleep disturbances/disorders. Typically, they are light sleepers and don’t get very refreshing sleep. Sleep disturbances could lead to lower levels of serotonin, which could cause increased sensitivity to pain. However, though it is present in those who have fibromyalgia, it has not been proven to be a cause of the disorder. So, if you can manage the symptoms of your sleep disorder, (go to sleep at the same time every day, get electronics out of the bedroom, etc.) you may be able to control your fibromyalgia.
Is Fibromyalgia Caused by Depression?
Some scientists believe that fibromyalgia and depression are linked somehow. This is because depression is one of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is not believed that depression actually causes fibromyalgia. However, it is known that chronic pain does cause anxiety/depression, which could actually worsen the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since medical professionals believe that depression is linked to fibromyalgia, occasionally, anti-depressants are used to treat fibromyalgia.
Is Fibromyalgia Caused by Genetics?
Just like other rheumatic disorders, it is possible that fibromyalgia could be caused by a genetic predisposition passed from mother to daughter. Some medical professionals believe that an individual’s genes could possibly regulate the way that he or she processes pain. It is believed that those who have fibromyalgia could have a gene- or possibly several genes- that cause them to react to certain stimuli that others would not likely see as painful. There are several genes that seem to be present in those who have fibromyalgia.
Additionally, it is believed that individuals who have this genetic predisposition, when exposed to specific physical or emotional stressors, that there is a change in the response of the body to stress. This can result in the body having a much higher sensitivity to pain.
Fibromyalgia Risk Factors
Risk factors are those characteristics that could possibly increase your chance of developing a certain illness or disorder. There are some risk factors that have been identified that are common to fibromyalgia patients. However, these risk factors are not necessarily present in everyone who has the disorder. Additionally, there are some females who have fibromyalgia along with certain other disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and several other autoimmune diseases. Still others have fibromyalgia with no other underlying disorders.
Possible Fibromyalgia Risk Factors
- Gender (typically female)
- Menopause (estrogen loss)
- Genetic predisposition (inherited)
- Surgery
- Poor Physical Condition
- Brain or Spinal Cord Trauma
Treat the Causes, Not Just the Symptoms
It is not clear what exactly causes fibromyalgia, so it can be difficult to treat the causes and prevent the disorder from occurring. The signs and symptoms are thought to be causes and vice-versa. So, if you can treat the symptoms as you see them, then you may possibly be able to control fibromyalgia flares. At this time, there is no cure for the disorder. If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, consider things such as physical therapy, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and other alternative therapies to get relief from the pain of fibromyalgia.
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