What is the cause of fibromyalgia?
No one knows what exactly causes Fibrormyalgia, but the current trend of thinking points towards a neurological rather than a rheumatic basis for the symptoms produced. Fibromyalgia can be ‘primary’, that is, there is no obvious cause. In many cases however, Fibromyalgia may be ‘secondary’ to another rheumatic condition or can develop after a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or fall. Symptoms which are seen consistently in those with Fibromyalgia include lack of deep sleep, depression or anxiety, or excessive muscle spasm as a response to the original stimulus. Once established, Fibromyalgia may itself then promote poor sleep, further anxiety and muscle spasms. In addition, these problems encourage less exercise which causes a lack of overall fitness and muscle deconditioning, factors which have been proven to cause more muscle damage, exacerbating the condition even more. The important thing to recognise, is that the condition is not progressive in the way that MS might be, bu
The cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown and it is a syndrome that is discussed and debated often in the medical and scientific community. Research into the syndrome only began in the 1980s but it has been established that Fibromyalgia is a specific and identifiable condition. Overseas studies indicate that various types of syndromes where people have these symptoms, including Fibromyalgia, may affect up to 4% of the population. This figure would make it one of the most common causes of musculo-skeletal pain in the community. While researchers continue to seek the cause of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, there is evidence that FMS is triggered in pre-disposed individuals by such precipitants as illness, physical trauma to the body, or acute emotional stress. FMS also seems to run in some families, although no genetic component has yet been identified. Many people with Fibromyalgia are found to be physically very unfit but an exercise program, while helping in the overall management of the symptoms,
Causes of fibromyalgia are currently unknown. Over the past few decades, many theories have been presented, and the understanding of the disorder has changed dramatically. Most current theories explain only a few symptoms of the disorder and are thus incomplete. Sleep disturbance The sleep disturbance theory postulates that fibromyalgia is related to sleep quality. ———————————————————— Fibromylagia can be treated is treated in different ways. The most important factor in improving fibromyalgia is for the patient to recognize the need for lifestyle adaptation. It is very important for the patient to change because it can bring recognizable improvement in function and quality… [More…] ———————————————————— Electroencephalography (EEG) studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia lose deep sleep[5]. Circumstances that interfere with “stage 4” deep sleep (such as drug use, pain, or anxiety) appear to be
Doctors think there are many factors that may cause fibromyalgia, including the following: • chemical changes in the brain that could possibly alter the regulation of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters • viral or bacterial infections, but the agent is still unknown • injury in the upper spinal region that can affect the central nervous system • changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, that causes fatigue and decreased strength • hormonal changes • psychological stress Diagnosing Fibromyalgia The American College of Rheumatology has established some guidelines for fibromyalgia to help in the assessment and study of the condition. These guidelines require that there is widespread pain for at least 3 months and a minimum of 11 locations in the body that are abnormally tender under relatively mild pressure. It should be noted, however, that some doctors believe that using these guidelines is a rigid approach since you can have fibromyalgia in the absence o
