Fibromyalgia Causes
What causes fibromyalgia is a question that has been pondered and discussed by many groups in the medical community, but so far, no consensus has been reached about the exact cause of fibromyalgia. There are a number of theories that are circulating that have gained support in some communities and are supported by studies, however, there is nothing ultimately conclusive available as of now. Theories speculating on genetic influence, hormonal or chemical imbalances, trauma, or extreme stress are popular in discussion. Most experts agree that living with fibromyalgia is the result of a combination of triggers and preexisting conditions, rather than a singular cause. Because the cause is indeterminable, there is no fibromyalgia test to discern whether or not a person has contracted the condition. Below are some of the theories with most support for the causes of fibromyalgia.
Serotonin and Hormones
Some studies have researched the relationship between serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain) and the way your body experiences pain. They've shown that low levels of serotonin can make your body more sensitive to feeling pain and lower the resistance your body usually exhibits toward pain. Additionally, researchers have linked poorly performing endorphins in the body to the reduced ability to resist or fight pain well, and an increased amount of substance P. Substance P is a chemical which makes pain signals stronger.
Women, who are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia than men, have 7 times less serotonin in the brain than men do, which supports this theory. Hormonal changes in women, particularly during menopause and menstruation periods are also thought to have some connection with serotonin and fibromyalgia pain. Other people who have had serious experiences with hormonal imbalances or natural hormonal surges have complained of similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, leading researchers to believe there is a closer link.
Trauma
Some studies show that this chemical imbalance concerning serotonin and substance P, that increases the body's reception of pain, can be caused by traumatic events or injuries. More than 50% of patients who have fibromyalgia pain have reported experiencing a traumatic incident either immediately before the onset of their symptoms or sometime in the past, usually a car accident or a death of a loved one. Although there isn't any concrete evidence of the connection between trauma and FMS symptoms, trauma seems to be a common connection among patients and may eventually be discovered as a contributing factor.
Genetics
Similar to other diseases, it's quite possible that there is a hereditary link and that fibromyalgia information is passed from parent to child in the genes. Scientists believe that some genes can affect how the body processes pain and pain stimuli, and that those particular genes are likely to be passed on in DNA. Although specific genes that might cause the symptoms seen in FMS haven't been identified, research in this area is continuing to be carried out, and there may be more information about this cause in the future.
Stress and Physical Conditions
Another likely factor in FMS development is the physical condition a person is in and how much stress is in their life. People in generally poor health conditions or poor physical conditions are more likely to experience the mysterious pains of FMS. Also, if there is an inordinate amount stress, caused either by a traumatic incident or by something like a highly demanding job, symptoms are more likely to flare up. Although it's unlikely that this is a direct cause of FMS, it certainly doesn't help the condition in any way. That's why some of the best treatments for symptoms include exercise and and relaxation therapy to help reduce pain and anxiety.
What causes fibromyalgia is a question that has been pondered and discussed by many groups in the medical community, but so far, no consensus has been reached about the exact cause of fibromyalgia. There are a number of theories that are circulating that have gained support in some communities and are supported by studies, however, there is nothing ultimately conclusive available as of now. Theories speculating on genetic influence, hormonal or chemical imbalances, trauma, or extreme stress are popular in discussion. Most experts agree that living with fibromyalgia is the result of a combination of triggers and preexisting conditions, rather than a singular cause. Because the cause is indeterminable, there is no fibromyalgia test to discern whether or not a person has contracted the condition. Below are some of the theories with most support for the causes of fibromyalgia.
Serotonin and Hormones
Some studies have researched the relationship between serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain) and the way your body experiences pain. They've shown that low levels of serotonin can make your body more sensitive to feeling pain and lower the resistance your body usually exhibits toward pain. Additionally, researchers have linked poorly performing endorphins in the body to the reduced ability to resist or fight pain well, and an increased amount of substance P. Substance P is a chemical which makes pain signals stronger.
Women, who are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia than men, have 7 times less serotonin in the brain than men do, which supports this theory. Hormonal changes in women, particularly during menopause and menstruation periods are also thought to have some connection with serotonin and fibromyalgia pain. Other people who have had serious experiences with hormonal imbalances or natural hormonal surges have complained of similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, leading researchers to believe there is a closer link.
Trauma
Some studies show that this chemical imbalance concerning serotonin and substance P, that increases the body's reception of pain, can be caused by traumatic events or injuries. More than 50% of patients who have fibromyalgia pain have reported experiencing a traumatic incident either immediately before the onset of their symptoms or sometime in the past, usually a car accident or a death of a loved one. Although there isn't any concrete evidence of the connection between trauma and FMS symptoms, trauma seems to be a common connection among patients and may eventually be discovered as a contributing factor.
Genetics
Similar to other diseases, it's quite possible that there is a hereditary link and that fibromyalgia information is passed from parent to child in the genes. Scientists believe that some genes can affect how the body processes pain and pain stimuli, and that those particular genes are likely to be passed on in DNA. Although specific genes that might cause the symptoms seen in FMS haven't been identified, research in this area is continuing to be carried out, and there may be more information about this cause in the future.
Stress and Physical Conditions
Another likely factor in FMS development is the physical condition a person is in and how much stress is in their life. People in generally poor health conditions or poor physical conditions are more likely to experience the mysterious pains of FMS. Also, if there is an inordinate amount stress, caused either by a traumatic incident or by something like a highly demanding job, symptoms are more likely to flare up. Although it's unlikely that this is a direct cause of FMS, it certainly doesn't help the condition in any way. That's why some of the best treatments for symptoms include exercise and and relaxation therapy to help reduce pain and anxiety.
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