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Keep abreast with the latest news related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome there are 185 news items on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that covers updates, breakthroughs and in-depth reports.We provide you with a free downloadable secure widget for your website to carry news related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH
It is not known precisely what causes fibromyalgia (FM). Most commonly, it is believed to be related to changes in how the central nervous system processes pain messages, possibly due to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain. It is also thought to have a genetic component. FM may also be triggered by physical or emotional trauma, stress, or infection.
This article will discuss the possible causes of fibromyalgia, triggers, and associated conditions.
Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images
What Are the First Signs of Fibromyalgia?People with FM may experience:
Do Abnormal Pain Messages Cause Fibromyalgia?The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The CNS uses specialized cells to transmit information, including pain messages, all over the body.
Some studies have found that people with FM may process pain differently than those without FM. This may be related to lower levels of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)—such as serotonin or norepinephrine—which could cause a higher pain sensitivity and a more severe reaction to pain. Drugs that improve serotonin release—such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and duloxetine—have been shown to be effective for fibromyalgia pain.
Studies using brain images of people with FM and related chronic pain disorders have found changes in brain function and connections between different areas of the brain.
TakeawayImaging brain studies have also found that people with FM may feel pain when people without FM do not.
Other abnormalities in people with FM have been observed, such as elevated levels of excitatory neurotransmitters (like glutamate and substance P), dopamine dysregulation, and altered activity of endogenous cerebral opioids (chemicals in the brain that help control pain).
While it is widely accepted that people with FM process pain differently, why this happens has not been pinpointed.
Do Genetic Mutations Cause Fibromyalgia?FM appears to run in families, but a clear inheritance pattern has not been established.
Does Family History of FM Increase Your Risk of Getting FM?The overall risk of developing FM is about 8 times higher if a person has a first-degree relative (such as a sibling or parent) with the condition.
Other conditions that cause chronic pain—such as headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)—appear to be more common in family members of people with FM. It is suggested these disorders share some genetic risk factors with FM, leading to their clustering in families.
There are about 100 genes currently believed to be associated with pain sensitivity or analgesia (inability to feel pain). One theory proposes that genetic and environmental factors (such as trauma, illness, emotional distress, or other triggers) may make some people more likely to develop FM.
More research is needed to examine the role genetics play in FM.
Does Vitamin Deficiency Cause Fibromyalgia?Some studies have found that many people with chronic pain do not get the recommended dietary intake of most vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been associated with FM and other conditions related to chronic pain. It is unknown whether there is a causal relationship or an association between these deficiencies and FM.
Magnesium DeficiencyMagnesium deficiency has been associated with:
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Anxiety
Sleep difficulties
These are some of the symptoms of FM.
Some studies have suggested that magnesium deficiency may play a role in the development of FM by reducing muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which fuels muscle contraction. A correlation has also been observed between increased levels of the neurotransmitter substance P (which plays a role in pain perception) with magnesium deficiencies and pain intensity with FM.
Some studies have found that women with FM had a lower dietary intake of magnesium and calcium than those who did not have FM, but blood levels of these minerals did not differ between the groups.
Some evidence suggests a combination of calcium and magnesium may be helpful for some people with FM.
A relationship between magnesium deficiency and FM has not been proven. There are conflicting findings from studies, and there are methodology obstacles. For example, measuring magnesium levels in a person can be difficult—as blood tests and other measures often don't show the whole-body magnesium status and can be misleading. Dietary intake of magnesium has also not been proven to correlate with FM. More research is needed.
Risk Factors for FibromyalgiaAnyone can get FM, but some factors may increase the chances.
Risk factors for FM may include:
Sex: People assigned female at birth are more likely to get FM than those assigned male
Age: Most people with FM are diagnosed during middle age
Another rheumatic condition: Having another rheumatic (related to the joints) condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or ankylosing spondylitis
Family history: Having a close family member (like a parent or sibling) with FM
Physical trauma: Trauma to the brain or spinal cord from injury, illness, or accident
Emotional trauma: Possible link between FM and eEmotional stress or trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
FM may be triggered by an event that causes stress (physical, emotional, or psychological) in some people. These environmental factors or triggers likely interact with genetic factors.
Possible triggers may include:
An infection or illness, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease
A serious injury
Having a major operation
A traumatic event, such as a car accident
Significant emotional trauma, such as exposure to war or other catastrophic events
A history of childhood abuse or neglect
Chronic, long-term stress
People with FM can also have flare-ups (periods with worse symptoms). Possible triggers for FM flare-ups include:
Hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy
Stress, such as the loss of a loved one, work stress, or stressful events
Weather, such as heat/humidity or when the temperature drops from hot to cold
Changes in medication
Travel
Illness
Too much or too little physical activity
Sleep disturbances
Related: What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19
Associated ConditionsFM is often associated with rheumatic conditions, such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis: Pain and swelling in the joints caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells
Ankylosing spondylitis: An autoimmune condition that causes pain and swelling in areas of the spine
Osteoarthritis: Damage to the joints, causing pain and stiffness
TMD: A condition that causes pain in the jaw, cheeks, temples, and ears
FM has also been associated with conditions such as:
Infections
Diabetes
Psychiatric disorders
Neurological disorders
FM doesn't go away, but it doesn't get worse over time and doesn't damage joints, muscles, or organs.
FM can be managed. Your healthcare provider may recommend measures such as:
When to See a Healthcare ProviderFM can have similar symptoms as a number of other conditions. If you have symptoms of FM, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis. FM can be difficult to diagnose, and some people need to see a healthcare provider (or multiple providers) several times, or multiple healthcare providers, to get a diagnosis of their symptoms.
Some questions to ask your healthcare provider may include:
How do you know FM causes my symptoms?
What treatments are available?
If I need to take medication, what are the risks, side effects, and interactions with my other medications?
What should I do if my symptoms don't respond to treatment (or get worse)?
Where can I go for support (local or online support groups, etc.)?
It is believed that FM causes pain to be processed in the brain differently, but why this happens isn't known. It may be related to levels of chemicals in the brain or other brain abnormalities. FM is also thought to have a genetic component, which may interact with environmental factors.
Physical, emotional, or psychological stress may play a role in triggering FM.
Being assigned female at birth, being middle-aged or older, having a family history of FM, and/or having another rheumatic condition may increase the risk of developing FM.
Other conditions associated with FM include rheumatic conditions, infections, diabetes, psychological disorders, and neurological disorders.
FM does not go away, but it doesn't get worse over time and can be managed.
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