Introduction
Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that is characterized by chronic discomfort, fatigue sleep disturbances, and other signs of debilitation. While it is a widely recognized illness, the precise reason for fibromyalgia is unsolved. Research suggests that an array of factors contribute to the onset and progression of the condition. The causes could include predisposition to genetics, brain functioning, environmental triggers as well as other physiological changes that occur in the body.
1. Genetic Factors :-
Genetics are believed to play a major influence on the development of the condition known as fibromyalgia. Although fibromyalgia isn’t classified as a genetic condition but research suggests that a experience with the condition can increase the chance of it developing. Research suggests that some genes relating with the immune system, processing of pain and the regulation of the nervous system could cause people to develop fibromyalgia.
How Does Genetics Influence Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can be found within families, which suggests that there is a genetic cause for the condition. Certain genetic variations, especially those that involve neurotransmitters and pain pathways within the brain, could increase the risk of a person being affected by the disorder. For instance the presence of specific genes that influence the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and perception of pain) can affect a person’s susceptibility to fibromyalgia.
Additionally, those with a history of family members with autoimmune illnesses or other chronic ailments are at a greater chance of developing fibromyalgia. which suggests that genetic influences can influence the body’s ability to react to inflammation and pain.
2. Abnormal Pain Processing in the Brain :-
One of the main characteristic of fibromyalgia can be the sensitiveness to pain. Patients with fibromyalgia typically suffer from pain caused by things that normally do not cause discomfort. This is known as anodynia. It is believed to be due to an abnormal neural processing of pain and the spinal cord.
How Does the Brain Process Pain in Fibromyalgia?
The main reason for increased pain sensitiveness in fibromyalgia is believed to stem from the central sensitization. Central sensitization refers to the increase in the sensitivity to the central nervous system (CNS) to stimulation. For those suffering from fibromyalgia the spinal cord and brain seem to be more sensitive to pain signals than those who do not suffer from the condition. This increased response can cause an increase in pain, which makes even the most non-painful stimulus feel uncomfortable.
Central sensitization is a process that result from an altered level of neurotransmitters like substances P which is a major component in transmitting signals for pain. There are also signs of decreased levels of norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and pain. This may further contribute to sensitization to pain.
3. Sleep Disturbances :-
Sleep problems can be often a sign of a disorder and also an element that contributes to the fibromyalgia. People suffering from fibromyalgia frequently have trouble sleeping including difficulties in sleeping and staying asleep, or having sleepiness that is restorative. Sleep problems are believed to increase the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, including fatigue and pain.
How Does Poor Sleep Contribute to Fibromyalgia?
The fibromyalgia-related sleep disturbances could be caused by an unbalanced sleeping pattern, specifically a decrease within the deep sleep phases. Deep sleep is crucial for restoring physical health as well as production of hormones called growth which aid in the repair of tissues and reduce the pain. In the absence of adequate sleep, your body’s ability to heal from physical stress is diminished. This may cause more fatigue and pain.
In addition, those who suffer from fibromyalgia can also be suffering of sleep apnea as well as the restless leg syndrome both of which can disrupt sleep and can cause feelings of fatigue throughout the daytime. Inability to get enough sleep can trigger an endless cycle in which inadequate sleep can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms and the discomfort and pain makes it difficult to fall asleep.
4. Stress and Emotional Trauma :-
Stress from the mind emotional trauma and physical stress can be important triggers of flare-ups of fibromyalgia. It is typical for people who suffer from fibromyalgia experience the beginning or the worsening of symptoms during periods of extreme physical or emotional stress.
How Does Stress Affect Fibromyalgia?
Stress can alter your body’s neurological system that is responsible for the creation of various stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Chronic stress can trigger an imbalance of these hormones, which could increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. In fibromyalgia the stress response could be exaggerated, resulting in greater pain intensity and other signs.
In addition, emotional trauma like experiencing loss, abuse or major life events, could be the trigger for Fibromyalgia. Stress from emotional trauma could alter the way that the brain process pain, and may cause symptoms to worsen.
5. Infections and Illnesses :-
Although they do not directly cause fibromyalgia symptoms, they could be the trigger for the development of the disorder in those who are predisposed genetically. Certain infections, specifically viral infections have been associated with the development of fibromyalgia.
How Do Infections Trigger Fibromyalgia?
Infections like Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C as well as flu have been identified in certain individuals as causes of the condition known as fibromyalgia. In these instances your body’s immune system can be activated as a result of the illness, possibly creating inflammation and a higher immune response that fails to recover to normal until the illness has resolved.
Certain researchers believe that the presence of infections can trigger fibromyalgia, by activating the body’s immune system, result in an autoimmune-like processes, where the immune system targets healthy tissues.
6. Autoimmune Disease and Inflammation :-
The research is continuing into the possible relationship between fibromyalgia and other auto-immune diseases. Although fibromyalgia does not itself qualify to be considered to be an autoimmune disorder It shares some characteristics with autoimmune conditions like chronic pain and inflammation.
How Does Autoimmune Disease Relate to Fibromyalgia?
Certain studies indicate that fibromyalgia might be associated with conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus and systemic lupus-erythematosus (SLE) and the three of which can be described as auto-immune diseases which are characterized through chronic inflammation. While fibromyalgia may not be exclusively an autoimmune disorder but the mechanisms behind the chronic inflammation and pain that are observed in these conditions could be similar with the ones seen in fibromyalgia.
Individuals with autoimmune conditions are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia. Both conditions may be present in some people. In autoimmune conditions it is the case that the immune system targets healthy tissues and cells which causes discomfort and inflammation. Similar to fibromyalgia central sensitization and the overactive response to pain could result in general discomfort and pain.
7. Hormonal Imbalance :-
The hormonal changes, specifically ones that are triggered by hormones like estrogen as well as cortisol can be a factor in the formation of the condition known as fibromyalgia. It is more frequently recognized in women which suggests hormones may play a role in the condition.
How Does Hormonal Imbalance Affect Fibromyalgia?
Estrogen, which is a major hormone for women, is believed to impact the body’s perception of pain as well as reaction. The fluctuation within the estrogen level, including those experienced during menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. In addition, hormonal imbalances related to stress within cortisol levels may contribute to an increase in pain sensitivity and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.
8. Environmental Factors :-
Certain environmental elements including exposure to toxic substances or extreme temperatures, or even physical injuries, could cause fibromyalgia to occur for those who are susceptible.
How Do Environmental Factors Contribute?
A physical injury, like an injury or car crash could cause the onset of symptoms of fibromyalgia. The resulting injuries could trigger the body into an ongoing condition of pain and inflammation which can lead to the onset of fibromyalgia for people who are genetically predisposed. In addition, environmental factors such as climate changes (e.g. cold, humid weather) have been found to aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms.
Conclusion
Causes of Fibromyalgia can be multifactorial and complex, and involve a mix of neurological, genetic and environmental aspects. Central sensitization, a condition that causes an abnormal response to pain to the central nervous system, is one the main characteristics of the disorder. Furthermore, the effects of stress as well as hormonal imbalances, infections, immune system disorders and family history are all thought to play a role in the onset and progression of fibromyalgia.
While research into fibromyalgia’s causes is in progress an knowledge of these elements can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the illness. Should you, or anyone you know are experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia it’s important seeking medical advice for a personalised treatment plan to improve your living quality.
