What Causes Fibromyalgia? Risk Factors:

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still undetermined; however, research suggests that a combination of physical, neurological, and psychological factors can lead to the onset of this illness. Your emotions and moods can affect the pain you feel, and being depressed or anxious can further compound it. Here are some factors that may lead to fibromyalgia: Chemical Imbalances One of the potential causes of fibromyalgia is how your body processes pain. People with fibromyalgia process pain differently, as their levels of substance P, a chemical found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is responsible for transmitting pain impulses to the brain, are significantly higher — at least three times more compared to people without fibromyalgia. Having higher levels of substance P makes the pain more intense. Research also found that having low levels of the hormones noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain is common among fibromyalgia sufferers. These hormones are essential in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, behavior, and stress response. Changes in the levels of stress hormones like cortisol may contribute to fibromyalgia, too. Genetics A combination of inherited genetic mutations may play a role in developing fibromyalgia, which is why people who have a close relative (a sibling or a parent) who had this illness are at a higher risk of acquiring it, compared to people who have no relatives diagnosed with this disease. Sleep Problems Having disturbed sleep patterns or lacking deep sleep, may be a cause of fibromyalgia, and not just a symptom. It is in stage 4 sleep when the body refreshes itself, allowing the muscles to recover from the day’s activity. According to studies, people with fibromyalgia become more aroused when they enter stage 4 sleep, resulting in a lighter form of sleep. When researchers took volunteers and stopped them from entering stage 4 sleep, symptoms similar to fibromyalgia manifested as well. Other Possible Triggers Some physical conditions may exacerbate your risk of fibromyalgia. These include getting an injury (or repetitive injuries), a viral infection, surgery, or giving birth. Emotional or stressful events, such as losing a loved one, being in an accident or being physically abused (leading to posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD), and relationship problems (breaking up with your significant other) may also put you in danger of fibromyalgia. Health Ailments Painful rheumatic conditions that affect the muscles, joints, or bones can put you in danger of fibromyalgia. These include: • Rheumatoid arthritis • Osteoarthritis • Lupus • Ankylosing spondylitis • Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) *Chiropractic care is not a cure for Fibromyalgia, however Chiropractic care can reduce pain in your muscles and joints; help your nervous system function better; and help you sleep better. All of those improvements in your health may definitely help reduce the effects of Fibromyalgia. Source: NHS Choices, 10/5/16.