Fibromyalgia - What Causes This Chronic Illness?
Sleep, Genetic and Nervous System Disorders Can Cause Symptoms
In recent years, the medical community has discovered new information concerning fibromyalgia. Although it still remains a mysterious condition, just the acknowledgement that it actually exists is of some comfort to those who suffer from the arthritis-like symptoms. Studies are underway to find effective treatments that alleviate the many painful and debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. But how was it caused in the first place? This article describes the likely causes of fibromyalgia that doctors are researching today.
Is Fibromyalgia In Your DNA?
There is evidence that fibromyalgia may be a genetic condition as it tends to run in families. This would allow someone with the right genetic mutations to be predisposed to developing fibromyalgia. Researchers speculate that certain genes may increase sensitivity of pain from stimuli that would not hurt someone without fibromyalgia. However, genes that increase sensitivity to pain have not yet been identified.
Can You Sleep Your Way to Health?
One of the possible fibromyalgia causes being researched is sleep disorders. Alpha EEG Anomaly is a sleep disorder that actually causes the brain to turn on when the person is asleep. This causes a sense of exhaustion and feeling drained upon awakening. Alpha EEG Anomaly is so prevalent in fibromyalgia cases that it is being considered as a likely cause. Studies in sleep deprivation have shown a decreased pain tolerance as well as a lack of memory and concentration, both of which are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are symptoms of the condition but are unlikely causes of fibromyalgia.
Are Your Hormones Making You Sick?
Hormonal imbalances may cause fibromyalgia. If the hypothalamus and pituitary gland release the wrong amounts of cortisol and human growth hormone, the imbalance can wreak havoc on the body. Symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, lowered pain tolerance and poor concentration are common with hormonal imbalances and fibromyalgia.
Is Your Fibromyalgia Related to a Past Trauma?
There is strong evidence that one of the causes of fibromyalgia may be a traumatic event or multiple events experienced prior to the onset of symptoms. The trauma can be physical or emotional. Some studies reveal that events like car accidents can trigger fibromyalgia. Other studies are looking at the connection between childhood trauma and low diurnal cortisol levels as a possible cause of fibromyalgia. It is believed that the nervous system responds to the trauma by becoming super stimulated by pain and stress. In cases where trauma is thought to be the cause of fibromyalgia, promising work is being done through the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other techniques used to alleviate stress and post traumatic stress disorder.
Other possible causes of fibromyalgia include infections, illness and muscle trauma. As with all of the possible origins of fibromyalgia, it is unclear whether any of these are the actual cause or just the trigger to the onset of the underlying condition. Researchers continue to look for the causes and treatments of this mysterious condition. Hopefully, it will not be long before clearer answers are available to those suffering from this painful condition.
National Fibromyalgia Association
Fibromyalgia may be genetic.
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