Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (new lat., fibro-, fibrous tissue, Gk. myo-, muscle, Gk. algos-, pain, meaning muscle and connective tissue pain) is also referred to as FM or FMS. Fibromyalgia is characterized by a chronic widespread pain and allodynia, a heightened and painful response to pressure. Symptoms of fibromyalgia are not restricted to pain. Other core symptoms include debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbance and joint stiffness. Some patients may also report difficulty with swallowing, bowel and bladder abnormalities, numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety and stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder. Not all people with fibromyalgia experience all associated symptoms. Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2-4% of the population.

Researchers have theorized on a number of possible causes for the fibromyalgia syndrome. Ranging from infection to accident trauma, the list goes on and on. But, despite a number of possibilities, to date no one cause of fibromyalgia has been determined.

Researchers in the field have singled out a few likely causes:

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Fibromyalgia may be caused by a problem with the brain’s autonomic nervous system. This system helps to control a number of bodily processes, including digestion, reaction to stress and metabolism. Problems with the hormones and neurotransmitters used by the autonomic nervous system can interrupt certain bodily processes, causing a number of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Sleep Disorders
A large percentage of fibromyalgia patients experience difficulty sleeping. Though once seen as a fibromyalgia symptom, it is now theorized that these sleep disorders may actually be the cause of the illness. Fibromyalgia patients don’t seem to get enough deep sleep, which prevents injured muscles and nerves from being repaired. This can result in serious pain.

Injury and Muscle Trauma
A large number of fibromyalgia patients do seem to have suffered from serious injury or muscle trauma such as that caused by a car accident prior to the onset of their fibromyalgia. Injury to the central nervous system can affect the way the brain operates, increasing sensitivity to pain as well as complicating sleep patterns and cognitive thought processes. Muscle injuries can also become chronic and widespread.
Other possible causes of fibromyalgia syndrome have been investigated.

Genetic Predisposition
Many fibromyalgia sufferers have close family members with the disorder. This may indicate that fibromyalgia has a genetic component. Fibromyalgia also tends to affect more women which also supports the theory that fibromyalgia is a genetic illness.

Infectious Agents
Infectious illnesses, including certain viruses, may be at the root of fibromyalgia. Certain infections attack the central nervous system inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters. This could cause fibromyalgia pain. Infections can also cause muscle trauma and injury which may develop into chronic and widespread pain.

Immune System Abnormalities
Fibromyalgia could be the result of an over-active immune system. Your immune system works to protect your body by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other foreign cells. When over-active, the immune system can cause severe inflammation and pain.
In addition to all these possibilities, genetics and gender are also thought to perhaps contribute to the development of the illness. However, since no one cause stands out as the trigger for fibromyalgia, it is likely that a combination of factors contribute to the development of the syndrome.

Rational combination of various Nutraceuticals supports healthy immune function and anti-inflammatory response. Nutraceuticals also may aid to balance brain neurotransmitters, and by doing so, reduce pain perception and alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.