Fibromyalgia impacts an estimated 10 million people in the US and is believed by researchers to be a disorder of the way the brain and/or central nervous system processes pain signals. Between 75 and 90 percent of those who have it are women. Those suffering from Fibromyalgia are thought to be in a state of amplified painful sensations causing the hallmark symptom of chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain that is non-responsive to traditional pain relief methods. It is also accompanied by chronic fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
Fibromyalgia Pain
Researchers believe that repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with Fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain’s pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive causing overreaction to pain signals.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Widespread pain lasting for at least three months occurring on both sides of the body and above and below the waist. Nearly all Fibromyalgia sufferers ache and hurt all over. It can be deep, sharp, dull, throbbing or aching felt in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and around the joints. This constant pain can be extremely debilitating and significantly impact quality of life.
Fatigue upon awaking in the morning and throughout the day despite sleeping for long periods of time. This is not a simple tiredness, but a lingering and exhausting tiredness and feeling drained despite the amount of sleep. Fibromyalgia sufferers often have disturbed sleep which perpetuates a cycle of continued and chronic fatigue.
Sleep problems such as having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or having disturbed sleep limiting how much time is spent in deep sleep. Lack of quality and restful sleep contribute to the exacerbation of other Fibromyalgia symptoms.
Cognitive difficulties impairing memory and the ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks. Fibro fog is a common term used to refer to the foggy mental state that many Fibromyalgia sufferers experience. This can impact the ability to remember certain things, find the right words and more.
There are many more symptoms, syndromes and other painful conditions that often co-exist with Fibromyalgia such as Myofascial Pain Syndrome, extreme muscle and/or skeletal stiffness, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Reynaud’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, overactive bladder, acid reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Restless Legs Syndrome, headaches or migraines, Endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint disorders, numbness and tingling in hands, arms, feet and legs, painful menstrual cramps, and more.
Fibromyalgia Causes
At this time, doctors do not know what causes fibromyalgia and likely involves a variety of factors. Some scientific studies show physiological abnormalities to included higher levels of substance P in the spinal cord, low levels of blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain, HPA axis hypofunction, low levels of serotonin and tryptophan, and abnormalities in cytokine function. Genetics may also play a role in the development of Fibromyalgia. The onset of the disorder may be slow in some and fast in others thought to be triggered by an accident, injury, or illness that causes trauma to the body.
Fibromyalgia Cure
Because of the lack of understanding, there is currently no cure. SeeFibro is working on a Fibromyalgia Awareness Project to impact public perceptions and shed a revealing light on the millions of sufferers to push for further research into cause and cure. There are a variety of medications that can help manage symptoms with each sufferers journey a unique and complex case of long-term trial and error to find some sense of relief.
Learn more about promising Fibromyalgia treatments, supplements, and medication, or find helpful patient-to-doctor communication resources at our Fibromyalgia Resources page HERE or by clicking the button below.