What causes fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. However, research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have certain subtle changes in some chemicals in the brain and nervous system. For example, there seems to be a minor change in the level of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals responsible for transmitting messages between nerves and between brain cells. Research studies have also shown that people with fibromyalgia tend to have an increased amount of a chemical called substance P in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord (the cerebrospinal fluid - CSF). This substance may be involved in the way pain messages are transmitted.
A current main theory is that people with fibromyalgia have an oversensitivity to pain signals in the brain. This is called 'central sensitisation'. This may be due to various minor changes in brain chemicals. What triggers or causes these changes is not known.
Note: the term fibromyalgia has been used for a long time. However, because the cause is now thought to be due to the processes described above in the brain and spinal cord, the term 'fibromyalgia' does not accurately describe the condition. That is, there is little evidence that the disease is due to a problem with peripheral tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments (although the pain is often felt in these tissues).
Who gets fibromyalgia?
About 1 in 50 people develop fibromyalgia at some stage. It is seven times more common in women than men. In most cases it first develops between the ages of 25 and 55. It is less common in younger adults, and is uncommon in children.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed by the typical symptoms and a doctor's examination.
To make a firm diagnosis, symptoms should include widespread pain involving both sides of the body, above and below the waist, as well as the neck, back and pelvis, and have been present for at least three months.
A doctor's examination will find tenderness in various parts of the body. During the examination a doctor may press firmly with a thumb on various parts of your body. The amount of pressure used does not cause pain in people without fibromyalgia. However, the pressure typically causes people with fibromyalgia to wince with pain. The increased sensitivity to pressure (being tender to mild pressure) can be in many places in the body, and may be all over. However, a doctor may press on certain specific sites (as shown in the diagram). These sites are generally fairly sensitive areas and the easiest to check for tenderness which is typical in people with fibromyalgia.
Apart from finding areas of tenderness, the examination by a doctor will usually find no other abnormality. There is no laboratory test that confirms the condition. However, tests are advised in some cases to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. For example, your doctor may do some blood tests to rule out an underactive thyroid, early arthritis, etc.
Is fibromyalgia serious?
Fibromyalgia is not an arthritis, it is not due to cancer, and does not damage any joint or tissue. It does not shorten your expected lifespan. In some cases, symptoms ease or go after a few months. However, in many cases it is a chronic (persistent) condition which tends to wax and wane in severity. Quality of life can become affected by the persistent symptoms.
- Next: What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?
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susan murrell, 10 months
i have been in chronicpain for 6years the past 6months been unable to walk or do my normal stuff like shopping i used so happy but this has made my life hell the doctors dont understand the soles of my feet burn up swollen and sore i cant feel my toes for 5years ihave ibs and cystitus continualy headaces rashes flu type symtoms continualy i have had every test going i feel like iv done 12 rounds in the ring like a nintey year old i am only 52
Report this commentm hall, about 1 year
hello i was a postwoman they finised me lasy year i have all the symptons you describe some days i cant walk its been going on for ayear went to aneurologist they said there was nothing wrong went for physio it made me ill my doctor at the beginning said he thinks ive got fibromyalgia naw he doesnt know he just says ive got chronic pain its driving me nuts some days i just sit and cry why wont they believe me isit all in my head
Report this commentmelanie, about 1 year
i am suffering with this to hunny,for nearly 5 years i have had this chronic pain,and some days it gets so bad i can barely walk. my gp is saying its fibromyalgia,yet the reaumatologist at the hospital is sending me to a pshycologist as he was vey,rude and dismissive towards me. he failed to follow up my tests and my gp had to keep reminding him,as he just couldnt be bothered to help me. because i suffer with depression he thinks its all in my head. its driving me to dispare,no painkillers are woking,have been on loads to see if any help. the last meds i was given were pain patches,and they made me ill. i have high sensativity to medication. i have my 1st pain management ibn january,but it seems forever away,and i am having a hysterectomy in febuary due to bad periods,which i know is associated to the fibromyalgia. i would appreciate anyone whos been though this giving me some advice. i dont know how much more i can cope with. i have 4 children,and one of them has autisim,and my youngest is 2. i keep collapsing with the pain in my legs,and have many painful falls,but no one will help me. can someone help me please,even if its just to chat. warmest regards mel xx
Report this commentMrs Barbara Cousins, about 1 year
I am so fed up with being like this!!! Almost four years now, and its nearly driving me mad!!! Taken 3.5 years to get a diagnosis, so that was a relief, to know I was not alone. Maxavita make a product called Pernamax, and I do think this has helped me a bit, only been only them a short while, so will have to see. Why have we to pay for things like this? £22 almost with postage. If there are any other sufferers out there who would like to email, that would be good. A trouble shared is a trouble halved! Cheers.
Report this commentHEATHER SMITH, about 1 year
I have found this article very enlightening. I have been going to my doctor for the past 14 weeks and have had numerous blood tests, ct scan, chest xray, hip xray and she still cannot explain what is wrong with me. At first she seemed to think I had post viral infection because all my pain started with a sinus infection. I am in toal agony most days and find it difficult to dress myself and to carry on with life. I have been given painkillers which have been a waste if time and have caused bad side affects with my stomache. I had reiki treatment 4 days ago and was told that fibromyalgia was my likely problem and after reading this article I intend putting this to my doctor at my appointment tomorrow. Thank you very much for giving me hope that the pain can be sorted, I have already had a hip replacement last year and the pain I have suffered during the last 14 weeks has been much worse than anything I have ever suffered before. I am a 52 year old women so I fall into the age group. regards Heather
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Faye Mohammed, 8 months
i stumbled across this site and have been reading the posts from fellow sufferers, i have fybromyalgia have been in constant pain and like others some days i cant evan walk pain killers do nothing to help the pain and sleeping tablets are no better there MUST be an effective treatment out there! It took 7yrs to get a diaognosis!! i am only 47 but feel like 97! in fact my neighbour is 76 and gets around better than me!!
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