What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (Fibro) is a chronic syndrome, with no definite cause, in which the sufferer experiences heightened pain and stiffness, fatigue, and depression, among other symptoms.

Lets break this down...

Fibromyalgia is a chronic...
Fibro is a condition that doesn't go away. It can get better at times, it can get worse, but once a person develops Fibromyalgia they have it for the rest of their life.

...syndrome...
Fibro is called a syndrome because over the years doctors have noticed certain symptoms grouped together in patients they have seen. Over time this grouping of symptoms became labeled as Fibromyalgia. It is not a disease, an illness, or directly caused by a virus.

...with no definite cause...
There is still no definitive cause for Fibromyalgia. There are things that are the same for some, but no underlying reason is the same for everyone. Here's what they know about the cause in a condensed form:

1. Fibro often runs in families, so genetics could predispose a person to get Fibromyalgia.

2. Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis C and other systemic infections have been linked with Fibro. Chronic infections of certain viruses can trigger Fibromyalgia.
3.  There is some evidence that links Fibro with previous physical and emotional trauma, similar to PTSD. This can include a bad car accident, childbirth, or menopause (a dear woman I love told me her symptoms have been greatly exacerbated by menopause).
4. Fibro has been linked to diseases and illnesses such as Lyme disease, ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammitory disease that causes vertebrae in your spine to fuse together), rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus (an inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues), all of which indicates there is an autoimmune element to Fibromyalgia.
5. Some believe that a pattern of sleep dysfunction is the root cause for Fibro.
6. Studies have shown that those with Fibro have lower Serotonin (Serotonin helps lower and regulate pain) and 2-3 times higher levels of substance P (increases nerve sensitivity and heightens perception of pain.)

My opinion is that 1-4 are risk factors. The more of them you have the more likely you are to get Fibro at some point, with 5 & 6 having potential as both cause and symptom, perhaps cycling to make Fibro worse as time goes on if nothing mitigates these conditions.

...in which the sufferer experiences heightened pain and stiffness...
After reading the previous paragraph in #6, it isn't a wonder that pain is experienced. Additionally, to get an official diagnoses of Fibro, pain must be present in at least 11 of 18 pain points on the body, and in each quadrant of the body. The pain feels similar at times to Rheumatoid Arthritis, but instead of occurring in the joints, the Fibro pain occurs in the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. Stiffness in these areas also occurs after remaining in one position for a time, causing additional pain.

...fatigue...
Regardless of whether it is cause or effect or both, sleep patterns play a big part in how people experience Fibromyalgia. Fatigue experienced ranges between mild and overwhelming. Fatigue often contributes to depression and worsens pain symptoms. People with fibromyalgia often have below-normal levels of certain brain chemicals that are essential for proper sleep patterns and a sense of mental well-being: Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine.

...and depression...
Depression often occurs in those with Fibro as a result of lowered Serotonin levels in conjunction with interrupted sleep patterns and increased fatigue. Low cortisol levels, poor mitochondrial function, low levels of vitamin D, and hypothyroidism can also contribute to anxiety and depression.

...among other symptoms.
Other symptoms include tension headaches/migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), TMJ pain, dry irritated eyes, ringing in ears, pelvic pain, skin problems/sensitivities, burning, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and cognitive difficulties (memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating).

And all of this means that Fibromyalgia is complex, confusing, and difficult to deal with!

Do you feel a little down just reading this? It's not an easy condition to live with, and difficult to not feel slightly depressed when thinking about it! Not everyone has every symptom. However, the fatigue and the pain points are the definitive symptoms of Fibro. You have to have those to receive a diagnoses. I haven't had every symptom of Fibro, but in writing all of these symptoms out I realized that I now do, and some have become pretty bad!

I will share more details about each of these sections, as well as some of the ways I've found to manage it and think about it more positively, in later posts.

Do you know someone with Fibromyalgia, or have you been diagnosed yourself? I'd love to hear more about it!

Disclaimer: Not a doctor!