Fibromyalgia Introduction, Causes & Risk Factors

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Fibromyalgia

Introduction

The Fibromyalgia is a Chronic Musculoskeletal Syndrome with widespread pain and fatigue disorder originating from connective tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments leading to tenderness at some points (1). Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, since there are no known specific, identifiable cause or causes and recognizable signs and symptoms. Thus, Fibromyalgia is referred to as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), Fibromyositis and Fibrositis (2).

The Fibromyalgia occurs in about 10 million people of the US and about 3-6% population of the world with about 80% comprising of women (in the age groups of 20 years and 40 years) (3).

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes:

The exact causes for Fibromyalgia are not known; however Fibromyalgia produces vague symptoms such as diminished blood flow to some parts of the brain and increased amounts of substance P (a neurotransmitter substance involved in communication of pain, touch and temperature from body to the brain). Several other possible causes include:

1. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction

2. Chronic sleep disorders

3. Emotional stress or trauma

4. Immune or endocrine system dysfunction

5. Upper spinal cord injury

6. Viral or bacterial infection (4).

Risk Factors

1. Age: FMS is diagnosed typically in people aged between 20 to 40 years and women during their child bearing years. However, older people may also develop, in children it is rare.

2. Gender: 80% to 90% women are diagnosed with FMS.

3. Genetics: Research studies show that women closely related to FMS patients are mostly affected, thus genetics play a vital role.

4. Stress: People living in stressful environment (either physiological or psychological) are more vulnerable to develop FMS as compared to those not facing any stress (5).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
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