Causes of Fibromyalgia
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 02/25/2008 at 01:21PM
There is still much that remains a mystery about the disease fibromyalgia. The exact cause of the condition continues to elude researchers, although they have begun to develop several theories about what triggers the disease. Possible culprits include stress, injury or physical trauma, emotional trauma, lyme disease and a weakened immune system. Here is a closer look at each of these factors and their possible role in the development of fibromyalgia.
Stress
Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Ordinary levels of stress typically do not present a problem for most people. Our reactions to stress are measured by our ability to handle each stressful event. Thus, "normal" stress for one person might be quite overwhelming for another.
Stress can develop for a number of reasons. A traumatic accident, death, or emergency may cause stress. Stress can occur as a side effect of a serious illness or disease. Daily life and work responsibilities, and family pressures can also cause stress to develop.
High stress lifestyles are common in the United States. The American culture is a high-paced world of technology and instant access to information. These patterns of stress can quickly lead to burn out, where the individual can no longer function. This condition of chronic burn out is universal in people who develop fibromyalgia. For more help with stress please visit The Stress & Anxiety Resource Center.
Injury or Physical Trauma
Most individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia have a previous history of injury or physical trauma. Falls, motor vehicle accidents, prolonged labor during childbirth, loss of blood, head traumas, spinal injuries, bone fractures, surgeries, internal injuries, major dental work, sports injuries, and surgical operations are some examples of injuries and physical trauma that could lead to fibromyalgia symptoms.
The site of injury or trauma is also significant in the development of fibromyalgia. The abdominal area is of particular concern, as most fibromyalgia patients have experienced some type of abdominal injury or trauma (pregnancy, childbirth, and cesarean section surgery are all considered abdominal trauma). Cervical and lumbar whiplash injuries, which may or may not involve disk problems and coccyx injuries, are also common in fibromyalgia clients. Some of these injuries or traumas may have occurred years before the onset of fibromyalgia. Researchers believe that these injuries or traumas may somehow affect the central nervous system and be one of the causes of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow to the muscles that causes fatigue and decreased strength. These changes in muscle metabolism may occur as the result of a past muscle injury.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma can be just as devastating to the body as physical trauma. Chronic worry, anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, and grief are especially damaging to the body’s energy levels and immune system defenses. Most people have experienced some type of emotional trauma in their lives, either through the loss of loved ones or the ending of relationships. However, these traumas may have been particularly severe for patients who suffer from fibromyalgia. It is common for fibromyalgia sufferers to have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in the past. Many fibromyalgia patients have suffered a series of traumatic events. As with physical traumas, these traumas may have occurred years before the onset of fibromyalgia.
Weakened Immune System
Several factors can cause the immune system to become weak. Emotional factors include prolonged stress, depression, and anxiety. Physical factors such as poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, illness, allergies, and medications can reduce the effectiveness of the body's immunity. Symptoms of a weakened immune system include fatigue, susceptibility to illness (especially colds and flues), low stress tolerance, recurrent infections, easy bruising, and slow wound healing. Over time, a weakened immune system can also cause fibromyalgia to develop. In these cases, patients often feel their fibromyalgia start with a cold or flu that just never seems to go away. A toxic and compacted colon can also lead to a weak immune system. I recommend a regular colon cleanse or Liver Cleanse to help with an optimal immune system.
Lyme Disease
A recent study suggests that over 75% of the patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia also have Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease, sometimes misspelled ‘Lime Disease’, is so-named because it was first identified in the United States Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975. However, the history of Lyme Disease precedes its first United States diagnosis. In Europe a skin rash with striking similarities had been described in medical literature around the turn of the century, and it has been suggested that Lyme Disease may have spread to the United States from Europe in the early 1900’s. The cause of Lyme Disease is a type of bacteria called a spirochete (pronounced “spi-ro-keet”). Its appearance under a powerful microscope is that of a cork-screw. The Lyme Disease spirochete is most often passed to humans by ticks (deer ticks, wood ticks, or black-legged ticks). Therefore it is most common in wooded, suburban areas. Lyme Disease symptoms can often be misleading and difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms starting within a few days of infection is often a rash, starting with a red dot at the point of infection and radiating out. The center may then fade, creating a circular “bulls-eye” pattern. Other symptoms may include fevers, chills, stiff joints, muscle ache, and fatigue. Because many symptoms may emulate other illnesses Lyme disease has often been called the ‘Great Imitator’.
Preventing Fibromyalgia
There is little that can be done to prevent the injuries and traumas that will occur throughout our lives. So the best way to prevent fibromyalgia in those who consider themselves susceptible is to minimize stress, and restore the strength of the immune system.
Minimizing Stress: Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises are excellent ways to reduce stress in the body and mind and help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Exercise is another great stress-reducer that also helps to improve the overall health of the body.
Strengthen The Immune System: A healthy diet and regular exercise are the keys to a strong immune system. A healthy diet will provide the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain and repair cells. Exercise helps to move these nutrients, as well as water and waste, throughout the system. Exercise also helps to improve the circulation and improve mobility in the joints.
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