What Causes Fibromyalgia?

One of the most common causes of Fibromyalgia can be a whiplash style injury. The root cause of Fibromyalgia is as yet unknown, but research continues to explain the mechanisms behind what happens with Fibromyalgia.

Most researchers agree that Fibromyalgia is a central processing disorder with changes in the neuroendocrine or neurotransmitter systems. Fibromyalgia is sometimes called a central sensitization syndrome. Abnormal processing by the central nervous system causes the pain amplification that Fibro patients experience. The changes in the neuroendocrine or neurotransmitter systems also explain many of the Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Scientific studies continue to produce evidence about the physiological abnormalities to be found in Fibromyalgia patients. These include:

There can be many more points on the body in which you are sensitive, but these were chosen as the standard 18 to test. In order for the test to have most meaning, the physician needs to follow some guidelines for doing the test.

Increased levels of the pain-transmitting chemical substance P in the spinal cord.
Dysregulation of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis.
Reduced levels of the amino acid, tryptophan, which is used to produce serotonin.
Reduced levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Reduced blood flow to the thalamus part of the brain.
Abnormalities in cytokine function.
Reduced availability of opioid receptors in the brain.

For some people, the onset of Fibromyalgia is slow or happens in early childhood, but for many people Fibromyalgia is triggered by a known event or series of events, such as an illness or injury - whiplash is one of the most common triggers with Fibromyalgia.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition with a number of other conditions that can occur as symptoms, making it very complicated to treat. Exactly what works for one person may not be the best treatment for another.

The best treatment for Fibromyalgia is through a multidisciplinary approach, using medications, complementary and supportive therapies, and lifestyle adaptations. It is rare that one approach alone can manage Fibromyalgia in the best way possible.

It is very important for Fibromyalgia patients that they have a doctor that will work with them. Fibromyalgia doesn’t fall perfectly into any one medical discipline, so the best doctor for you may be a GP, a rheumatologist, a neurologist, a pain management specialist - basically any doctor who is interested in treating your Fibro.

It can be very hard to find a good doctor for Fibro, with many patients settling for a doctor that believes in the condition, even if they aren’t treating it as well as they could. Finding the best treatment for a Fibromyalgia patient can take a long time and be a frustrating process. It can also require significant research into medication options and possible referrals, which some doctors simply do not have the time for. These are only two reasons why a doctor may not want to treat Fibromyalgia patients.

It is worth remembering that there are some doctors who are genuinely interested in Fibromyalgia and in helping Fibromyalgia patients, so if a Fibromyalgia patient has a doctor who is unable or does not want to treat Fibromyalgia, then it is worth carrying on looking for a good doctor. A good doctor should recognize the complexity of Fibromyalgia as well as its impact on the lives of the patient and everyone around them. They should be willing to try many options and recognise that, just because one treatment doesn’t work for a Fibromyalgia patient, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t something else that will.

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Helpful Links

FMA UK
Raising awareness of FM in the UK.

London and Bristol FM Clinics
Daniel Austin; BSc, Clinic Manager.
In 1996, along with Professor John Davies, we set our clinics up to offer the most advanced, multi disciplined, evidence based Fibromylagia treatment centers we could. My main job is to review the research on Fibromylagia and cross reference it with all the other evidence based research so that we can offer the most cutting edge treatment possible to our patients. PolkaDotGals director Bianca Embley and mother Gail are currently patients of Professor Davis.

Dr Carol McMakin
Frequency Specific Microcurrent is an exciting new way of treating nerve and muscle pain and many other conditions using specific frequencies and micro amperage current. PolkaDotGals director, Bianca Embley, had amazing results with the treatment from Carol in her clinic in Portland, Oregon, USA. When Bianca was wheelchair and bed-bound from her Fibromyalgia, Carol and Dr Bennett's team got her mobile again.

National Fibromyalgia Association
The National Fibromyalgia Association is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is: To develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. PolkaDotGals director, Bianca Embley, is now working together with the NFA on raising awareness of Fibromyalgia.

US National Fibromyalgia Research Assn.
The National Fibromyalgia Research Association is THE source for what’s new in fibromyalgia research and education.

Fibromyalgia Information Foundation
This non-commercial website provides information on fibromyalgia with extensive connections to other sources of information. This information is provided by clinicians and researchers at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, USA and invited specialists from other locations. Dr Rob Bennett MD, is a world leading specialist in Fibromyalgia. PolkaDotGals director Bianca Embley traveled to see him at his clinic in Oregon, USA, when she was told that there was nothing further that could be done to help her by specialist's in the UK. Dr Bennett and his team were amazing, helping Bianca to manage her Fibromyalgia and get her mobile again.

Brian Barr Solicitors
Brian Barr Solicitors are the leading firm for chronic pain and fatigue victims in England and Wales. Brian successfully represented PolkaDotGals director Bianca Embley in her accident claim for Fibromyalgia. The firm is also now representing her mother Gail Boyle.