Part 4 of 12
What causes fibromyalgia?
Medical researchers and doctors don’t know what causes fibromyalgia.However, thanks to decades of research, they’re close to understanding factorsthat may work together to cause it.
These factors include:
Infections: Priorillnesses may trigger fibromyalgia or make symptoms of the condition worse.
Genetics:Fibromyalgia often runs in families. If you have a family member with thiscondition, your risk for developing it is higher.Researchers think certain genetic mutations may play a role in this condition. Thosegenes haven’t yet been identified.
Trauma: Peoplewho experience physical or emotional trauma may develop fibromyalgia. Thecondition has been linked with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Stress: Liketrauma, stress can create long-reaching effects your body deals with for monthsand years. Stress has been linkedto hormonal disturbances that could contribute to fibromyalgia.
Doctors also don’t fully understand the factors that causepeople to experience the chronic widespread pain associated with the condition.Some theories suggest it may be that the brain lowers the pain threshold. Whatonce wasn’t painful becomes very painful over time.
Another theory suggests that the nerves and receptors in thebody become more sensitive to stimulation. That means they may overreact topain signals and cause unnecessary or exaggerated pain.