Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes widespread pain and tiredness.
Pain is generally felt in the muscles, joints, and tendons. Individuals with
fibromyalgia have pain in specific parts of their body. These areas are known
as pressure points. When a fibromyalgia patient presses on these pressure
points, they will feel pain or slight discomfort. It is estimated that
approximately 5.8 million people suffer from this condition. Many doctors
suspect that the number of sufferers is much higher. They feel that thousands
are unknowing living with the condition. Because of varying degrees, those who
experience mild symptoms may not seek medical advice. Fibromyalgia rarely
affects men. Approximately 90% of all sufferers are females.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Because the illness encompasses many
symptoms, individuals who study the illness are unable to pinpoint the exact
reason of unexplained pain. Nonetheless, researchers have identified possible
causes of the illness. Possible causes include:
Chemical Imbalance: An alteration is brain
neurotransmitters may trigger fibromyalgia. This occurs when there is a
decrease in the amount of serotonin. Decreased level of serotonin also triggers
depression, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
Insomnia: A common theory is that difficulty sleeping is a
symptom of fibromyalgia. However, new research concludes that not receiving the
proper rest actually triggers the illness.
Injury: Severe trauma to the spinal cord or nerves
increases the chance of developing fibromyalgia.