Fibromyalgia is a complex and poorly understood chronic pain disorder affecting millions worldwide. While the exact causes of Fibromyalgia are not yet fully understood, research has identified several factors that may contribute to its development. However, we see many clients at the clinic within our London fibromyalgia branding. Still, with this branding, they achieve complete resolution. Therefore, we would aim to separate true Fibromyalgia from the default off-hand diagnosis of Fibromyalgia that has come in the blink of an eye without extensive tests to rule out a true cause.
Aim of this Fibromyalgia Article:
The article below aims to educate about TRUE Fibromyalgia, which wouldn't be the best treatment to allow you to determine if you may be mislabelled and can benefit from treatment.
Research has suggested that genetics may play a role in fibromyalgia development. A study conducted in 2020 in Brazil found that certain genetic variations increase the likelihood of developing the condition. The study identified specific genes associated with the development of Fibromyalgia, such as the COMT gene and the serotonin transporter gene (Source: Journal of Pain Research, 2020).
Bio-Chemistry cause of Fibromyalgia
Brain chemistry is another potential factor in the development of Fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that people with Fibromyalgia have abnormal levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate pain and mood. A survey conducted in 2017 in Taiwan found that fibromyalgia patients had significantly lower levels of dopamine in the brain than healthy controls (Source: Journal of Neural Transmission, 2017).
Stress Causes Of Fibromyalgia
Stress can also be a contributing factor in the development of Fibromyalgia. A study conducted in 2018 in the United States found that people with Fibromyalgia often report experiencing high levels of stress before the onset of their symptoms. Furthermore, stress can exacerbate symptoms, making them more severe and frequent (source: Clinical Rheumatology, 2018). We know stress kicks off our fight-or-flight response and, in turn, has a hormonal response, but what a lot of people don't realise is that stress can be:
- Physical stress (physical workloads above the norm for the body, back pain or limb pain, would be stress, for instance),
- Emotion stress (exams or losing a loved one, for example)
- Chemical stress (fighting a virus or malnutrition )
Or worse still, one stress may lead to others or even happen all at the same time. It's good to identify these stress regardless of the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia or questionable Fibromyalgia, as stopping them will aid recovery.
A real make-or-break point in solutions to people living with Fibromyalgia is that many people only think about emotional stress' when the stress question is raised and don't reduce/ change the ergonomic stress or food stress, which can be easily changed.
Trauma Catylst Of Fibromyalgia
Physical trauma, such as a car accident, can also trigger the onset of Fibromyalgia. A study conducted in 2015 in the Netherlands found that physical trauma was a common trigger for the start of Fibromyalgia. The study also found that the severity of the trauma was positively correlated with the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms (source: Clinical Rheumatology, 2015). This clinical correlation that we see mentioned in this 2015 study is linked with vast amounts of misdiagnosed fibromyalgia cases as the sore sites have NOT been imaged (X-ray or MRI) or clients have been told there is nothing SIGNIFICANT. This wording is often a way of saying you don't need to be braced or need surgery, but it leads to rehabilitation mismanagement and lots of subsequent pain from scar tissue.
Sleep issues as a cause of Fibromyalgia
Sleep disturbances may also contribute to the development of Fibromyalgia. A study conducted in 2020 in Saudi Arabia found that sleep disturbances were significantly more common in people with Fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls. The study also found that the severity of sleep disturbances was positively correlated with the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms (source: Sleep Science, 2020).
Infections causes to fibromyalgia
Infection stress may also be a contributing factor in the development of Fibromyalgia. A study conducted in 2019 in Germany found that people with Fibromyalgia were more likely to have been exposed to certain infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, compared to healthy controls. The study also found that the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms was positively correlated with the number of infections a person had been exposed to (source: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2019).
Hormonal Drivers To fibromyalgia
Hormonal imbalances may also contribute to the development of Fibromyalgia. A study conducted in 2017 in Egypt found that women with Fibromyalgia had significantly lower estrogen levels compared to healthy controls. The study also found that the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms was positively correlated with the severity of hormonal imbalances (source: Middle East Current Psychiatry, 2017).
For this Fibromyalgia element we work with the Wimbledon Clinic Of Natural Medicine who utilise a test known as Dutch test which is very complete to cover many aspects and pick up objective signs of hormonal changes. After this further more detailed investigation can be targetted into flagged areas.
Environmental links To Fibromyalgia
Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of Fibromyalgia. A study conducted in 2018 in Turkey found that people with Fibromyalgia were more likely to have been exposed to environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, compared to healthy controls.
The study also found that the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms was positively correlated with the amount of environmental toxin exposure (source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2018).
Causes of Fibromyalgia - Summary
In summary triggers and the the exact causes of Fibromyalgia are not yet fully understood, research has identified several factors that may contribute to its development. These include genetics, brain chemistry, stress, physical trauma, sleep disturbances,
Diagnosing Fibromaygia in our London clinic
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, as no specific test can definitively confirm its presence. However, practitioners may use several criteria to analyse Fibromyalgia, including a physical examination, a medical history review, and the presence of specific symptoms. In some cases a empirical route maybe chosen i.e start a course of care and see how much change happens.
Physical Examination
During a physical examination, a doctor will typically look for tenderness and pain in specific areas of the body, known as tender points. These tender points are located in particular body areas, such as the neck, shoulders, hips, and knees. If a patient experiences pain when pressure is applied to these areas, it may indicate Fibromyalgia.
Medical History
A medical history review is also an essential part of the diagnostic process for Fibromyalgia. Doctors will ask about any past injuries, surgeries, illnesses, and medications the patient has taken. They will also ask about any family history of Fibromyalgia or other chronic pain disorders.
Symptoms
There are several specific symptoms that doctors look for when diagnosing Fibromyalgia. These symptoms include:
- Widespread pain: Fibromyalgia is characterised by pain throughout the body, particularly in the tender points described above.
- Fatigue: Patients with Fibromyalgia often report feeling tired and exhausted, even after getting enough sleep.
- Sleep disturbances: Patients may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or may wake up feeling unrefreshed.
- Cognitive difficulties: This can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and trouble with multitasking.
- Mood changes: Patients may experience depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders.
To be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a patient must experience widespread pain for at least three months and have a certain number of tender points. Additionally, the patient must have a number of the symptoms described above.
Other Conditions your fibromyalgia diagnosis could be
It is important to note that Fibromyalgia can often be mistaken for other conditions, such
- Chronic fatigue syndrome,
- Spinal imbalance,
- Vitamin & Mineral deficiencies,
- Arthritis.
Because of the impossibility of diagnosing reason, patients need to receive a thorough evaluation to rule out other conditions before a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is made.
Fibromyalgia Conclusions
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia can be challenging, as no definitive test exists for the disorder. However, doctors can diagnose Fibromyalgia by conducting a physical examination, reviewing medical history, and looking for specific symptoms ACCURATELY.
Patients need to receive a thorough evaluation to rule out other conditions and appropriate treatment for their symptoms. But remember, even a great practitioner can make errors in this diagnosis, and trial and error therapy may be beneficial with a comprehensive physical exam and case history.
We have succeeded in many wrongly diagnosed fibromyalgia cases with Chiropractic, Nutritional Therapy and ESWT combinations.
If you feel your Fibromyalgia case may have been misdiagnosed and want an assessment to see if our therapy combinations may help. Please use our contact us page and get in touch with some background and test results. Alternatively, book a quick chat (tele-consult) on our online booking page (Only £15)