What CAUSES fibromyalgia?

Question

Is it a virus or autoimmune disorder or what?

Answer 1

You hurt all over, and you frequently feel exhausted. Even after numerous tests, your doctor can't seem to find anything specifically wrong with you. If this sounds familiar, you may have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue, widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Previously, the condition was known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.

Although the intensity of your symptoms may vary, they'll probably never disappear completely. It may be reassuring to know, however, that fibromyalgia isn't progressive, crippling or life-threatening. Treatments and self-care steps can improve symptoms and your general health.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I heard a rumor (I have no real proof) that it's caused by a virus.
Wikipedia mentions the Epstein-Barr Virus, along with many varied explanations from toxins to lack of stretching.
My mom also has fibromyalgia, and we still don't know what's caused it.
A full night of sleep every night seems to be the only thing that helps.

Answer 4

I've studied this disorder along with many others. It is an autoimmune disorder, but it also deals with your nerve and skeletial system. There are many different causes, not just one alone. And there are many symptons as well.

Answer 5

Fibromyalgia is sometimes the diagnosis doctors give to patients who have Lyme Disease. My mom got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, but then they later found out she has lyme.

Answer 6

According to my primary care physician, I have fibromyalgia. She diagnosed itt, several years ago. Apparently, it is related to chronic fatigue syndrome, but I manage to keep my job (I have reduced my work hours, to cope better).

Research reported in (Australian) ABC News in Science this year linked CFS to EBV ("Glandular fever" virus):

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/health/HealthRepublish_1581422.htm

"Brain injury may cause chronic fatigue
Helen Carter
ABC Science Online
Thursday, 2 March 2006

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) might be caused by a temporary 'brain injury' during the early, inflammatory stages of glandular fever, according to Australian scientists."

It is certainly an .... ummm ..... "interesting" experience, to live with FM! I live within my limits, now; I have no choice!

FWIW, I do not believe it is "auto- immune", in that this term refers to my immune system attacking my body components. Apparently, there is no destruction of joints, muscles etc, such as that seen in rheumatoid arthritis, though some experts assess FM as just as disabling as RA. (I agree, FWIW.)

When it strikes harder than usual, I often note a swelling and tenderness in lymph nodes under my chin, just as they react to respiratory viruses. Any infection or other immune activation (eg that due to using Aldara cream on my Basal Cell Carcinomas) leads to worsening of FM symptoms.

Answer 7

That's a very good question. My friend has Fibromyalgia and her Doctor CANNOT give her answer as to what it actually is.

Answer 8

My mum has it. She has been told that it is an autoimmune disorder. There is no cure.

Answer 9

FIBROMALGIA

IN LAMES TERM IS LIKE ALERGY, THAT CAN BE COUSED

BY COUNTLESS THINGS


OR MORE TO THE POINT