Central nervous system research on fibromyalgia:
Alterations in pain-related chemical transmitters have been reported in the spinal fluid (particularly substance P, nerve growth factor, serotonin, norepinephrine, and corticotropin releasing factor)
Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are substances that form a communication link between your body’s immune and neurological systems, have been found by many research teams
Different brain imaging techniques by several research centers have all shown that the blood flow and metabolic processes in the brain are significantly disturbed
Almost all people with fibromyalgia report difficulties staying asleep (e.g., the natural processes in the brain that maintain sleep appear to be disrupted)
The autonomic nervous system, whose control center resides at the base of the brain to communicate with the CNS to regulate the peripheral tissues, is not functioning properly
Research on the primary pain control system in the spinal cord indicates that it is not filtering out or dampening incoming noxious signals from the peripheral tissues
Several research studies pertaining to memory function tests show that people with fibromyalgia have an impaired ability to concentrate
Research findings show that the peripheral tissues are also involved in producing the symptoms of fibromyalgia:
Muscles are often tight and knotted with myofascial trigger points (areas in the belly of muscles that refer pain to other regions and cause restrictions in range of motion)
High levels of a nitric oxide-producing enzyme was documented by one research team to help explain why patients have exercise intolerance
Excessive levels of oxidative chemicals that irritate the tissues were found in the connective tissues in the tiny space between the muscle fibers
Reduced blood flow to the muscles as well as a reduction in the number of capillaries supplying nutrients to the tissues were confirmed by different research teams ... these findings are hypothesized to be caused by the malfunctioning in the autonomic nervous system
Why do all of the above abnormalities exist in people with fibromyalgia? This is why research in this area is imperative.
The cause of fibromyalgia is not yet known.
However, various triggering events are thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident, an injury, surgery, or the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably do not cause fibromyalgia, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that is already present. In addition, several research studies are ongoing to determine the genetic (or inheritable) component of fibromyalgia.
