Cause or consequence? Much is unclear the cause of Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is still not resolved. In some cases, other diseases can be identified as a trigger, such as surgery, injury or rheumatic diseases such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis. In this case we speak of a secondary FMS. In most cases, but can find no specific trigger (primary FMS). Depending on the medical specialty are several ways the emergence discussed. For many of these approaches is not clear whether the mechanism cause or consequence of the FMS is.
Genetic disposition: In some families the FMS occurs frequently. This would apply to an inherited predisposition to speak. This assessment could be possibly the sensation of pain, pain transmission and pain processing, as well as the work of the participating messengers. Furthermore, the metabolism of muscle fibers impaired. Pain sensitivity: Even disturbances in the control circuits of the pain sensation in the brain are discussed. That would suggest that those concerned with a marked increase in “substance P pain” with simultaneous acceptance of the messenger serotonin and tryptophan has been found. It is not clear whether these changes are the cause of Fibromyalgia, or whether they were a consequence influences are psychosomatic.
Serotonin is a messenger substance of the nervous system and is involved in maintaining the wall tension of the small blood vessels, the intestinal activity, the psychological mood, sleep patterns and sexuality. Studies show a link between the level of serotonin levels and the amount of pressure pain at the tender points. Other research investigates the presence of auto-antibodies against serotonin in FMS patients.
Substance P For many stakeholders was elevated levels of substance P found in the spinal cord. The Substance P is an important chemical messengers used in the transmission of pain stimulus from the periphery to the spinal cord and the brain is important.
Hormonal disorders: In various studies were conducted in patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome disturbances in the relationship between melatonin and serotonin is found. Moreover showed reduced values for thyroid hormones and low nighttime Cortisol guardian. It also seems a permanently increased production of CRH (corticotropin-Releasinghormon) in the hypothalamus to give. The subsequent chain reaction – CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release of ACTH. ACTH in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex to the release of glucocorticoids on – maintains a long-term stress reaction.
Sleep disorders: For inquiries about the different phases could sleep in patients with FMS in the EEG changes are detected. The pattern for the typical deep sleep stages missing. That showed at this point, wave patterns, which usually belong to awake. This is when FMS affected by the recreational value of sleep significantly reduced.
Changes in the metabolism of the muscles Some studies also show changes in the metabolism of muscle fibers, which are not yet explained. It is at an arbitrary strain on the muscles to relax the short term, instead of tension. Some scientists also designated as the “energy crisis”. Moreover, the claimed defective muscle to be supplied, leading to an undersupply of oxygen leads. Again, we know not whether a cause or a consequence of the Fibromyalgia syndrome is.
Pre concerned have also in their medical history often already under a disease of the musculoskeletal system suffered, such as a whiplash (neck syndrome) or a herniated disc (LWS syndrome). Such painful diseases if they were not adequately treated, can lead to excessive training of memory and pain later on a secondary FMS lead.
Certain viral infections, viral infections can trigger similar symptoms as a FMS.
Traumatic childhood experiences, Mental Health, a number of psychological, emotional and social situations in FMS affected more frequently found. These include traumatic childhood experiences such as emotional neglect, violence and abuse in childhood, professional and familial chronic overwork, burn out, unsatisfactory partnerships and friendships missing, helper syndrome. Affected can also often not well off and relax.