Conditions > Fibromyalgia > All about Fibromyalgia > Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Causes

Text Size

| Print | Email

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Causes

What causes fibromyalgia?

No one knows what causes fibromyalgia, although there are a number of theories. Some studies show that an injury or trauma, physical or emotional, may affect the central nervous system’s response to pain. For example, a 2002 Scottish study of 136 patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and 152 controls found that 39 percent of those with fibromyalgia had significant physical trauma in the six months before they were diagnosed compared to only 24 percent of the controls.

Some scientists theorize that trauma leads to biochemical changes in the muscles and, later, the central nervous system, leading to chronic pain, or that injury to the central nervous system interferes with brain wave patterns. Other researchers believe hormonal changes or infections, such as a flu virus, may trigger fibromyalgia.

There are some scientists who suspect that lack of exercise and changes in muscle metabolism may play a role in fibromyalgia or that the opposite, muscle overuse, may be the key.

Sleep disturbance, a symptom of fibromyalgia, may also be a cause. Sleep disturbance lowers the production of a growth hormone crucial to the repair of muscles.

An established link exists between fibromyalgia and depression, but no one knows if depression is a cause or effect of fibromyalgia. What does seem to be true is that all of these conditions may contribute to fibromyalgia for different reasons.

Research is continuing to examine these and other potential causes in hope that a better understanding of what causes fibromyalgia could lead to ways to prevent it or to treat it more effectively.

mommy5blueye

03 Mar 2010, 22:20

I have had fibro since 2001. I had no signs complete recovery til last week when I fell down the steps. I was so bad I was going to rheumatologist in a wheel chair. They told me accept it. I took the medicine for sleep only started stress b complex. I only drink water. started ride stationary bike at 2 min a day. went for massage every other day. some day my skin hurt so bad. I would bruise for no reason my skin was so tender.I can go on and on with symptoms but I will tell you whats worked for me instead. water vitamins zyrtec massage walking riding stationary bike. Then I pushed myself to my sons rower.I am not kidding when I say two min a day then three after three weeks. I would do the rowing then heat packs no cold for me cannot use cold at all. then for the tight muscles I would go for massage. IT took me three years but I was rowing for 40 minutes. I met my husband we moved I stop exercising I was good for two years the I had a baby. I became to busy to do the rower. now I am sorry back to probably stage three. I was told a one point I had such bad hip pain that the bursa was so bad I may never walk with out severe pain or at all. there is a way out dont give up dont accept the pain. buy an exercise bike get your thyroid checked.This comes from muscle deconditioning a fall, a virus or thyriod or stress. vitamin defin. everyone has variations different triggers. but I believe that it is neurological also. keep your body cleansed and lymph system clean I do this by massage the
lactic acid builds up. I have a really good doctor but I am also a person that is very happy go lucky and will not take I have to accept it. you don't . Try to stay warm at all times when your muscles get cold they will stiffen. I was so active as a kid gymnastics etc I was so active until the day I fell or the chronic fatigue or lymes test were both postive. I was falling alseep at my desk at work in like two seconds doctors said it was the pain I have an extremely high pain tolerance. I believe it may be bacterial that attacks nervous system. I also take probiotics.If I had listened to just my doctors and not did the research that worked for my symptoms I would still be on the prescriptions lidocaine pain patches klonopin for sleep which my liver did not like me not taking that I had bad liver enzymes and withdrawl shakes I had to go off that very slowly imagine what it does to your liver long term. for a little over 6 years. I have taken no medicines except zyrtec and when my allergies are really bad feb and march predinosolne. Try not to take this to many bad effect long term thinning bowels bone loss cancer just a few. I also purchased the microwave aromotherapy pads at one point a hot tub this helps swimming in the summer this all helps cleanse the muscles. massage hurt so bad at first but after a few weeks it was better. now I know just work past the pain. I hope this helps some of you. If I can answer some ways to help just email me. IT's not all in your head. I am very happily married and have always beena happy person so much I used to get in trouble at work for being to friendly and outgoing. My friends say you are happy all the time. How can you be so happy. I am alive doing alot better and I have great kids and a great husband. what more could I want. I know how painful it can be and it wears on you but you must work past it. baby steps.good luck and dont give up,

Suzie Hyde

02 Feb 2010, 09:21

I kept going to a rheumatologist at a well known medical university. They told me my pain and my possible arthritis was all in my head. Yes, I'm crazy. Ironically, when I broke my wrist (long story) the orthopedic specialist told me a lot of my pain was because of extensive arthritic damage. Just because they tell you it is all in your head, it doesn't mean they know what they are talking about.

Frustrated in the South

24 Jan 2010, 18:47

I have most (if not all) of the symptoms that you all mention. I especially want to direct this to Tara, because I feel like my pain is most related to hers, as it comes and goes. It all started during a stressful period in my life about 2 years ago now. My doctor is hesistant to diagnose it as fibromyalgia, althought all my bloodtests, the MRI and CT scan came back negative (thank God!). However, it's frustrating when I go to the doctor and just because I'm not depressed and don't always have the pressure points, I apparently do not have it, when I really believe I do. Am I crazy? I have pain in all of the pressure/trigger points but they only are painful when I have symptoms. For example, last week after I had the flu, I was very sure, almost to the point where I couldn't walk because the insides of my knees hurt, even to touch, along with my shoulder, upper arm, elbow, chest and back, thigs, etc. This lasted for about 4 days then started going away little by little. After 2 weeks it still hasn't gone away but I can feel the pain in ALL of those places where the pressure points are, just not always when I press on them. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Sometimse when I hurt and finally get a chance to see the doctor it's a week later and the tender points have gone away but I still have shooting, stabbing, tingling, burning, achy pain in all these areas, and more....and he thinks I'm crazy and keeps saying I don't have fibro...so what is it then!?! If anyone has any help or similar stories please post it on here!

elise

24 Dec 2009, 08:39

HELP! I have almost every symptom I have heard you all mention...severely. After extensive tests on my heart and lungs and back my third doctor after a few ER visits told me "nothing is wrong you are healthy". I know I am not, the pain and shortness of breath stops me from living a normal life. I have been out of work for months and have no insurance to help. The only way I find I can sleep is to take a Tylenol pm and even with that I'm not rested and wake up in the night more than once. My latest doc told me to go about my life normally and ill be fine. I cant even wear a real bra because my chest is so tender and exercise and work feel like too much to even imagine. I cant afford to keep switching doctors and I see very few alternatives and little hope for help. Any advice on finding the right doctor for this or coping would be greatly appreciated. Though, reading these stories has definitely made me feel at least that I'm not totally crazy or making this up in my head.

Kim

16 Oct 2009, 04:16

Just wanted to say THANKS just that little bit (long bit)knowing that you know how I feel helped a lot probably more than you could know. At least someone who understands and doesn't question or give me that"Look".
Thanks again all.

Kim

16 Oct 2009, 04:13

I know how you all feel. My Fibro started back in 2000. First I got hurt at work-I was doing a job I'd done years ago in a different city, but since then I'd worked part-time for a vet, and full-time for two doctors. Not just checking patients in but assisting, running the office, ordering and picking up supplies, booking appts, etc., I'm sure you get it. After my husband was transfered away from that community, we moved to a city where I tried to get a job working for another doctor(s), I was finally able to get one but it was only temporary, when it ended I started working in a grocery store. I had worked in banks before but like working for doctors there were no jobs around. The job I had done years and years before was for a department store, so I knew how to run tills and stack shelves, etc. I was a very hard worker and very active. During the summer of 2000, I injured my right shoulder at work, when I woke one morning a couple of days after getting hurt I couldn't even budge let alone move my arm. I was terrified, I called my doctor and told them what had happened and they were going to put me with a dr. later in the day and I told them I was due at work in a matter of a few hours, I needed to see someone now. So they told me to come straight in and they would put me in with the first dr. to walk in. Well he said I had a frozen shoulder and I would be unable to work possibly for a very long time and I needed aggressive therapy. When I went in person to speak with my boss I still had about 1 1/2 hrs. before my shift started. He refused to see me in his office and in front of all the staff and customers he YELLED at me and called me NAMES. I couldn't believe it, I hadn't done anything wrong except work really hard even when I first hurt myself I thought it was nothing and would work itself out. Well I went through lots and lots of physio, dr.s. And surgeons who said there was nothing that could be done, the injury was too deep inside the shoulder and they could do more harm than good and wouldn't touch it. I managed to get government disability, but not workers compensation as in their minds it was a soft tissue injury and should have healed on it's own. Well to say the least a couple of months went by and other things started to happen. I was depressed already after being abused by my former boss, and by loosing the use of my dominate hand. I can use it now barely, but I developed all these other symptoms that you've all described. The muscle pains everywhere, the fatigue, and so on. I was finally tested and xrayed and told I had Lupus and Arthritis. No one told me what Lupus was when I asked. I was put on anti-inflammatories but developed bleeding ulcers in my stomach and could no longer take them. So I was given something to help my stomach heal, plus and anti-depressant, pain meds, and a couple of other drugs. Due to the difficulties I was having I was seeing a physcologist with my husband so that he could have help in understanding and coping with me over all the things that had happened. We were then transfered back to where we were orginially from on recommendation from the physcologist. After arriving back home, we sought out a doctor and thought we found one (he turned out to be a total jerk) he didn't believe me and was talking about taking me off my meds. Then I found another dr., he was much better. He however didn't believe that it was Lupus as he told me the test that was done does not distinguish Lupus from some others and he wanted guarantees. So back for more tests. This time he ordered specific tests, and they came back negative for Lupus and possitive for Fibro. So he changed some of my meds and also added some for what else Hypothyroidism. I couldn't believe it another illness to bother me. I already have asthma, major allergies(that was also a reason they agreed to move us-the area we lived in was full of allergens for me)I was always sick and constantly having to go to ER for my asthma. We've had to change my pain meds as there were too many valleys and hills in the pain meds, so I'd had times when I was in extreme pain from the Fibro and from the Chronic pain in my shoulder. So since then I've been on the fentanyl patch. But I'm on a very high dose and it no longer works as well, they even added Lyrica, helped a little at first-not now. Now we're on a list for me to change my meds again only now I have to drive back and forth to this special clinic everyday 1hr each way and alone. If I have a reaction or get sick, I'm alone and could be in serious trouble. Now they're trying to make it law that you can't drive even under the influence of a prescribed narcotic. I have been on these drugs for years and I've been driving and never had any problems of any sort. I have to come off one drug before they start the new drug and the specialist my dr. sent me to wants me to go to a Fibro. clinic for three days again back and forth alone 1 hr each way. Whos' going to pay for the gas for these things, my drugs already cost $600 every 2 weeks. Thank goodness my insurance covers some. My anti-depressant isn't working anymore so now I have to get another apt. to see my dr. to get a new RX and a referral to see a new physcologist. Which I understand is in another city even farther away, it'll be an overnighter. But if we do it right my husbands' employers health care will pay for that- the trip, meals, hotel, and dr. oh yeah gas too. I just hope something works cause right now in this moment I don't feel very positive, which scares me, cause I know the anti-depressant isn't working.
Good luck to you all, and I hope you get somekind of relief, but not the kind that keeps popping into my mind. Thank goodness I still have reasons to resist, for those I thank my Father in Heaven. Say a prayer for yourselves and ask for some peace and comfort and relief of pain, you might be surprised that he listens, if you be patient and there is some reason for our suffering, maybe it's to help someone else get through. Again GOOD FIGHT TO YOU ALL! FEEL BETTER AT LEAST A LITTLE.
PS. Sorry to drag on so long.

Barbara

02 Oct 2009, 09:36

Wow! After reading all thes stories, I really feel better. I have pain all the time. Bad headaches, can't sleep, can't remember, have trouble finishing a sentence and am fatigued all the time. I too lost my job of 25 years and have tried to get on disability. Even my doctors said I cannot work, I have been turned down once and now I am waiting for my appeal. The problem with Fibro is nobody really accepts the illness yet. Well I know its REAL! Hands and feet get cold and hands turn blue and they feel like they will crack. Lyrica helps but does not take away completely. I feel like a total mess and mental case. Thanks for sharing it helps!

Judy

25 Sep 2009, 12:34

Check out this website: http://www.fmaware.org It is the National Fibromyalgia Association. Very helpful information. Keep moving - gently - keep your weight off. Just those 2 things will help.

Millie Godwin

25 Aug 2009, 07:41

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in January 2005, after more than a year of testing and seeing many doctors. I think mine was triggered by over extending my left leg in a yoga teacher's training in August 2003. I have many of the symptoms most of you experience including headaches, pain in all the points, tenderness in my scalp and leg muscles, sleep disorders, etc. I also have the shooting pains in my feet and toes. I don't have the ear ringing but my left ear has a chronic itch no one has been able to help me with; I feel the doctors pay no attention to it. In 1997 I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and when I think I have that under control with diet and exercise, I came up with the fibromyalgia and no too much later I also was diagnosed with Restless Leg syndrome. My legs jump off my joints without any warning. It has been very difficult for me to deal with all these without any kind of support and having to work full time as a Human Resources Manager. I see a pain management doctor regularly and a Rheumatilogist and a Gastroentologist at least twice a year. One thing that has help me along the way is my yoga training. I strongly recommend you find a yoga class nearby. Let your teacher know about your condition and ask them what can you do on your own to get some relieve. I stopped my practice for 30 days and that made everything so much worse. I also use my faith to help me. I pray everyday for strengh to help me deal with all that comes my way. Don't loose hope; that's the worst you can do. Best of luck to all.

Betty Sartin

14 Aug 2009, 18:45

Betty

In reading Tara's comment, I also had ear problems only mine was a clicking in the ear.
The medications we take can cause ringing or clicking in the ear. I also have fibromyalgia but with exercise I have been able to manage it. After getting a leaflet from the ear doctor, I found out that tinnitus may be caused by some medications such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and asperin. After stopping or reducing some of my meds the clicking in my ear stopped. I was taking asperin for pain and also on a antidepressant.

Iris

14 Aug 2009, 15:24

I was diagnosed in 1987 and I'm still seeing the same rheumatologist. He's a great doctor, caring, compassionate, and listens to you. It's been a long road since my diagnosis, with many trial and errors of medications, but with his expertise I have come a long way. I've been through physical therapy and have learned many exercises to help deal with the pain. Walking is a therapy I use too.

You need to be your own advocate too and not give up. If you don't like your doctor, find someone you do like. If you have a support group in your area, join one. Being with other people with fibromyalgia and being able to discuss how you feel and cope can be a great way to learn how to deal with your illness.

Don't give up even when there are bad days.

Jane

13 Aug 2009, 19:05

For those looking for information and support for Fibromyalgia, check out "Fibromyalgia Network" - the Website is www.fmnetnews.com.
It is FABULOUS - and has lots of suggestions for treatments and coping skills, and also has lots of info on the latest research and meds.
They have lots of back issues in combination - example: Exercise, Research, Family and Friends (Getting them to understand), etc. I HIGHLY recommend you spend time at the Website and join the organization so you can receive the monthly newsletter and email alerts.

g.sharelow

13 Aug 2009, 11:18

I've had fibro for 15 years now and my husband diagnosed it from a newspaper article. After several doctors, tests, medications and trial & error, I treat myself. Sometimes one thing works, sometimes it doesn't, that's kind of the nature of this illness. The best advice I can give anyone, is to try to reduce your stress. Stress makes things 100 times worse. I know that's easier said than done. Next, I got an air mattress bed, which helps me get a good night sleep. Huge for dealing with pain. Next, massage therapy has helped me tremendously. And, I have confusing days as well. On those days, usually a headache occurs or dizziness. It does pass, just don't drive when you're having these days. And, cut yourself some slack, some days can be good. I don't take any prescription meds anymore, as I found the side effects to be worse than the benefits. I do have a pain killer med(prescribed) for really bad times. I only take that about 6 times a year. Hang in there, there is hope!

Tara

06 Aug 2009, 20:43

Oh yes, I forgot to mention I get extremely tired, have had more headaches..bad ones that ibuprofen don't touch. My memory is HORRIBLE, my 12 year old son gets frustrated when I can't remember day to day stuff he has told me. That scares me..I've been doing really crazy off the wall stuff..not bad, but things like I walked out of the salon and forgot to pay the girl! Thankfully she was a long time friend who understood. Just lots of stuff like that.

Tara

06 Aug 2009, 20:36

Hi, I have been reading your stories here. I've been wondering what is wrong with me. I have been dealing with some issues that come and go for the past few years. I've been to neurologist because one doctor thought I might be having symptoms of MS but a MRI showed no spots. I keep having these recurring bouts of all of a sudden joint pain like I hurt all over in every joint and even in my face. This past week my feet started getting very cold at night which is highly unusual for me. The pain feels like it is in my joints and muscles. Sometimes my legs feel like jelly from my calves down. It's horrible. I got sent to another neurologist last October 2008 and was run through a whole lot of tests...to find there are no nerve issues. They even tortured me with some needles in the muscles test. All came back clean. They attributed it to stress and put me on Wellbutrin 100 mg per day. I have terrible ringing in my ears... like 24 hours a day that doesn't leave for about the past year and I take Levoxyl for hypothyroidism. All I know is when this comes on I hurt so bad, I cry. Sometimes it lasts for a few days , sometimes a few weeks and then poof it's gone, but the ear ringing stays. Noone can tell me what's causing this. Does this sound like Fibro that I am experiencing?? I am 37 years old. My period is also late which is odd for me. Not pregnant. I don't know what's going on with me but it's horrible and strange.

Tara

Marilu Hagen

04 Aug 2009, 10:54

Hi Susan in Florida,
I live in Pierson, Florida and would like to get in touch with you and talk more. I had a car accident in 1997 which they say is what caused my Lupus to come out then I got Fibro. then Hypothyroidism.
I have a jacusi whick I used almost everyday. It helps but the pain is still there.

Evie

22 Jun 2009, 15:55

I have been suffering from symptoms for years. As far back as I can remember Ive had cold hands, cold feet and a cold nose. Also always with a cold. Im allergic to a lot of things and sneeze all the time too, even though I live on a warm island. It started getting worse with cronic constipation (for the last 5 years- i go to the bathroom once every 8-10 days-) I can not see well at night, and have vision problems like blurriness, etc. I feel dizzy and loose concentration constantly, having to refocus when speaking with people. Eating sugary foods/ drinks tends to give me a temporary boost. It got worse when my jaw started clicking and actually clicked out of place on a regular basis, expecially in the mornings when waking up. Thats what actually lead me to search on site and found that It was not all in my head- even though that it what doctors have told me for over 5 years now! Im a manager of a 400 seat restaurant and department head to 50+ people, doing over 1000 breakfast covers alone. Needless to say, a very streeful job. I do eat healthy, i dont smoke, dont drink and sleep well. But im on my feet about 10-14 hours a day for work and find that its better to keep moving then to take a break. Sitting down just makes me restless and lying down at home makes my muscles hurt all over. Im 28 and have been hiding the problems for a long time, but the symptoms seem to be getting worse and I feel that Fibromyalgia is taking over.

Susan

14 May 2009, 17:42

I feel like Suzanne and Marilyn too. I too worked in ins co and had a terrible HR person who knew of my illness and played on it until I too was let go from company. They claimed it was cut back due to economy, grrr.
I went on unemployment and the extensions and now on my own. All I get is SS once a month hardly pays for shelter and tele. Meds are expensive too and I use generic but one of the antidepressants doesn't have generic so it's unreal. I went today to another neurologist and he said try a rheumatologist. I already saw the rheumatologist and he was not up on fibromyalgia at all, thought I should see a psychiatrist. I finally went to a pain mgmt dr and have to take narcotics 3 times a day to function a little bit. I too cannot get up in morning is the hardest, then I don't sleep either up every 3 hrs and exhausted in a.m. I am at my wits end as pain day and night is making me so grumpy and kids and grandkids even some friends do not understand that I cannot go galavanting around with them for more than 2 hrs and have to lay down. Wish we could communicate more. Susan from FL

Marilyn

05 May 2009, 13:11

For Suzanne,
I was fired 2 weeks ago and your story sounds so similar to the people and circumstances I have just experienced. The write ups, lies,and exagerations are overwhelming. In the middle of my stressful job was Asthma, A Fib, Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia. Right now I am trying to get insurance as Cobra is out of the question. I am terrified of losing the house. Many calls to attorneys and wonder if it is worth it. I need to work, my kids say retire.

Now the weather is dreadful and I am really in pain. I have pain meds so that is not a problem, however I need to be doing things and I am so tired. Mornings are the worst, I wake up in pain and exhaustion.

Wish we could talk, maybe it would help.

I was only Dx with this after a torn meniscus and knee surgery, but I probably had it before. When the doctor said you have fibromyalgia, my response was that is not really a condition, it is psychosmatic illness per my work with an insurance company. He said read this, get on-line etc. I have learned a lot and now I need to connect with a support group etc. Of course finding a job is also at the top of the list. Good luck to you and all of you reading this. Hope to hear from you.

Suzanne

03 May 2009, 04:39

I have been diagnosed with Fibro for several years now, it got worse after my hystorectomy and continues to get worse each day. I also have hypothyroidism and anxiety disorder. Recently I lost my job, after 16 years of blood sweat and tears. I had been harrassed and put in a hostie environment by a woman who was hired in 2005, she is an evil person who lies, steals, and cheats her way trough life, although I was managing my pain around that time, my fibro got worse and she took advantage of it. I really beleive that she played on my trigger points, if I was having a good day, she would make sure the next one was as stressful as possible, I complained, followed procedure, it got worse, and I got fired. I have filed a complaint with the EEOC that I was fired because of my illness, which I have to PROVE and am ikn the process of gathering information and documentation. I could have taken her crap, if it had not be for this illness, because the pain is so bad sometimes, I just cant function, I cry when I am in pain which shows weakness and effects everything I do. I had to take myself off of cymbalta because I lost my insurance and could not afford it anymore, which now I realize how much it really helped. Any advice is welcome and appreciated.

Alicia

27 Apr 2009, 17:48

I've had fibromyalgia when there was just a few of us and alot of doctors would tell me it was all in my head. Some wouldn't even treat me because I was a challenged patient. I have all the symtoms, the pressure points, legs hurt and swell and hands hurt like crazy,not to mention severe Migraines that are also linked to fibromyalgia-well as least headaches are. I've had fibromyalgia now for 10 or more years, and not one doctor has been able to help me they keep giving me bandaids(narcotics).They are either not willing or don't care.So when I read this article I was very interested in the causes and diagnoses and there is alot of people who have this very painful disease. Wish there was a cure and better meds out there to help us who are inflicted by this disease. Its real!

Jennifer P

19 Apr 2009, 03:54

Sharon,
I am sorry to read your story. I have had similar experiences. I have hit the age 40 mark, and I am noticing a change in my body as well. I take Elavil for my fibromyalgia. I had to change doctors and managed to get one who didn't want to help me. My allergist gave me a name of a new doctor. Saying that the internal medicine doctors have more knowledge.
I took shots for 5 years and have had various times of physical therapy. I know the ear issue for me is the eustachian tubes are defective..My hair feels like it will walk off my head at times....it is so weird. I know that they say to not take naps with fibromyalgia, but sometimes I have to take one anyway. Just stick with your care and ask questions. I have all 18 tender points and the worst ones are in my legs and neck. I get the cold hands thing too. I was concerned about it because of my mother's issues...with her hands...and it is just the fibromyalgia messing with them. I know how you feel I have met quite a few with this syndrome. I know that mine may have been caused by the Mononucleosis I had in my 20's.

sharon

15 Apr 2009, 13:44

It has been hard to get a diagnosis. One nurse practioner did the 10 pressure point test on my back and announced I did not have it, later I found out that one needs to be specially trained to give that test effectively. While during this time I had sleep distrubances, fatigue, my hair roots felt like I was coming down with the FLU, my joints at night felt like I was on a torture rack with all my joints being pulled apart along with random muscle pain. A ringing in my ears when tired needing rest. Also I developed numness in my dominant hand along with it turning black when cold and was told by a Doctor not to let it get cold, also press on it and a dent stays.I have read that having alergies is common among those having this affliction. Which I do have, took claritan for years. Now after almost 10 years it seems I now have RH with swelling of the joints and am being sent to a rhuematologist. I hope this helps someone, sometimes we need to be our own Doctor and not give up, when it finally becomes obvious then they believe you.

Name:
Email:
Text:
Enter the words shown above separated by space Enter the numbers you hear

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Causes

What causes fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Causes

What causes fibromyalgia?

Leave a Comment