Fibromyalgia Etiology

A scientific hypothesis must be formed and be backed by previous scientific data in order to recruit funding for further research. This is why theories backed by solid data are important.

Many possible causes of fibromyalgia have been investigated, such as, structural malformation, genetics, muscle hypoxia, growth hormone irregularities, and sleep anomalies, but recent research suggests fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. The disruption in the central nervous system has been found in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disruption, glial cell activation and abnormal release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and autonomic nervous system feedback abnormalities. There also appears to be altered glucose metabolism at the cellular level in some patients.

As one door closes, another one opens. Many of these theories seem to overlap or have an interconnection. To say that one is right and another one wrong would only blight the mind of the investigator. It is important to remember that solid building blocks are being formed, and the foundation for research looks promising. There are alterations in central nervous system (CNS) function and brain chemical production, which ultimately influences abnormal pain sensitivity. The scientific study of this is in perpetual motion. Even though we learn more every day, we need to know more about how the brain works. Once the cause is identified, more appropriate and successful treatment plans and methods will evolve.