There is no one known cause of fibromyalgia, but research has shown that it can be brought on by genetics, injuries, viral infections and traumatic events, as well as by other conditions.
The causes of fibromyalgia are still not fully known, but recent data suggest that changes in the central nervous system may contribute to the chronic pain of this condition.
Fibromyalgia comes on suddenly, and the personal stories of everyone diagnosed are so different that it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause. However, more research is being conducted to bring us closer to determining what actually triggers fibromyalgia.
Physical trauma
Research has shown that people who are otherwise healthy can develop fibromyalgia following a single-event physical trauma, such as a car accident, a major fall, a medical crisis or surgery. It can also occur as a result of repeated movements over a long period of time that put stress and strain on the body, such as a job that required heavy lifting on an assembly line.
Infection
In other cases, fibromyalgia may be brought on by an illness, such as a viral infection.
Emotional stress
Certain kinds of emotional stress or trauma due to negative life-changing events, such as the death of a loved one, can trigger or aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Genetics
Do genetics play a factor? The verdict is still out. With 28% of the children of people with fibromyalgia developing the syndrome, however, fibromyalgia does seem to run in families. Although no genetic marker has yet been identified, this high incidence can perhaps be explained by a shared environment or common psychological factors.
Knowing how you developed fibromyalgia is not nearly as important as managing the symptoms so they don’t dominate your life. For information on current medical treatments, see Medical Treatments.
