What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia Impact Tool
Assess how your fibromyalgia symptoms are affecting you
No one knows exactly what causes fibromyalgia. Some possible triggers may include:
- A physically traumatic or stressful event
- An emotionally stressful event
- An illness or an immune disorder
Why Do I Hurt?
Fibromyalgia may be linked to abnormal levels of naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord. These substances are believed to be linked to how much pain a person feels. If you have fibromyalgia, you may be more sensitive to pain than people who don't have fibromyalgia. It's as if the "volume control" for pain were set too high.
Is Fibromyalgia Like Arthritis?
Some people think that fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis, but it is not. Arthritis causes swelling in the joints that may cause pain. Fibromyalgia is not characterized by pain or swelling in the joints. Instead, it is characterized by pain in the soft tissues around the joints and in muscles and skin throughout the body. Because there are similarities, many fibromyalgia patients are treated by rheumatologists—physicians who specialize in arthritis and other joint conditions.
Learn about the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
To determine the impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on you, complete the Fibromyalgia Impact Tool. Also, get tips and learn more about partnering with your doctor.
If a friend or loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, learn more about being a caregiver.
