Causes of Fibromyalgia

What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?

Incredibly none of the so called health experts, including the NHS, know for sure the true causes of Fibromyalgia.

What causes Fibromyalgia? An online survey of patient perspectives was a large-scale UK-based survey of people with Fibromyalgia (95% female). The survey collected data from Fibromyalgia patients and asked them what they believed to be the cause of their illness. Several themes emerged from the survey and included:

  • Bodily assault, ill-health, and body changes
  • Emotional trauma and distress
  • Stress and vulnerability

There are of course a number of theories put forward by 'experts' as to what factors contribute to the onset of Fibromyalgia but these are only possibilities.

Possible Causes of Fibromyalgia

Genetics

Some researchers believe that Fibromyalgia is heredity and the condition is passed down via genes through the generations. This means that some people are more at risk of developing Fibromyalgia than others.

So if you already carry a dodgy Fibromyalgia gene then it may just be a waiting game as to what triggers it in you.

Injury

Possible causes of Fibromyalgia may be due to an accident, injury or trauma. Incidents like a car accident causing whiplash, having an operation or being the victim of crime are all likely Fibromyalgia triggers.

Stress

Other possible Fibromyalgia triggers can be stressful events - either physical or mental.

These can be natural events such as giving birth or the onset of the menopause.

Other Fibromyalgia causes can be put down to mental stress brought on by bereavement, divorce, abusive relationships etc.

Infections

Infections such as Lyme disease, Hepatitis C., Parvovirus or Epstein-Barr virus are all possible causes of Fibromyalgia.

Autoimmune diseases

The presence of one or more Autoimmune disease is thought to be linked to the likelihood of developing Fibromyalgia. Autoimmune diseases arise when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (underactive thyroid) Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Celiac disease are all examples of Autoimmune disorders.

Sleep problems

It has been suggested that abnormal sleep patterns can be a cause of Fibromyalgia instead of just a symptom. This is because of the associated fatigue that comes with Fibromyalgia which may cause widespread pain. The pain then makes sleep more difficult which causes a vicious circle as sleep deprivation exacerbates pain.

Chemical imbalances

According to the NHS it has been suggested that people suffering with Fibromyalgia have abnormally low levels of the hormones serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in their brains.

A low level of serotonin can cause low mood, negativity, irritability, anxiety and depression.

Low levels of noradrenaline can cause memory problems, brain fog, loss of alertness and lack of interest.

A low level of dopamine can cause a lack of motivation, disturbed sleep patterns, fatigue, mood swings, poor concentration and weight gain.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency test

Some of the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are identical to Fibromyalgia symptoms. These include depression, fatigue, general aches and pains and muscle weakness.

Osteomalacia the adult version of Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency and softens the bones, making them very painful. Osteomalacia also causes muscle aches and weakness.

If you believe you are Vitamin D deficient just complete the simple Vitamin D deficiency test. The test involves pressing onto your sternum (breastbone) and then pressing on your tibias (shinbones) to see if they are painful or tender.

If you have the condition Costochrondritis (painful sternum, chest bones and ribs), as many Fibromyalgia sufferers do, it could be simply down to Vitamin D deficiency.

Magnesium Deficiency

There has been much written and researched linking Magnesium deficiency as one of the chief causes of Fibromyalgia.

And the overlapping symptoms of both Magnesium deficiency and Fibromyalgia make for a compelling argument.

Read more about the connection between Fibromyalgia and Magnesium deficiency.

  •     Depression
  •     Irritability
  •     Anxiety
  •     Mood swings
  •     Chronic fatigue
  •     Lethargy
  •     Impaired memory
  •     Poor cognitive function
  •     Insomnia
  •     Muscle weakness
  •     Muscle spasms
  •     Muscle cramps
  •     Migraine headaches
  •     Sound sensitivity
  •     Light sensitivity

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Fatigue, chronic pain and mental problems such as mood swings, poor memory and irritability are the key symptoms to Vitamin B12 deficiency. And yes Fibromyalgia has these identical symptoms. So could one of the causes of Fibromyalgia be a Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance non-digestive symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, numbness or tingling in arms and legs and brain fog. Various studies have linked gluten sensitivity or intolerance to Fibromyalgia.

Gut Issues

Alongside the likelihood that gluten intolerance plays a part in causing Fibromyalgia, (or exacerbating the symptoms of Fibromyalgia), there are other gut issues to consider.

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Leaky gut, chronic yeast or fungal infections, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, undetected food allergies and intolerances can all seriously affect your gut health and cause many and varied symptoms. 

Depression

It is uncertain whether depression is a cause or effect of Fibromyalgia.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.