Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that occurs due to an overabundance of pain receptors. Since the body is so sensitive, people with fibromyalgia may experience pain from sensations that others would hardly notice. Other symptoms include brain fog, insomnia, and painful trigger points in the body. Symptom severity varies widely. In severe cases, people may lose their ability to work or take care of themselves. Without treatment, people with fibromyalgia are more likely to develop depression and a poorer quality of life. Fibromyalgia also increases the risk of other conditions, such as arthritis.

1. Samuel Caruthers

2. Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that occurs due to an
overabundance of pain receptors. Since the body is so sensitive,
people with fibromyalgia may experience pain from sensations
that others would hardly notice. Other symptoms include brain
fog, insomnia, and painful trigger points in the body.

3. Symptom severity varies widely. In severe cases, people may lose
their ability to work or take care of themselves. Without treatment,
people with fibromyalgia are more likely to develop depression
and a poorer quality of life. Fibromyalgia also increases the risk of
other conditions, such as arthritis.
While fibromyalgia can occur in children, most people develop the
disorder in adulthood. The condition is usually triggered by a
physically or emotionally traumatic event. Fibromyalgia also tends
to run in families. Researchers believe that the triggering incident
leads to fibromyalgia in people with certain genes.

4. In addition to genetics, several risk factors increase an individual’s
chances of developing fibromyalgia. Women are much more likely
to contract the disease than men. Some researchers attribute this
to hormone differences and an underreporting of chronic pain
conditions in men.
Up to 90 percent of all fibromyalgia patients are women between
40 and 50 years old. Since this time period is associated with
hormonal changes due to menopause, fluctuations in sex
hormones may play a role in disease onset. A 2017 study also
found that women who experience premenstrual disorder
syndrome, a recurring condition triggered by a drop in estrogen
and progesterone, are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than
other women.

5. Advanced age is also a risk factor for fibromyalgia. The likelihood
of developing the condition increases fourfold for seniors.
Fibromyalgia is also linked with several chronic conditions. People
with fibromyalgia often have other diagnoses, such as chronic
fatigue syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, or endometriosis.
Past hepatitis C infections can also raise an individual’s risk of
later developing fibromyalgia.
Several mental health conditions are also associated with
fibromyalgia. Anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia can all be
triggered by extreme stress. Further, disorders caused by trauma,
such as post-traumatic stress disorder, can trigger brain changes
that make individuals more susceptible to fibromyalgia.

6. Existing conditions that disrupt sleep patterns can also increase
the risk of fibromyalgia. This is especially true of sleep conditions
caused by dysfunctioning brain signals rather than physiological
issues like sleep apnea.
Due to the complicated nature of the disorder, a fibromyalgia
diagnosis can take a long time. On average, a person will have
experienced symptoms for seven years before receiving an
accurate diagnosis. With treatment, fibromyalgia symptoms can
be minimized. However, individuals can experience flare-ups in
highly stressful situations.

7. Lifestyle choices can also exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. A
lack of exercise can increase inflammation and limit the body’s
ability to produce pain-relieving endorphins. Individuals who have
a family history of fibromyalgia or other risk factors can reduce
the chances of developing the disorder through a healthy lifestyle.
Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and following a
sleep schedule can reduce stress on the body. Attending
counseling and practicing stress management techniques can also
be beneficial.