It is not known precisely what causes fibromyalgia (FM).
It is also thought to have a genetic component.
FM may also be triggered by physical or emotional trauma, stress, or infection.
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This article will discuss the possible causes of fibromyalgia, triggers, and associated conditions.
Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images
What Are the First Signs of Fibromyalgia?
People with FM may experience:
Do Abnormal Pain Messages Cause Fibromyalgia?
Thecentral nervous system(CNS) comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
The CNS uses specialized cells to transmit information, including pain messages, all over the body.
Some studies have found that people with FM may process pain differently than those without FM.
Imaging brain studies have also found thatpeople with FM may feel painwhen people without FM do not.
Do Genetic Mutations Cause Fibromyalgia?
FM appears torun in families, but a clear inheritance pattern has not been established.
Does Family History of FM Increase Your Risk of Getting FM?
It is suggested these disorders share some genetic risk factors with FM, leading to their clustering in families.
More research is needed to examine the role genetics play in FM.
Does Vitamin Deficiency Cause Fibromyalgia?
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been associated with FM and other conditions related to chronic pain.
It is unknown whether there is a causal relationship or an association between these deficiencies and FM.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency has been associated with:
These are some of the symptoms of FM.
Some evidence suggests a combination of calcium and magnesium may be helpful for some people with FM.
A relationship between magnesium deficiency and FM has not been proven.
There are conflicting findings from studies, and there are methodology obstacles.
Dietary intake of magnesium has also not been proven to correlate with FM.
More research is needed.
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Anyone can get FM, but some factors may increase the chances.
These environmental factors or triggers likely interact with genetic factors.
Possible triggers may include:
People with FM can also have flare-ups (periods with worse symptoms).
FM can be managed.
It may be related to levels of chemicals in the brain or other brain abnormalities.
FM is also thought to have a genetic component, which may interact with environmental factors.
Physical, emotional, or psychological stress may play a role in triggering FM.
Other conditions associated with FM include rheumatic conditions, infections, diabetes, psychological disorders, and neurological disorders.
FM does not go away, but it doesn’t get worse over time and can be managed.
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