Do you suffer from chronic fatigue and muscle pain? You may have fibromyalgia. An estimated 5 million American adults suffer from this condition. Of these adults, 90% of the patients are women. Unfortunately, this chronic disease can be extremely difficult to treat.
The researchers initially thought that the symptoms were only in the patient’s mind. For this reason, fibromyalgia has been classified as a psychosomatic disorder. This basically means that doctors thought that the disease was caused by the patient’s mind.
People all over the world complain of pain in the shoulders, neck, legs and back. Until recently, researchers were unable to find the cause of the pain.
The recent study was conducted by scientists from Integrated Tissue Dynamics. They looked at the fibers in the palm of the hand that managed the blood flow. These fibers are also responsible for pain and touch.
To confirm their results, the researchers made a second study. They wanted to see the pathology of the blood vessels. The team collected samples of women with fibromyalgia. In these samples, they found an increase in sensory fibers in several places within the skin’s blood vessels.
The nerves are positioned within the arteriolo-venule shunts. These shunts manage the regulation of body heat by determining how much blood flows through the body. When it is hot, the shunts close to force blood to the surface of the skin where it can release heat.
When it’s cold, the shunts reopen. This helps the veins to retain heat around the vital organs, so our feet and hands begin to feel cold.
The principal scientist of the study was Dr. Albrecht. He found that excess sensory changes could cause painful suffering to patients with fibromyalgia.
Basically, the sensory fibers are in charge of opening the shunts. They are extremely active in cold weather, which can cause extra pain for fibromyalgia sufferers.
During the study, the research team also found an additional conclusion. Normally the hands and feet have more blood than they really need. Basically they serve as a reserve of blood that can be sent to the rest of the body. When shunts are not working properly, blood flow is not regulated properly.
Dr. Rice is the president of Integrated Tissue Dynamics. According to Dr. Rice, the pathology of shunts could mean that the blood flow from the hands is damaging the flow of blood to the muscles. This could be the main cause of muscle pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia patients.
Recent research finally reaches the cause of fibromyalgia. With this research, patients with fibromyalgia can find the right treatment instead of relying only on antidepressants and pain relievers.
The good news is that you are not crazy. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, it’s not on your mind. Fibromyalgia is definitely caused by changes in the body.
Cause fibromialgia
Doctors are not entirely sure why the sensory fibers start to change. Currently, they think several factors can work together.
Genetics
Fibromyalgia tends to work in the family. For this reason, there may be a genetic mutation that makes it more likely that someone develops this chronic disease.
infections
Researchers now know that some infections can potentially trigger fibromyalgia.
Emotional or physical trauma
In some cases, fibromyalgia develops after a physical trauma such as an injury or car accident. Psychological stress can also play a role in triggering the disease.
While researchers have made an important step forward on the cause, patients still need to take care of the body. There are some lifestyle changes you can do to keep fibromyalgia inflamed.
To keep fibromyalgia in check, try to limit the amount of stress in your life. If you can’t get rid of any source of stress, try using techniques like mindful breathing, yoga or meditation to manage stress. Fatigue is a definitive symptom of fibromyalgia, so try to get adequate sleep. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can also help. While the workout may initially hurt, it will help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia in the long run.
Spread awareness by letting everyone know about the cause of fibromyalgia.
Now, research has shown that fibromyalgia isn’t caused by the mind. Instead, it is caused by a sensory nerve inside the blood vessels of the palm.
