Do you suffer from chronic fatigue and muscle pain? You may have fibromyalgia. It is estimated that 5 million American adults suffer from this condition. Of these adults, 90 percent of the victims are women. Unfortunately, this chronic disease can be extremely difficult to treat.
The researchers originally thought that the symptoms were only in the patient’s mind. Because of this, fibromyalgia was classified as a psychosomatic disorder. This basically means that the doctors thought that the disease was caused by the patient’s mind.
People all over the world complain of pain in their shoulders, neck, legs and back. Until recently, researchers could not 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 that handled the flow of blood. These fibers are also responsible for feeling pain and touch.
To confirm their results, the researchers did a second study. They wanted to see the pathology of the blood vessels. The team collected samples from women with fibromyalgia. In these samples, they found an increase in sensory fibers at different places within the blood vessels of the skin.
The nerves are placed within the arteriolar-venule shunts. These shunts manage the body’s heat regulation by determining how much blood flows through the body. When hot, the shunts close to force blood to the surface of the skin where it can release heat.
When it’s cold, the shunts open again. This helps the veins retain the heat around the vital organs, so our feet and hands begin to feel cold.
The main scientist in the study was Dr. Albrecht. He found that too many sensory changes could be causing patients with fibromyalgia to suffer from painful hands.
Basically, the sensory fibers are responsible for opening the derivations. They are extremely active when it is cold, which can cause additional pain for people with fibromyalgia.
During the study, the research team also found an additional conclusion. The hands and feet usually have more blood than they really need. Basically, they serve as a reservoir of blood that can be sent to the rest of the body. When the shunts do not work properly, the blood flow is not regulated properly.
Dr. Rice is the president of Integrated Tissue Dynamics. According to Dr. Rice, the pathology of the shunts could mean that the flow of blood from the hands is damaging the way blood flows into the muscles. This could be the main cause of muscle pain and fatigue suffered by patients with fibromyalgia.
The recent research finally comes to the cause of fibromyalgia. With this research, patients with fibromyalgia can find the right treatment instead of relying only on antidepressants and analgesics.
The good news is that you are not crazy. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, it is not in your mind. Fibromyalgia is definitely caused by changes in the body.
Causes of fibromyalgia
Doctors are not completely sure why sensory fibers begin to change. Currently, they think that different factors may be working together.
Genetics
Fibromyalgia tends to occur in families. Because of this, there may be a genetic mutation that makes someone more likely to develop this chronic disease.
Infections
Researchers now know that some infections can trigger fibromyalgia.
Emotional or physical trauma
In some cases, fibromyalgia develops after a physical trauma such as an injury or car accident. Psychological stress may also play a role in the onset of the disease.
While researchers have made a breakthrough on the cause, patients still need to take care of the body. There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to prevent fibromyalgia from becoming inflamed.
To keep your fibromyalgia under control, try to limit the amount of stress in your life. If you can not get rid of all sources of stress, try using techniques such as conscious breathing, yoga or meditation to control stress. Fatigue is a defining symptom of fibromyalgia, so try to get enough sleep. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can also help. While exercise can harm initially, it will help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia in the long term.
Spread awareness by letting everyone know the cause of fibromyalgia.
Now, research has shown that fibromyalgia is not caused by the mind. Instead, it is caused by a sensory nerve within the blood vessels of the palm.
