Unraveling the Enigma of Fibromyalgia: Causes, Risks, Complications and Triggers Explained

3. Presence Of Rheumatic Conditions

An individual affected by numerous rheumatic conditions has an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia compared to individuals who are not affected. Between fifteen and thirty percent of individuals with rheumatic or autoimmune disorders also have fibromyalgia. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes severe inflammation in the body and chronic pain. The mechanism is thought to be related to long-term inflammation exposure that leads to the transition between peripheral pain and chronic central pain. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that shares many symptoms with fibromyalgia. Autoantibodies have been identified in these patients that are directed against certain receptors called NR2A and NR2B units. These receptors are abundant throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems. Identified autoantibodies can produce adverse effects on emotional behavior, cognitive function, and pain processing. Exact mechanisms and definite pathways of how immune system components in individuals with these conditions increase the risk of fibromyalgia are not clear. However, it is known to be associated with a combination of irregular nerve impulses and abnormal antibody activity.

4. Infections

Different types of infections in an individual's body can cause fibromyalgia flare-ups. Some individuals who contract an infection believe it causes this disorder to develop, but the infection has just caused a flare-up of undiagnosed symptoms. In other cases, the bacteria, virus, or other pathogen that caused the infection is never eliminated and hovers around. This can result in continuous low-grade infection in the body. Persistent low-grade infections can activate autoimmune responses that trigger fibromyalgia. Certain infections can leave permanent alterations in an individual's body after the infection is eliminated that can cause this disorder. Viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza viruses, and adenoviruses, can result in permanent changes that trigger the fibromyalgia cascade. Bacterial infections can also trigger this cascade, including those that cause salmonella and listeria. Parasite and yeast infections have also caused this disorder, including candida yeast and giardia infections.