What organ systems does fibromyalgia affect?

Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.


Does fibromyalgia affect the digestive system?

More than two-thirds of those with fibromyalgia also have stomach pain, bloating, gas, and nausea on a regular basis. Constipation or diarrhea can also occur regularly.

How does fibromyalgia affect the endocrine system?

Fibromyalgia-like symptoms such as muscle pain and tenderness, exhaustion, reduced exercise capacity, and cold intolerance, resemble symptoms associated with endocrine dysfunction like hypothyroidism, and adrenal or growth hormone insufficiency.


Does fibromyalgia affect the muscular system?

Fibromyalgia is one of a group of chronic pain disorders that affect connective tissues, including the muscles, ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that bind together the ends of bones), and tendons (which attach muscles to bones).

How does fibromyalgia affect the skeletal system?

A large proportion of fibromyalgia patients may develop osteoporosis. The bone density is lower especially at sites like necks, spinal columns, and hips. Osteoporosis commonly affects fibromyalgia patients between the ages of 51 to 60 years.


Fibromyalgia | Signs & Symptoms, Associated Conditions



Does fibromyalgia affect the nervous system?

Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic disorder behind osteoarthritis and, though still widely misunderstood, is now considered to be a lifelong central nervous system disorder, which is responsible for amplified pain that shoots through the body in those who suffer from it.

What diseases are linked to fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia often co-occurs with other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or neurological?

Fibromyalgia Might Be an Autoimmune Disorder, A New Study Says. Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition commonly thought to originate in the brain, might actually be a disorder of the immune system, according to a new study.


What can trigger fibromyalgia flare ups?

Triggers for Fibromyalgia Flares
  • Physical or psychological stress.
  • Temperature and/weather changes.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Traveling and/or changes in schedule.
  • Changes in treatment.
  • Diet.
  • Poor sleep.


Is fibromyalgia muscular or neurological?

FACT: Fibromyalgia is a neurological disease affecting a person's sensory processing system. Fibromyalgia does not involve inflammation or damage to joints. Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system.

How does fibromyalgia affect the brain?

These cognitive difficulties — called fibro fog — are common: Research suggests more than half of people with fibromyalgia show a decline in memory and clear thinking. When you have fibro fog, it can cause you to be in a state of confusion that you don't even know you're in, CreakyJoints member Joan W.


Is fibromyalgia inflammation of the brain?

Scientists have used PET scans to study the brains of people with a fibromyalgia diagnosis. They found widespread neuroinflammation across their brains.

What are the rare symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Unusual Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
  • Paresthesia. One of the symptoms of fibromyalgia is paresthesia. ...
  • Brain Fog. Also called “fibro fog,” this symptom is one of the most frustrating ones and it leads many people to distress. ...
  • Allodynia. ...
  • Smell and Sound Sensitivity. ...
  • Extreme Sweating. ...
  • Lipomas. ...
  • Dystonia.


Can fibromyalgia cause stomach inflammation?

Digestive issues

While we're unclear as to the direct connection, people with fibromyalgia often experience gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. As well, people with fibromyalgia are more vulnerable to developing irritable bowel syndrome.


Can fibromyalgia cause stomach and back pain?

If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.

What are the four stages of fibromyalgia?

Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...

How do you calm a fibromyalgia flare up?

Regular gentle exercise is one of the most effective ways that fibromyalgia flare ups can be avoided or diminished and pain managed. Exercise in moderation may increase pain at first but may help prevent or improve pain over time and build up endurance, muscle strength, avoidance of depression, and boost moods.


Does fibromyalgia qualify for disability?

The Social Security Administration recognizes arthritis and fibromyalgia (FM) as qualifying disabilities for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

What kind of doctor do you see for fibromyalgia?

Your family doctor may be able to tell you have fibromyalgia if they're familiar with the condition. But you'll probably want to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who's an expert in problems with joints, muscles, and bones.

Should you see a neurologist for fibromyalgia?

The pain from fibromyalgia is what typically prompts people to visit a neurologist, and this specialist may prescribe medications to control your pain. Pain Management doctors treats all forms of pain, including that caused by fibromyalgia.


Is your immune system weaker with fibromyalgia?

Although numerous studies have shown that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease (conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, whereby the body attacks healthy tissues), reliable research concurs that this condition does weaken your immune system by causing various abnormalities and irregularities.

What are the 2 most common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
  • Chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or at multiple sites. Pain is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing.
  • Fatigue or an overwhelming feeling of being tired.
  • Trouble sleeping.


What viral infection causes fibromyalgia?

Various triggers including trauma and stress as well as infections, may precipitate the development of FMS. Certain infections including hepatitis C virus, HIV and Lyme disease have been temporally associated with the development of FMS.


What autoimmune diseases go with fibromyalgia?

In many cases, fibromyalgia can occur simultaneously with autoimmune disorders. Common conditions associated with fibromyalgia pain include: rheumatoid arthritis. lupus.

How do you confirm fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based primarily on having pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia.