Could fibromyalgia be caused by an aberrant immune response?
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Some scientists suspect that fibromyalgia may be related to aberrant, or abnormal, behavior in the body's immune system. Normally, a healthy immune system protects the body against germs and other invaders that can cause illness and disease. But some scientists are studying the possibility that certain changes in the immune system could activate nerve cells, resulting in pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Much more remains to be learned about the relationship between fibromyalgia and the immune system.
Some scientists suspect that fibromyalgia may be related to aberrant, or abnormal, behavior in the body's immune system. Normally, a healthy immune system protects the body against germs and other invaders that can cause illness and disease.... More -
Celeste Cooper answered:Good question. It’s really about which came first the cart or the horse.
We do not know the cause of fibromyalgia, but we do know that there is centralization of pain. Comorbid conditions, those that occur more frequently with FM also indicates there is an upset in communication between the brain and the periphery, including the autonomic nervous system. Certainly, an aberrant immune response could exist, and research has been done and continues on this possibility, but it has also been hypothesized that FM is the result of a poor immune system.
More information on hypometabolism and immunity in FM from Dr. Lowe.
http://www.drlowe.com/QandA/askdrlowe/immunesystem.htmAll blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com
Find out more about this book: Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofa...
Good question. It’s really about which came first the cart or the horse. We do not know the cause of fibromyalgia, but we do know that there is centralization of pain. Comorbid conditions, those that occur more frequently with FM also... More
