What role do nerves play in fibromyalgia?

The actual cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but some researchers link fibromyalgia to trauma to the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia may have higher levels of substance P, a nerve chemical signal. This may result in extreme hypersensitivity to pain. For some people with fibro, a gust of wind can make them miserable because it hurts their skin. This dramatic disturbance in pain perception may be why this syndrome is sometimes hard to treat without the proper medications approved for fibromyalgia.

There is a lot we don't know about fibromyalgia, which is why this pain syndrome is sometimes difficult for doctors to accurately diagnose and treat. However, new findings link fibromyalgia to problems within the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the spinal cord and the brain. Some scientists believe that certain dysfunctions with fibromyalgia that occur in the muscles, connective tissue, and the peripheral nervous system that communicate with the CNS. It could be that these malfunctions result in some of the main fibromyalgia symptoms such as deep muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, low mood, and fatigue. Time will tell whether these researchers are correct about the causes of fibromyalgia. 

Our muscles are connected to nerves. Nerves throughout the body and spinal cord send messages to the brain. It is believed that people with fibromyalgia have changes in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) that result in overactive nerves. The changes may be responsible for the chronic widespread pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia. LYRICA is believed to calm overactive nerves. It is unknown exactly how LYRICA works in the body. Animal studies suggest that LYRICA calms nerves by reducing “extra” electrical signals sent out by overactive nerves. The implication of these studies in humans is not known.

If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Prescription treatment, such as LYRICA, is one option you and your doctor may consider. LYRICA was the first treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of fibromyalgia.

Research continues to tell us that fibromyalgia involves the breakdown of normal messaging in the brain, which is further sensitized by peripheral nervous system dysfunction, particularly in the muscle. This result in what is known as centralization of pain.

Chronic myofascial pain from myofascial trigger points which are caused by an excessive release of acetylcholine, a chemical neuro messenger, is prevalent in fibromyalgia and helps explain muscle pain and dysfunction. Myofascial trigger points are known as the great neurological imitators. When coupled with fibromyalgia this peripheral input further sensitizes the brain and it becomes a vicious cycle.

It is difficult to deny the brains ability to resurrect previous pain experiences or detach the emotional center from the physical response. Conditioning responses is important and why treatment takes a multidimensional approach.