Causes of Fibromyalgia
Even as more advancements are made in fibromyalgia treatment, the disease is still one of the most mysterious known to the medical community. Symptoms can come suddenly or gradually, and could congregate in one physical area or spread throughout your body. As if the nagging symptoms weren’t frustrating enough, the lack of a distinct, measurable source makes treatment a game of trial and error.
There are conflicting theories about where fibromyalgia comes from, but doctors do agree that the condition probably rests on a combination of causes, and those causes are often interrelated. Here are some medically-supported ideas on what causes fibromyalgia, and although they have not been scientifically proven, you might want to consider if any may be playing a role in your case.
1. Genetics
There is no definitive proof that fibromyalgia is genetic, but there certainly seems to be a hereditary pattern. One study from 2008 followed pairs of twins over several years, and determined that the risk of developing chronic pain was at least 50% genetic; another study conducted in 2004 found that people were eight times as likely to develop fibromyalgia if they had a relative who suffered from it. Although a specific “fibromyalgia gene” has not been found yet, experts have linked several gene variants to the condition, which supports the genetic component theory.
Is fibromyalgia a disability? While the condition isn't listed by the SSA, you may qualify for disability benefits if you fulfill certain criteria.
