6 Conditions Related to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is difficult condition to live with or to find treatment for. Those diagnosed know better than anyone as to what the pain, aches, frustration and anxiety actually mean.

Others might not understand your condition, but we do. We’ll give you support in times when you may feel a little lost and alone. We can help ease your pain and regain control of your life. Our goal is also to inform of every detail of your condition and being proactive with fibromyalgia can save you a lot of trouble and worry.

Unfortunately, there are instances where fibromyalgia can be the cause or effect to other conditions. It doesn’t always happen, but there is a possibility. Each case is different, and everyone displays their own set of symptoms, but we’ve compiled a list of other conditions that can precede or follow fibromyalgia.

1. Trauma

The first thing we want to discuss is how fibromyalgia can be triggered by an injury, however, in most cases it is not associated with an single event. Over time the total number of things ailing you eventually becomes too burdensome for your body to deal with and aches and pains can develop. This, along with stress, lack of sleep and trauma can all contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.

2. Auto-Immune Diseases

Fibromyalgia can also mimic the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. An auto-immune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks its own body’s healthy tissue, which produces inflammation and damage. However, those with fibromyalgia don’t enough auto-immune titers for the condition to be considered an auto-immune disease.

Auto-immune diseases can affect fibromyalgia, so it’s important to be examined for more than just the single condition. You may go through a vast number of symptoms, including fatigue, fever, ill feelings or changes to your skin color. Be aware of your body and the new changes it goes through if you have fibromyalgia.

3. Lyme Disease and Other Infections

Lyme disease is an infection primarily transmitted by lxodes ticks, also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks.  It targets different organs of the body, including the brain, nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart. When the spirochete infection releases bacterial lipoproteins and attacks the body, it can lead to memory problems, hormonal imbalances, pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal discomfort and numbness.  Another difficult to diagnose infection is from something called Mycoplasma.  These pesky critters can hide and live in your soft tissues for decades and then surprise you one day. When that happens, your body can hurt for what seems like no apparent reason.

The symptoms of Lyme disease and mycoplasma infection mimic the ones of fibromyalgia. It is believed that in some cases these infections may actually cause fibromyalgia. Symptoms from chronic infection can remain dormant for years, so it is important to get a complete diagnosis at any time you start to display symptoms.

4. Hypermobility

Many patients with fibromyalgia have hypermobility. This is defined by advanced flexibility, although this doesn’t necessarily denote being “double-jointed.” Flexibility is a result of loose ligaments, but if these ligaments are “too loose” then they are at risk of stretching and fraying. This can cause muscle spasms and aches and pains.

5. Dysautonomia

What is responsible for the functions in your body that are supposed to happen naturally? Such as your heart beating, your pupils dilating or the bowel of your bladder emptying? The autonomic nervous system! However, there are times when this system does not functioning properly, and your body has difficulty telling these “automatic” responses to act.

Many fibromyalgia patients have symptoms of dysautonomia so it is very important to be evaluated by a physician familiar with this disorder.

6. Dietary Limitations

With fibromyalgia, dietary complications may also develop as well. Approximately one-third of fibromyalgia patients are sensitive to particular foods – this could be a sensitivity geared toward MSG, certain preservatives, gluten, dairy, eggs or other common allergens. Eating a particular food can cause gastrointestinal problems (heartburn, gas, nausea, diarrhea or constipation) as well as headaches, muscle pain or fatigue.

Fibromyalgia might not always bring the best of news, but it can force you to become more aware of your body and your health. You’ll start to recognize things you didn’t notice before and be more in-tune with any bodily changes.

If you display a new symptom, or if you feel as if your health is slightly “off,” there might be another underlying issue at hand, so it’s best to have it examined. While it does not happen overnight, by working together with your physician, treatment can be effective and your life can improve.