Fibromyalgia Health Center

The causes of fibromyalgia are not well understood. Doctors believe there may be several causes. Fibromyalgia may be caused by chemical changes in the brain.

Some researchers have found elevated levels of certain chemicals in the spinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients. Other chemicals, like serotonin, may be low in fibromyalgia patients.

Some researchers believe abnormal sleep is a cause of fibromyalgia rather than a symptom of it! Patients with fibromyalgia seem to lack a phase of sleep known as non-REM, or non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, which is very important in restoring energy.

Researchers also believe that fibromyalgia might be caused by stress, infections, or injuries.

Fibromyalgia is also commonly seen in patients who have other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Research is being conducted to try to determine if there is a genetic basis for the disease, as it tends to run in families.