Fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia
You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. We're here to help you feel better.
Fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming—an invisible condition marked by relentless pain, deep fatigue, and mental fog that disrupts your daily life. At Weierstahl Chiropractic Clinic, we believe you. We understand the challenges you’re facing. And we’re here with expert, compassionate care designed specifically for people living with fibromyalgia.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, extreme tiredness, and cognitive issues commonly called “fibro fog.” While the exact cause remains unclear, it’s believed to stem from how the brain and nerves process pain signals.
It affects millions, especially women and often coexists with other issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, and anxiety. Though it’s complex, the good news is that it’s manageable.
Who is affected by fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that can impact all ages, including kids and teens.
It does not discriminate by age or background, and while anyone can develop it, some groups are more frequently affected. In the U.S., an estimated 4 million people are living with fibromyalgia today, grappling with symptoms such as pervasive pain, fatigue and cognitive problems daily.
Women and those above the age of 40 are most likely to see themselves diagnosed with fibromyalgia, according to research.
This could be a result of a mix of hormonal, genetic, and environmental conditions. But it is essential to realize that fibromagia is not limited to these groups, it can affect also individuals, and early diagnosis and care are key factors to enhancing quality of life.
Symptoms and Causes
Fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Widespread body pain and tenderness
- Constant fatigue—even after a full night’s sleep
- Trouble focusing or remembering things (“brain fog”)
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches or migraines
- Mood issues like anxiety or depression
- Heightened sensitivity to light, noise, or temperature
If these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and help is available.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, but emerging research suggests a complex interplay of genetic and neurobiological factors.
Genetics may play a significant role as fibromyalgia often runs in families. Individuals with a first-degree relative such as a parent diagnosed with fibromyalgia appear to have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. This pattern indicates that certain inherited genetic variations may predispose individuals to the disorder.
One of the hallmark features of fibromyalgia is an increased sensitivity to pain, often referred to as central sensitization. Although the precise mechanisms are still being studied, scientists believe that abnormalities in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals are involved. Mutations in genes that regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine may impair the body’s ability to modulate pain, resulting in an exaggerated response to stimuli that would not typically be painful.
While further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes, current findings point toward a multifactorial origin involving both inherited and neurological components.
What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?
Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, studies indicate that a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors play a role in its onset. Multiple risk factors have been identified to increase the risk for fibromyalgia diagnosis:
Age: Fibromyalgia is commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 40, but it can also affect people at any age, including children.
Sex: This greatly affects women, who are diagnosed at approximately double the rate of men. Hormones and pain sensitivity may help explain the difference.
Coexisting Chronic Conditions: Therefore, people with pre-existing conditions like chronic low back pain, depression, anxiety disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk for developing fibromyalgia. These disorders might have common pathophysiological mechanisms.
Infections: Sometimes, fibromyalgia is triggered by infections, some of which are viral and even bacterial in nature. Those with chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, often relate the onset and persistence of their symptoms to a major infection, supporting the idea of an association that persists between immune activation and chronic pain.
Mental, emotional, and physical stress: Stress that is prolonged over time—psychological, emotional or physical stress—can disturb the body’s stress response system, which can lead to the onset or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Trauma and Injury: A history of physical trauma (eg, car accidents or surgeries) and/or emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for fibromyalgia onset. Such events can serve as a catalyst, disrupting the central nervous system’s processing of pain.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia: A Clinical Perspective
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made with a thorough physical examination and an extensive review of your medical history. Because no one test can definitively diagnose fibromyalgia, health care providers do what’s called a differential diagnosis, or process of elimination, to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
Your provider will review how long and what type of symptoms you have, such as fatigue, pain all over the body and cognitive manifestations, during your evaluation. Before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be made, blood tests may be done to rule out other possibilities, such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction.
Care at Weierstahl Clinic
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or long-term discomfort, the orthopaedic specialists at Weierstahl Clinic are here to support you through every step, from diagnosis to recovery and ongoing care.
frequently asked questions
the most question we had so far
If you are having new or worsening symptoms, then you should see a healthcare professional. Fibromyalgia can change over time, and getting an early intervention can affect how your fibromyalgia progresses. If you see the following, make sure you seek medical attention:
- Persistent or worsening pain and fatigue that interferes with daily activities.
- Changes in mood or mental health, such as depression or thoughts of self-harm.
- Frequent headaches or migraines that don’t improve with usual treatments.
- Cognitive difficulties, including memory issues or a sensation of “fibro fog.”
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia or non-restorative sleep.
These symptoms may indicate a change in your condition or the presence of another health condition. With timely support from a provider who understands the complexities of your unique situation, you can learn how to regain control and even enhance your quality of life.
- Is this fibromyalgia or something else?
- Which tests will I need?
- What treatments are likely to work best for me?
- How frequently will I have to come in for adjustments to my treatments?
- Is it advisable to consult a mental health professional?
- Does this mean my relatives are at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia?
