Is fibromyalgia related to childhood trauma?
A new Tel Aviv University study finds that fibromyalgia syndrome -- a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties -- may be a consequence of post-traumatic physical and psychological distress associated with childhood sexual abuse.
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident.
Results: The strongest evidence supporting an association between trauma and FM is a recently published Israeli study in which adults with neck injuries had greater than a 10-fold increased risk of developing FM within 1 year of their injury, compared with adults with lower extremity fractures (P= . 001).
Researchers found that women who had experienced domestic abuse were almost twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than those who had not.
Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. "It's a neurological disease driven by the central nervous system," says Clauw.
There is evidence of a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in FMS (especially depression, anxiety, borderline personality, obsessive-compulsive personality, and post-traumatic stress disorder), which are associated with a worse clinical profile.
- Not enough sleep.
- Improper diet.
- Hormone imbalance.
- Schedule changes.
- Weather changes.
- Stress.
- Changes in medications.
- Overdoing exercise.
- Chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or at multiple sites. Pain is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing.
- Fatigue or an overwhelming feeling of being tired.
- Trouble sleeping.
Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...
The results of a meta-analysis of the association of chronic pain and childhood trauma provide evidence [1] that individuals who report abusive or neglectful childhood experiences are at increased risk of experiencing chronic pain in adulthood relative to individuals not reporting abuse or neglect in childhood.
What puts you at risk for fibromyalgia?
Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Repetitive injuries. Injury from repetitive stress on a joint, such as frequent knee bending. Illness (such as viral infections)
Fibromyalgia may be mistaken for one of the following six conditions, among others: Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's disease. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, the added stress of having a baby may cause fibromyalgia symptoms to flare, making you feel much worse. Managing fibromyalgia during pregnancy is possible.