Posted by: Adrianne / MDHealthForum.com Team

Do you have Fibromyalgia? Do you know someone that does? If you have been diagnosed with Fibro or know someone who has, you will say YES, Fibromyalgia is real!

So, why are there differences of opinion on the validity of this condition? Could it be because more woman are diagnosed with the condition then men? Or, that most people diagnosed with Fibro also have been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety making one wonder if Fibromyalgia is more a psychological problem than a REAL problem. Or, could it be that we just don’t completely understand this condition yet, so people in the medical field have a difficult time accepting it.

Fibromyalgia isn’t considered a disease. It isn’t really considered a condition. It is considered a syndrome. Why? For starters Fibromyalgia symptoms are vast and varied. Not only is there the pain factor due to a pain neurotransmitter called substance P which exists in abnormally high levels in the brains of fibromyalgia patients, hence the thought that Fibro patients experience pain at much higher levels than the average person; but, there other symptoms including anxiety, depression, IBS, and fatigue as well.

The cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. It is thought to be triggered by a physical or emotional stressor. A physical stressor such as an automobile accident or other injury can trigger FMS. Emotional triggers are loss of a loved one, loss of employment, or any life changing experience. With that said, there are many studies going on at this time to better understand the cause of this sometimes debilitating condition. The more research that is done, the more we are finding out that indeed Fibromyalgia is a REAL condition and not psychiatric in nature.

For FMS suffers the road to better treatment and understanding is a long one. But, we are making headway…slowly. At least now the majority of those in the medical profession believe FMS is real and are attempting to help those who suffer with it. With continued effort towards better understanding of the causes and treatment options those living with FMS may be able to live somewhat “normal” lives in the near future.