What is Fibromyalgia ?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, debilitating disease with an undefined etiology. Although it is not clearly understood, underlying pathology seems to involve dysfunction of central nociceptive processing, altered dopaminergic activity, increased glutamate levels, and up-regulation of substance P. It has also been hypothesized that activation of glia could be involved in pain amplification involved in fibromyalgia. Following activation, glia cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, (i.e., IL-1β and IL-8), which further increase pain amplification in fibromyalgia patients. It has been known since 1988 that increased levels of inflammatory transmitter substance P is found in the spinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients.
Inflammation is cited as a cause of pain-related symptoms in all subgroups of fibromyalgia patients. Studies show fibromyalgia is among a spectrum of conditions which are characterized as an inflammatory disorder accompanied by changes in the neuroendocrine-immune system.
SYMPTOMS.
Cell sensitization can cause the release of proinflammatory molecules in fibromyalgia, hence the inhibition of proinflammatory molecules may be an applicable therapeutic route.
Inflammation is cited as a cause of pain-related symptoms in all subgroups of fibromyalgia patients. Studies show fibromyalgia is among a spectrum of conditions which are characterized as an inflammatory disorder accompanied by changes in the neuroendocrine-immune system.
SYMPTOMS.
- Widespread pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Morning stiffness
- Headache
- Irritable bowel and bladder
- Non-cardiac chest pain.
Cell sensitization can cause the release of proinflammatory molecules in fibromyalgia, hence the inhibition of proinflammatory molecules may be an applicable therapeutic route.