The answer is YES, there are triggers that bring on Fibromyalgia. But the answer isn’t just that simple. Based upon research, if you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, you were born with it. Most likely your great- grandparents, grandparents, parents had it before you. How it affects each individual is the variance. Some Fibromyalgia patients have mild symptoms. Many patients have come into my clinic telling stories of having “growing pains” since childhood. That’s at least what their doctor kept telling them. Fibromyalgia patients have been told that all their test come back normal so there must be something else wrong such as the previously mentioned “growing pains or may you were told “it’s all in your head and go see a psychiatrist.
After almost 30 years treating Fibromyalgia patients I have found no two Fibromyalgia patients are alike and all these patients have a second third or fourth diagnostic condition that Fibromyalgia makes worse. Usually Fibromyalgia patients have lower levels of symptoms until something triggers a big physical reaction. I have found the most common trigger is some form of physical trauma. The jury case that started my education on Fibromyalgia involved a patient that was involved in an automobile accident. That accident triggered multiple Fibromyalgia symptoms. Prior to that she stated she only had growing pains and some fatigue that she thought was from studying her college courses.
Physical trauma can take many forms other than automobile accidents such as slips and falls, sprains, strains and any number of small or large incidents. For some patients multiple injuries or accidents may be involved. Some traumas may require surgery. Based upon my years working with Fibromyalgia patients the greater the trauma usually triggers a greater symptomatic response. Patients will tell of a moment in time when they knew their symptoms had greatly increased.
Another form of trigger is emotional trauma. This often involves a loss of a family member or illness. Also today there are as many as 20% of military returning from Iraq , Afghanistan, or other military areas that have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. One wonders how many have been misdiagnosed.
Finally, chemical trauma is another trigger but it is often insidious. The most common form of chemicals are molds and spores that are either in the individuals home or at work. Fibromyalgia patients are often much more sensitive than most individuals. The reaction to molds and spores often takes time for the individual to have symptoms. Chemicals such as perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants and even clothing detergents can trigger new or worsening Fibromyalgia symptoms.
If you wish more information on these triggers or your condition please feel free to contact me at my clinic. 480-948-4955 or check out my website at www.fibrowellnesscenter.com