What triggers fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread bodily pain. It is often accompanied by draining fatigue and sleep disturbance. Many people with fibromyalgia become hypersensitive. A light touch from another person can feel uncomfortable, even painful. Sounds may seem too loud, lights too bright, and bodily sensations that normally go unnoticed can be felt as intrusive or even unpleasant. It has been described as ‘like someone turning the volume on the nervous system up to maximum’.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience these symptoms, you may be wondering what the possible triggers could be. We’ve asked expert consultant rheumatologist Dr Vijay Hajela to explain the risk factors when it comes to a fibromyalgia flare-up.

What is it caused by?

We don’t know for sure why fibromyalgia develops. There may be an inherited tendency to fibromyalgia but it is still unclear if this is a genetic or environmental effect.
 

What triggers flare-ups?

We certainly recognise certain triggers. These are usually some sort of trauma to the body such as a major physical or psychological trauma, which sometimes occurs early in life. Examples include an assault, surgery, especially when recovery has been complicated, or road traffic accidents.

My view is that this injury has the effect of ‘resetting’ the body’s pain system, such that there is a new normal for what triggers the brain to register a sensation as painful.

We also recognise that the condition, once triggered, has a tendency to relapse. Most individuals will be able to identify their own specific triggers to relapse and these might include other illnesses or injuries (e.g. surgery, an accident) or psychologically stressful life events such as moving house, breaking up with a partner, changing jobs or even Christmas!

Read more: how to handle a fibromyalgia flare up.