Blog Posts

Hi everyone, and welcome back to this weeks blog post.  I have yet to discuss or provide my thoughts on something that I see quite often in my office with clients – the topic of Fibromyalgia.  Is it real?  What is it?  What causes it?  Can we treat it or what are the treatment options?  Lets take some time to discuss!

What is Fibromyalgia?

From what we know at this point, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, extreme fatigue, and a host of other symptoms that can drastically impact daily life. Unlike many other conditions, fibromyalgia doesn’t show physical damage to tissues or organs but involves a heightened sensitivity to pain signals from the nervous system.  Thus, many people seek medical help, only finding there isn’t anything they can find “wrong” – adding to frustration.  Yet, the pain is real!

Causes of Fibromyalgia

Genetic Predisposition:

There’s some evidence suggesting that genetics might play a role in the development of fibromyalgia. People with family members who have the condition might be more predisposed to it. This could be due to inherited traits that affect how the body processes pain.  In other words, a lot of medical professional have no idea as to the cause of fibromyalgia, only offering “suggestions” as to the cause of it.

Neurochemical Changes:

One leading theory is that fibromyalgia involves changes in the central nervous system’s way of processing pain. This might involve neurotransmitter imbalances or alterations in how pain messages are interpreted, leading to an amplification of pain signals.  To me, this is the closest theory that makes sense, as pain goes “hand in hand” with the central nervous system and the brain.  We know that the brain process can process pain and that depending on how the brain is functioning, you get relief or not!

Physical or Emotional Trauma:

Often, fibromyalgia symptoms begin after an event such as an accident, surgery, significant stress, or trauma. Emotional distress, including PTSD, has been linked with the onset or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms, indicating a possible connection between psychological health and physical symptoms.  There is a lot of truth to this – as many clients who come in for treatment having PTSD, Major Depression, Anxiety, OCD or other disorders. 

Impact on Mental Health

Depression and Anxiety:

The chronic, debilitating nature of fibromyalgia often leads to depression and anxiety. The constant pain, coupled with societal misunderstanding of the condition, can make individuals feel isolated and misunderstood, worsening mental health. Studies show that individuals with fibromyalgia are three times more likely to have depression at diagnosis compared to those without the condition.

Cognitive Impairment (Fibro Fog):

Many people with fibromyalgia experience what’s termed as “fibro-fog,” where they struggle with memory, concentration, and attention. This cognitive dysfunction can be as distressing as the physical pain, impacting work, daily activities, and social interactions. For me, this leads to the theory of brain dysfunction – meaning either the brainwave activity or the communication between various parts of the brain (that are needed for relief) are not working properly. 

Social Withdrawal and Isolation:

The unpredictability of symptoms often leads to social withdrawal. The inability to make plans or engage in social activities due to pain or fatigue can strain relationships and lead to feelings of loneliness or being a burden, further impacting mental health.

Coping and Management

Therapeutic Interventions:  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness have shown benefits in managing both the physical and psychological aspects of fibromyalgia. However, the best results I’ve seen is Neurofeedback therapy.  This therapy is aimed at the root cause of the pain – targeting the brain to ensure it is not only making sure the brain is communicating to other important parts (to find relief) but that the brainwave activity is such to promote brain health as well – leading to mental and physical health. 

Medication: Antidepressants are not only used to manage mood disorders but are also beneficial for pain management in fibromyalgia due to their effect on neurotransmitter pathways related to pain perception. I’ve seen people take Gabapentin or Cymbalta for nerve pain relief, but needless to say this is a chemical intervention that masks the problem – not aimed at resolving the issue.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular, low-impact exercise, stress management, and ensuring good sleep hygiene can mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life, which indirectly benefits mental health.  Also, never ignore the impact that diet changes have on fibromyalgia.  

Support Systems: Engaging with support groups or therapy can provide emotional support and understanding, reducing the isolation and stigma associated with the illness.

In the End

Fibromyalgia is a multifaceted condition with no singular cause but rather a confluence of genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors. Its impact on mental health is profound, often creating a vicious cycle where physical pain leads to psychological distress, which in turn can worsen physical symptoms. Understanding these connections is crucial for holistic treatment approaches that address both the physical and emotional components of the illness. By acknowledging and treating the mental health aspects alongside physical symptoms, individuals with fibromyalgia can work towards a better quality of life. 

If you would like to give Neurofeedback a try to help relieve or resolve the issues of fibromyalgia, please give us a call today!

Until next time,

Aaron Nicolaides, PhD, LCSW

Therapeuo Health – “Tackling physical and emotional pain”