Fibromyalgia can be a complicated (yet common) pain disorder, affecting patients in different ways. The Mayo Clinic says experts believe fibromyalgia is caused by the way a patient’s brain “amplifies” painful sensations.
While there doesn’t seem to be one cause, there are a number of factors that have been identified that could lead to a higher risk of the pain disorder, for which there isn’t yet a cure (although there are treatments). Let’s take a look at six of them…
Genetics
MedicineNet.com says there is “increasing evidence” that supports a clear genetic link for fibromyalgia. In fact, the source says that siblings, parents, or children of people with the disorder are eight times more likely to develop the disorder.
“There are several genes that have been suspected to play a role in fibromyalgia syndrome,” explains the source. The source adds that studies of twins have shown that 50-percent of fibromyalgia risk is genetic, and the other half is outside factors.