Guide To The Causes, Risk Factors, And Triggers For Fibromyalgia

Presence Of Rheumatic Conditions

An individual affected by any of the numerous rheumatic conditions has an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia compared to individuals who are not affected. Between fifteen and thirty percent of individuals with rheumatic or autoimmune disorders also have fibromyalgia. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes severe inflammation in the body and chronic pain. The mechanism is thought to be related to long term inflammation exposure that leads to the transition between peripheral pain and chronic central pain. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that shares many symptoms with fibromyalgia. Autoantibodies have been identified in systemic lupus erythematosus patients that are directed against certain receptors called NR2A and NR2B units. These receptors are abundant throughout the peripheral and central nervous system, and identified autoantibodies can produce adverse effects on emotional behavior, cognitive function, and pain processing. While exact mechanisms and definite pathways of how immune system components in individuals affected by rheumatic conditions increase the risk of fibromyalgia, it is known to be associated with a combination of irregular nerve impulse and abnormal antibody activity.

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