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Why Fibromyalgia Occurs: Understanding the Disorder and Innovative Treatments

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions worldwide. Characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, it has long puzzled researchers and healthcare professionals. However,...

By Elliot Nation, Senior Practitioner at The BrainWave Clinic

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions worldwide. Characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, it has long puzzled researchers and healthcare professionals. However, advances in neuroscience imaging now suggest that fibromyalgia is fundamentally a disorder of sensory processing, where the body’s nervous system becomes hyper-sensitive. This heightened sensitivity can be traced to trauma and stress, which dysregulate the body's normal pain perception mechanisms. Excitingly, innovative treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are emerging as potential ways to manage this condition effectively. 

Fibromyalgia as a Disorder of Sensory Processing

Fibromyalgia is not simply a musculoskeletal disorder, as was once thought. Instead, it is now understood to involve dysfunction within the central nervous system, specifically in how the brain and spinal cord process sensory signals. In individuals with fibromyalgia, the nervous system amplifies normal sensory inputs, perceiving non-painful stimuli as painful and exaggerating genuine pain signals.

This phenomenon, known as central sensitisation, is the hallmark of fibromyalgia. It occurs when the central nervous system becomes hyper-responsive, leading to persistent and widespread pain. This sensitivity also explains the condition's common symptoms, such as heightened sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, as well as the fatigue and cognitive issues often referred to as "fibro fog."

How Trauma Sensitises the Nervous System

Trauma, both physical and emotional, is a significant factor in the development of fibromyalgia. Childhood trauma, prolonged stress, and even infections can disrupt the body’s natural ability to regulate pain. Chronic stress and trauma affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the stress response, leading to an overproduction of stress hormones such as cortisol. Over time, this dysregulation sensitises the nervous system, creating a feedback loop of pain and heightened sensory awareness.

Moreover, studies have shown that trauma can lead to long-lasting changes in the brain's structure and function. Regions such as the amygdala, which processes emotions, and the prefrontal cortex, which regulates decision-making and self-control, become overactive. These changes perpetuate the cycle of pain and sensitivity, making it difficult for the body to return to a state of balance. 

rTMS: A Promising New Treatment

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging, non-invasive treatment that shows great promise in managing fibromyalgia. This innovative therapy involves using magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex. By modulating neural activity, rTMS can help reset the brain's pain perception and sensory processing mechanisms.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that rTMS can reduce the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and depression. Unlike pharmacological treatments, which often come with side effects, rTMS offers a targeted approach with minimal risks. As a result, it is gaining recognition as a potential game-changer for individuals struggling with this debilitating condition.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia arises from a complex interplay of trauma and central nervous system dysfunction, resulting in heightened pain perception and sensory sensitivity. Understanding its roots as a disorder of sensory processing has opened new avenues for treatment, with rTMS standing out as an exciting development. At The Brainwave Clinic, we are committed to exploring cutting-edge therapies to help individuals reclaim their lives from chronic pain. If you or someone you know is living with fibromyalgia, contact us to learn more about how rTMS could make a difference.

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