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Do you frequently feel exhausted? Besides merely being worn out from a long day, fatigue can be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, a medical condition that affects your nervous system.

Within this article, we explore the complex relationship between fatigue and peripheral neuropathy and show how two seemingly unrelated conditions can impact your health and well-being.

We’ll begin with an explanation of the various medical aspects of fatigue and some of the common factors and conditions that influence it. Then, we’ll discuss peripheral neuropathy and its distinct types, defining how it affects the nervous system, its role in inducing symptoms of fatigue, and other distressing symptoms it can induce.

We’ll also provide information on helpful approaches to managing fatigue, including lifestyle modifications, professional interventions, and preventive measures.

At Neuragenex, we understand how the effects of fatigue can significantly impact your quality of life. After reading this article, we hope you’ll have a better grasp of how peripheral neuropathy can cause fatigue, as well as new perspectives on this condition’s overall picture and how to manage its symptoms to enhance your quality of life.

Let’s begin by discussing what fatigue is, how it is perceived medically, and which conditions are frequently associated with this challenging symptom.

Fatigue May Not Be As Simple As Exhaustion

Imagine an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, a persistent lack of energy that makes you feel worn out and weary. This is how fatigue is commonly described, and it’s likely that you have experienced it or are currently confronting it. While fatigue is often linked with a stressful day or not getting enough sleep, its medical implications may not be so obvious. 

The relationship between fatigue and a variety of medical conditions raises intriguing questions about how the underlying mechanisms of illness and disease can affect our overall sense of well-being. This is particularly the case with peripheral neuropathy and how nerve-related problems can cause feelings of immense exhaustion and malaise.

It is important to pay greater attention to symptoms of fatigue and acknowledge the many underlying medical issues that can cause this feeling of extreme exhaustion. Peripheral neuropathy is just one of a number of illnesses connected to exhaustion that warrant our attention:

• Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a severe illness that results in multiple symptoms, including widespread musculoskeletal pain, tiredness, and hypersensitivity. Numerous people who have fibromyalgia suffer from chronically low levels of energy that are not improved by rest.

Symptoms of fatigue and malaise seen in fibromyalgia are thought to be caused by a dysfunction of the natural system that helps us deal with stress and energy, called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Additionally, individuals with fibromyalgia can have decreased melatonin secretion at night, which is linked to poor sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and altered pain perception.

• Diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Through a variety of mechanisms, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can result in sensations of exhaustion and fatigue.

Blood sugar fluctuations can prevent cells from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients, which will induce feelings of tiredness. Sleep deprivation can also be seen in diabetes, as high blood sugar levels cause headaches, thirst, and frequent urination at night.

In addition, the hardship of managing diabetes can have psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety, which can add to feelings of exhaustion.

• Sleep disorders

Insomnia and sleep apnea are just two of the many conditions that can significantly lower a person’s overall level of energy, rendering them with feelings of persistent fatigue.

These disorders can prevent you from reaching deep and restorative stages of sleep or leave you feeling unrefreshed and drained during the day. Disruptions to the natural sleep cycle prevent your body from maintaining adequate repair and rejuvenation, resulting in a constant sense of tiredness.

• Anemia 

Anemia is a medical condition that causes a deficiency of red blood cells throughout the bloodstream. This may be caused by an underlying issue such as low iron levels, immune disorders, or certain medications.

Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen to all of the body’s tissues and organs. When their numbers decrease, it leads to insufficient oxygen delivery, impacting overall bodily function. This deficiency in oxygen can result in feelings of exhaustion and fatigue as the body struggles to meet its energy demands.

• Peripheral neuropathy 

Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that are not connected to the brain or spinal cord. It is known to have various causes, including diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.

As our primary focus, we will discuss how peripheral neuropathy leads to fatigue in greater detail in the sections that follow.

When we have a deeper understanding of these factors, we can begin to comprehend how fatigue can go beyond just a lack of sleep and instead be linked to a number of medical issues.

In the upcoming sections, we will take a closer look at the connection between peripheral neuropathy and fatigue, clarifying how its effect on the nervous system may contribute to this widespread feeling.

How Fatigue Relates To Peripheral Neuropathy

While peripheral neuropathy may be an unfamiliar term, its implications can be profound. The peripheral nerves of the body become damaged by this complicated disorder, which disrupts the flow of information between the brain, spinal cord, and body.

Peripheral neuropathy often leads to damaged nerves in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, where it goes on to cause sensations of numbness, muscle weakness, balance problems, impaired reflexes, poor coordination, and even organ dysfunction in severe cases.

Over time, fatigue can develop as a result of peripheral neuropathy’s interference with regular bodily functions. The cycle of discomforts brought on by nerve injury can affect a person’s emotional well-being, in addition to causing physical pain.

This ongoing impact can cause individuals to feel worn out, leading them to seek additional rest. Moreover, neuropathy’s pain disrupts sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.

Additionally, neuropathy impairs muscle strength and limits physical activity, which decreases cardiovascular flow and exacerbates mood depression, all of which add to fatigue.

Finding effective relief from the discomfort and emotional toll that peripheral neuropathy causes can be a lifelong struggle that can create mental exhaustion and difficulty focusing.

Feelings of fatigue are linked to all of these challenges that peripheral neuropathy brings, highlighting the intricate relationship between the two. Let’s continue to look deeper into peripheral neuropathy’s complexities by examining its two distinct types, as well as several additional symptoms it can cause alongside fatigue.

Types Of Peripheral Neuropathy

There are two main types of peripheral neuropathy, and because of how they affect the nervous system, each type has slightly distinct symptoms, including different symptoms of fatigue. The two main types of peripheral neuropathy are:

• Demyelinating neuropathy

This type of peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerve’s protective layer, called the myelin sheath, suffers from damage. Swelling and inflammation lead to degeneration of this protective layer, which disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit nerve impulses, causing sensations of numbness and tingling.

Chronic levels of inflammation seen in this type of neuropathy can lead to a global overstimulation of the body’s cells, requiring increased energy output, which eventually leads to fatigue. Additionally, the discomfort and altered nerve functionality could potentially contribute to an individual’s overall sense of tiredness.

• Axonal degeneration

This form of peripheral neuropathy causes trauma to the axon, a crucial part of a nerve cell, which can lead to diminished nerve function, affecting both movement and sensation.

Axonal degeneration and fatigue are related in that when a nerve is damaged, it affects an individual’s ability to move, feel, and perform everyday tasks. This can cause muscle deterioration, resulting in weaknesses that make people feel drained and worn out physically as well as mentally.

Recognizing the complex links between nerve damage and fatigue is essential to understanding the overall effects of peripheral neuropathy on one’s well-being, even if the links can vary.

Accompanying Symptoms

Besides fatigue, peripheral neuropathy can bring about a series of accompanying symptoms. Identifying the additional discomforts that this complex condition can bring will lead to a more accurate diagnosis and proper management. Here’s a brief overview of some of these interconnected symptoms:

• Muscle weakness: When the nerves responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles become damaged, it can lead to reduced muscle strength and altered balance and coordination.

• Muscle spasms and twitches: Inappropriately fired impulses from damaged nerve cells can produce involuntary muscle contractions, such as spasms and twitches.
• Balance and coordination issues: As a result of muscle weakness brought on by damaged nerve cells, individuals may experience balance and coordination issues as the muscle fibers cease to coordinate coherently. 

• Pain and discomfort: A common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is pain. In both demyelinating neuropathy and axonal degeneration, pain can range from tingling, burning, and numbness to sharp, stabbing, agonizing sensations.

• Hypersensitive sensory responses: Nerve damage can result in heightened sensitivity, causing disturbance to touch perception and temperature sensations.
• Digestive and bladder problems: In rare or severe cases, peripheral neuropathy can impact the nerves that control the bladder and digestive tract. This may result in gastrointestinal distress like constipation and diarrhea as well as problems like altered sensations throughout the bladder or difficulties with urinary continence.

With a deeper understanding of these additional signs of peripheral neuropathy, you can discover suitable interventions to effectively manage your individual symptoms.

Let’s move our attention to some practical strategies you can use to combat the relentless effects of fatigue and try to recapture your energy levels.

Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Symptoms of Fatigue

Managing fatigue and chronic exhaustion is an individual journey, where strategies that work for some sufferers may not work for others. While there might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, there are some practices you can incorporate into your daily routine that can significantly improve your energy levels and overall well-being:

• Exercising: Regular physical activity that is appropriate for your level of ability can improve circulation, stimulate nerve function, and lift your mood. Walking, swimming, or light stretching are examples of low-impact workouts that might be particularly useful.
• Monitoring and improving sleep: Healthy sleep habits are fundamental when it comes to combating fatigue and rejuvenating both body and mind. These include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining a clean and comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and electronic devices close to bedtime.
• Practicing mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness practices can help manage the stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue associated with peripheral neuropathy and boost your mood. In addition to the frequently recommended techniques of meditation and breathing exercises, we advise engaging in any activity that helps you unwind and feel at peace, whether it be bathing in nature, reading a book, or spending time with a loved one.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that fighting fatigue starts with a solid comprehension of the condition and consistent application of fundamental management techniques such as those listed above. Integrating these practices into your daily life can pave the way for more energy and an improved sense of well-being, even in the presence of peripheral neuropathy.

Remember, it may take some time to find what works for you. However, regular communication with your healthcare provider can provide you with the confidence and support you need to adapt these strategies to your specific needs. Next, we will discuss some additional approaches that can be beneficial through the comprehensive guidance of doctors and alternative healthcare specialists.

Managing Fatigue Through Professionals

Seeking advice from medical experts can make a big difference when it comes to managing the various challenges that come with peripheral neuropathy. Even though this condition does not currently have a cure, there are a number of methods that may be implemented to alleviate many of its unpleasant symptoms, including fatigue.

Our article on the Neuragenex protocol for neuropathy explains how Neurofunctional Pain Management can provide enduring relief from peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Two additional approaches that healthcare professionals may recommend are:

Medications

Healthcare providers can prescribe a number of pharmaceuticals that are aimed at addressing specific symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. The types of medications utilized will vary, focusing on the different aspects of peripheral neuropathy, such as nerve pain, inflammation, or slowing the progression of underlying health issues.

The intention is to address these individual factors in order to reduce discomfort as well as the effects of fatigue.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy, sometimes called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a psychological therapeutic approach that can help combat disease and illnesses. It involves employing cognitive and behavioral interventions to create shifts in lifestyle and altering mindsets.

This therapeutic approach focuses on enhancing individuals’ resilience by equipping them with valuable coping mechanisms and strategies to manage emotional distress, anxiety, and stress – factors that can exacerbate fatigue.

Consulting with healthcare professionals ensures you receive a comprehensive and tailored approach that proactively addresses fatigue and its underlying causes, leading you toward a better quality of life despite the challenges of peripheral neuropathy.

Preventing Fatigue Caused By Peripheral Neuropathy

Prevention is the key to reducing the effects of peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. While the exact onset of peripheral neuropathy may not always be preventable, there are some measures you can take to minimize the potentially debilitating effects of fatigue taking hold. These include:

• Managing underlying health conditions: When underlying health conditions are addressed, such as diabetes, it can significantly reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy progressing.
• By working closely with your healthcare provider, following prescribed medications, and adopting lifestyle changes, you can promote an overall improvement in your health as well as diminish the likelihood of nerve damage that triggers fatigue. 
• Monitoring blood sugar levels: As one of the leading causes, diabetes and sustained high blood sugar levels damage nerves over time, contributing to peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. 
• For individuals with diabetes, it is important that vigilant monitoring and control of blood sugar levels is maintained to reduce the risk of poor health outcomes.
• Adhering to a balanced diet: Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals is crucial in supporting nerve health. 
• Adequate vitamin and mineral intake, particularly B vitamins and magnesium, can foster nerve health and resilience, potentially preventing the onset of neuropathy and the accompanying fatigue.
• Practicing regular exercise: In addition to the benefits of exercise in assisting with the management of fatigue, exercise is also beneficial in preventing this condition. Regular physical activity improves healthy circulation and nerve function in addition to improving overall well-being. 
• Exercise can help you keep a healthy weight, control your blood sugar, and avoid nerve damage, all of which can reduce the exhaustion brought on by peripheral neuropathy.

Individuals can drastically alter the course of peripheral neuropathy by proactively adopting these methods. With a comprehensive understanding and support from your healthcare providers, you can help reduce the risk and lessen the effects peripheral neuropathy and fatigue have on your life.

You Can Still Go Back To Your Active Lifestyle

The intricate link between peripheral neuropathy and the persistent feeling of exhaustion shows how varied this condition can be. Although this link may initially seem intimidating, it’s important to realize that there are workable strategies to reduce its impact on your overall health and well-being.

Individuals can successfully navigate the difficulties caused by peripheral neuropathy and the fatigue it causes by adopting a complete strategy that includes lifestyle modifications, professional guidance, and preventative measures.

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of available treatments and management strategies, you can make well-informed decisions about your healthcare that are tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Neuragenex offers specific therapies and support that can enhance your journey. Our innovative therapies are designed to target the root causes of peripheral neuropathy, addressing both its painful symptoms and the fatigue that often accompanies it.

With our team of experts, we can assist you on your path toward improved well-being, helping you regain a sense of vitality and an active life, even in the face of challenges. Your journey to relief and a magnified quality of life can begin with Neuragenex.

 

When we hear the term “osteoporosis,” thoughts of frail bones and diminished bone health likely come to mind, particularly as a result of aging. However, you should be aware of a lesser-known type of osteoporosis – secondary osteoporosis.

This article takes a closer look at the intricacies of secondary osteoporosis, highlighting its differences from primary osteoporosis and discussing the challenges people may face when dealing with this impactful form of bone disease.

We will explore the underlying causes, recognizable signs and symptoms, and the medical conditions often linked with secondary osteoporosis. Additionally, we will discuss the spectrum of management strategies, ranging from conventional treatments to innovative approaches such as Neurofunctional Pain Management.

Our goal is to provide insights that lead you toward finding effective treatments and enduring relief tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. We want you to live a life unburdened by the constraints of secondary osteoporosis.

With this knowledge, you can feel confident in making informed decisions regarding your bone health and overall well-being. Let’s begin by defining secondary osteoporosis and how it differs from primary osteoporosis.

What Is Secondary Osteoporosis?

Did you know that most of the adult skeleton is replaced roughly every ten years? Much like your skin, your bones continue to remodel throughout your life via an intricate process known as “resorption” and “renewal.” This process heavily relies on an equilibrium state of your body reabsorbing old bone tissue (resorption) and replenishing it with new tissue (renewal).

Secondary osteoporosis disrupts the delicate balance of your bone’s resorption and renewal, decreasing the quality and quantity of bone tissue. Decreased bone density significantly compromises bone health, reducing overall skeletal strength and increasing fracture susceptibility.

Recognizing that secondary osteoporosis shares important differences with its primary counterpart is crucial, which we will discuss next.

Differentiating Primary And Secondary Osteoporosis

Identifying the differences between the primary and secondary forms of osteoporosis is an important aspect of better understanding their unique attributes and health implications.

Primary osteoporosis occurs as a natural part of the aging process, where the pace of bone renewal slows over time. In comparison, secondary osteoporosis occurs as a consequence of secondary factors such as an underlying health condition or certain medications.

These secondary factors lead to heightened resorption, a situation where the rate of bone renewal cannot keep up with resorption, ultimately reducing bone density and increasing frailty.

When we can differentiate between the two forms of osteoporosis, it guides us toward tailored strategies for both disease prevention and symptom management. Moving forward, let’s look into the signs and symptoms that may indicate the development of secondary osteoporosis.

Common Signs And Symptoms Of Secondary Osteoporosis

Most bone diseases, including secondary osteoporosis, do not present symptoms during their early development. In fact, both osteoporosis forms are referred to as “silent conditions” because individuals frequently remain unaware of their presence until a minor incident leads to a major bone fracture, revealing the underlying bone frailty.

Nonetheless, secondary osteoporosis might reveal itself through several subtle symptoms. These include gradual height loss, a hunched posture of the upper back, and back pain. Additionally, individuals can experience localized discomfort in bones or joints, especially during load-bearing activities, along with extended periods of deep pain or tenderness following a minor injury.

By staying watchful and proactive, secondary osteoporosis may be detected early. This leads us to explore some of the causes of secondary osteoporosis in the upcoming section.

Causes Of Secondary Osteoporosis

We now understand that secondary osteoporosis is a multifaceted condition intertwined with secondary factors. For example, complications from various health conditions can bring rise to secondary osteoporosis. Additionally, medications prescribed to treat many health conditions can inadvertently contribute to weakened bones. 

Alongside these two common causes is an array of lifestyle factors and habits that influence overall bone health. Here, we will discuss the interplay of these components and how they collectively contribute to developing secondary osteoporosis.

Awareness of the potential side effects of all medications is pivotal, ensuring that you and your healthcare provider make informed choices that balance both your health needs and the preservation of bone density.

Lifestyle Factors

The lifestyle choices we make will greatly impact our overall bone health. Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises, such as weightlifting, is well known to improve overall bone density. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients, and avoiding detrimental habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are potent tools in the fight against secondary osteoporosis.

These lifestyle factors play important roles in managing the healthy balance of bone renewal and resorption, while optimizing overall health and promoting positive well-being.

Why Is Early Diagnosis Crucial?

Discussing your concerns about your bone health with your doctor is important. Learning all the facts and understanding the bigger picture of your bone health can help you to take proactive steps toward managing your overall bone health and preventing the progression or exacerbation of osteoporosis.

An early diagnosis, particularly a distinction between primary and secondary osteoporosis, is pivotal for uncovering the root cause of bone loss and making informed decisions about suitable treatments. The following section will discuss the more conventional approaches your doctor might recommend to address a diagnosis of secondary osteoporosis.

Conventional Approach To Managing Secondary Osteoporosis

Due to the multi-dimensional nature of secondary osteoporosis, many components of this condition require a specialist approach to finalize a comprehensive strategy tailored to your individual needs. Some of the components involved in this approach include:

• Involving various medical specialists: A team of medical experts can conduct specialist assessments and finalize a comprehensive strategy tailored to the individual needs of your bone health. 
• Depending on the underlying cause of your condition, this may include specialists such as endocrinologists, rheumatologists, nephrologists, physiotherapists, and pharmacists, all providing insights into the intricate interplay of various health factors to help manage secondary osteoporosis. 
• Medications: Your team of health professionals collaborates to assess the most suitable medication regimen for you. The medications prescribed target the specific mechanisms contributing to bone loss and work towards slowing down its progression. 
• Additionally, over-the-counter analgesics or more potent prescription drugs such as opioids may be recommended for painful symptoms. It is paramount that medications are carefully selected and monitored to ensure optimal effectiveness and minimize potential side effects.
• Lifestyle modifications: Positive changes to detrimental lifestyle habits can greatly enhance health outcomes for people with secondary osteoporosis. It may begin with receiving the necessary support to reduce alcohol intake or quit smoking. 
• Additionally, a tailored weight-bearing exercise program that is safe and effective can be established with guidance from your medical team. This program will help to strengthen bones and promote healthy renewal and resorption.
• Nutritional support: Establishing a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients is essential in fostering healthy bones. A nutritional expert can address your preferences and dietary requirements to formulate a plan that meets your needs.

While specific management plans may help slow the progression of osteoporosis, it can be challenging to address the accompanying painful symptoms without strong pain medications.

As a result, some individuals may seek alternative therapies that don’t rely on pharmaceuticals. In the next section, we explore Neurofunctional Pain Management as a solution for managing the pain related to osteoporosis.

How Neuragenex Targets Pain Caused By Osteoporosis

As osteoporosis weakens bone integrity, micro fractures can develop, especially within large weight-bearing joints such as the spine, hips, and knees. By targeting the nervous system’s response to pain, Neuragenex aims to relieve the pain caused by osteoporosis through specialized Neurofunctional Pain Management protocols. These include:

• Electroanalgesia
• Electroanalgesia involves high-pulse electrical stimulation that targets the intricate connections between pain, the nervous system, and the brain. This non-invasive therapy intercepts pain signals at the nerve’s source, providing pain relief at a cellular level. Electroanalgesia can mitigate the discomfort from osteoporosis-related microfractures by modulating the nervous system’s responses.
• IV therapy
• Specialized intravenous therapy (IV therapy) directly introduces vital nutrients essential for bone health into the bloodstream, enhancing their availability and maximizing their impact. This essential component of Neurofunctional Pain Management is a targeted approach that supports organ function, replenishes minerals, and reduces inflammation, contributing to overall pain reduction and more robust bones.
• Lifestyle counseling
• At Neuragenex, we understand that pain goes beyond physical sensations, where it also incorporates aspects of your mental health and overall sense of well-being. Our team of experts fosters an approach to pain management that encompasses the whole person. We offer personalized lifestyle counseling to support individuals with osteoporosis in making informed lifestyle choices. We provide guidance that includes exercise routines to fortify vulnerable joints, dietary recommendations to nurture bone health, and strategies to fosters mindful stress reduction habits.

Our specialized Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol utilizes these innovative techniques collaboratively to address the pain associated with this incurable disease. Let’s shift our focus to examine the prognosis of secondary osteoporosis.

Prognosis Of Secondary Osteoporosis

While secondary osteoporosis cannot be cured, detecting the condition early and following a management plan within the early stages can significantly alter its trajectory. The outlook for individuals grappling with secondary osteoporosis relies heavily on the steps you take to prevent it and the tailored treatments prescribed to you.

By working closely with your team of healthcare professionals, you can mitigate the impact of secondary osteoporosis and enhance the long-term health of your bones, optimizing your future health outcomes. 

Next, we will discuss some practical steps you can take that may help prevent the development of osteoporosis.

What Are The Prevention Strategies?

Prevention is the cornerstone of optimal health, including bone health. By employing practical strategies to promote strong bones, you can help prevent weak bones that are susceptible to breakage. These include:

• Embracing a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin D and calcium
• Engaging in bone-strengthening exercises like weightlifting or jogging
• Reducing your alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking
• Addressing underlying health conditions
• Maintaining regular bone health checkups

Although most of our bone strength develops during our childhood and teenage years, these are some helpful ways you can slow age-related bone loss to prevent your bones from becoming weak and brittle.

Stop Pain Associated With Osteoporosis With Neuragenex

Secondary osteoporosis is a complex condition that can significantly affect bone health and reduce the quality of life for those affected. However, through the insights of this article, you are now armed with the awareness and knowledge to actively lower your risk of this disease impacting your life.

Recognizing the subtle signs and symptoms, understanding how it develops, and exploring the management strategies available will contribute to mitigating the effects of secondary osteoporosis. By adopting practical strategies and staying vigilant with checkups, you can effectively reduce the risk factors associated with developing this complex condition.

Seeking professional guidance and prompt treatment can lead to effective solutions that manage the painful symptoms of secondary osteoporosis. You can find lasting relief and improved quality of life through the innovative techniques of Neurofunctional Pain Management.

At Neuragenex, our tailored approach strives to reduce pain and magnify your overall well-being. By embracing these strategies and seeking support from our experts, you can take charge of your bone health and pave the way to a future free from the constraints of secondary osteoporosis.

 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain throughout the body, fatigue, anxiety, and nerve dysfunction. Today, it affects the life of 4 million people in the US alone and, if left untreated, it can lead to disability. Given that there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, treatments primarily aim to ease its symptoms.

Despite how common and debilitating this condition is, its “invisible” nature has led to a delay in the research on its causes, symptoms, and prognosis. Certainly, with clinical trials only starting in the 1980s, a lot is yet to be understood about the nature of fibromyalgia.

However, one emerging hypothesis is that fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease, which is a condition caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells.

This theory hasn’t obtained widespread acceptance by the international scientific community but, if the findings of new research are accurate, it may open new pathways to better understand and treat fibromyalgia.

In this guide, we’ll look at the connection between fibromyalgia and autoimmunity, and how this condition can be addressed without medications or surgery. Let’s dive in.

The Link Between Fibromyalgia And Autoimmunity

To understand why fibromyalgia may be classified as an autoimmune disease, it is first important to determine what autoimmunity is. Autoimmunity refers to a condition where the immune system fights healthy tissues or cells in the body, mistaking them for pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.

When the immune system attacks those healthy cells, it also causes high levels of sustained inflammation and progressive damage.

Some common autoimmune conditions include Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. There is no cure for these conditions, and most treatments aim at helping patients manage their symptoms.

To categorize a disorder as an autoimmune disease, certain hallmarks should be present. These include:

• Damage to the body’s tissues caused by the immune system attack
• Sustained inflammation
• Autoantibodies 

Autoantibodies are protective proteins produced by the immune system, which mistakenly identify healthy cells in the body as foreign particles, and attack them. There are different types of autoantibodies, and each of them may attack one or more types of cells.

For example, the presence of the autoantibody anti-dsDNA is associated with the development of lupus, while anti-CCP is linked to an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

So, for fibromyalgia to be classified as an autoimmune disease, research must verify the presence of the hallmarks seen above. However, for decades, both the existence and the nature of fibromyalgia were controversial. Due to the lack of adequate diagnostic tools, this condition was classified as “arthritis-like” and described as “generalized musculoskeletal pain”.

However, fibromyalgia has several similarities with autoimmune diseases, including:

• It is more common in women
• It often develops following trauma or disease
• Pathogens like Hepatitis C can increase the risk of suffering from this condition
• It may occur alongside other autoimmune diseases
• It can develop after medical events like vaccinations and silicone breast implant procedures

New research has also shown that, besides similarities with autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia carries some hallmarks associated with autoimmunity:

• Autoantibodies: The autoantibodies anti 68/48 kDa and anti 45 kDa were found in 15.6% and 37.1% of patients with fibromyalgia, respectively. 
• Inflammation: A 2022 study shows that people with fibromyalgia have high levels of 19 inflammatory serum proteins, which are associated with widespread inflammation. 
• Damage: Fibromyalgia is often associated with small-fiber neuropathy (damage to nerve fibers).

Lastly, fibromyalgia is characterized by increased pain-related activity in the brain, which is linked to abnormal neuroinflammation, or the inflammation of the central nervous system (the nerves in the brain and spinal cord).

The Role Of Genetics And Immune System Obstruction

Given that the hypothesis that links fibromyalgia to autoimmunity isn’t widely accepted, this chronic pain condition isn’t officially classified as an autoimmune disease. Nonetheless, genetics and the immune system play a significant role in the risk and development of fibromyalgia.

According to a 2021 study, most of the symptoms of fibromyalgia – including fatigue and increased pain sensitivity – are caused by the abnormal increase in the activity of pain-sensing nerves throughout the body

Overactivity in the immune system usually occurs after an infection or injury, and it is caused by the presence of certain antibodies. This connection makes fibromyalgia a disease of the immune system.

Another factor playing a role in fibromyalgia is genetics. Research shows that having a close relative with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus increases your risk of developing fibromyalgia.

What’s more, according to a study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, having a first-degree relative with fibromyalgia may increase the risk of developing this condition by 8.5 times.

Although much is yet to be understood about fibromyalgia, research is uncovering the relationship between this condition and the immune system. This, in turn, is opening new treatment opportunities and pathways to explore.

Does Fibromyalgia Weaken The Immune System?

When the immune system experiences severe trauma, or it is called to respond to injury or infection (i.e.: Hepatitis C), it can start to malfunction. A malfunctioning immune system may produce autoantibodies that lead to autoimmune diseases, or it can become overactive and cause an increase in the activity levels of pain-sensing nerves.

These consequences can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. However, the opposite is also true: having fibromyalgia can lead to a weaker immune system.

Studies have shown that patients with fibromyalgia have high counts of pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune cells), which cause sustained inflammation. In turn, chronic inflammation can disrupt the functioning of the immune system and lead to autoimmune diseases and allergies.

In the long term, widespread inflammation can also lead to a cascade of complications. Firstly, it can damage healthy tissues, including cartilage and myelin, which is the nerves’ protective sheath. What’s more, when the immune system is constantly involved in the inflammatory response, it may not be able to correctly fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.

Lastly, ongoing inflammation can interfere with some of the body’s essential functioning, including digestion and sleep. A lack of appetite or sleep disturbances can further weaken the immune system and facilitate the development of illnesses.

2020 studies also show that fibromyalgia can be considered a low-cortisol state. Lower cortisol concentrations are associated with higher pain intensity, which is a symptom of fibromyalgia. Cortisol is a hormone responsible for regulating the stress response and the levels of estrogen in the body.

Low levels of cortisol cause estrogen levels to drop, which is associated with higher levels of progestin, a hormone that inhibits immune functions.

Over time, hormone fluctuations and chronic inflammation can compromise the immune system and make the development of other diseases and health conditions more likely.

The Challenges Of Diagnosing Fibromyalgia As An Autoimmune Disease

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are not immediately outwardly visible. Because of this, for many years, the very existence of this condition remained controversial. But, even more problematic is the fact that, due to the “invisible” nature of fibromyalgia, little research was conducted before the 1980s on the symptoms, causes, and outlook of fibromyalgia.

As a result, today, fibromyalgia remains challenging to diagnose and manage. And, given that the nature of this disease isn’t fully understood, no definitive treatments exist yet. Below, we’ll look into the challenges of diagnosing fibromyalgia as an autoimmune disease.

Difficulty In Identifying Common Symptoms And Causes

One of the main reasons why fibromyalgia remains hard to diagnose is that it is difficult for healthcare providers to identify the symptoms and causes of this condition.

Although the body of research around the causes of fibromyalgia has been growing since the 1970s, many patients today are forced to treat a condition with no identifiable cause. As seen above, current hypotheses outline how fibromyalgia may be caused by abnormalities in the functioning of the immune system, or by an interference with how the brain processes pain signals.

In patients who are at greater risk of suffering from this condition, fibromyalgia tends to start after other health events, like trauma, injury, illness, or mental health problems (i.e.: depressive episodes).

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are just as difficult to identify as its causes. Patients often experience widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, tiredness, anxiety, problems with memory, and headaches. Not only do these symptoms overlap with conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, but they are also similar to other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

A Lack Of Understanding Of Its Link To Autoimmunity

Besides the difficulty in identifying the symptoms of fibromyalgia, this condition remains challenging to diagnose as an autoimmune disease because it is not easily classified. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), fibromyalgia is classified as a “chronic widespread pain” condition.

Nonetheless, a 2018 review shows that, even though fibromyalgia causes pain, it is more than just a pain condition or a somatic symptom disorder (a mental health condition that causes distress because of physical symptoms).

The picture is made more complicated by the fact that only recently the body of research has started to point towards fibromyalgia as an immune system disorder rather than a nerve condition. More research is needed to classify fibromyalgia as an autoimmune disease and facilitate its diagnosis.

Diagnostic Criteria For Fibromyalgia Is Not Well Defined

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is challenging due to the lack of reliable diagnostic procedures. Additionally, the symptoms of this condition can vary significantly from one person to another.

The first attempt to outline the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia took place in 1990 when the American College of Rheumatology determined 18 spots in the body that can be painful in people with fibromyalgia. If at the time of appointment, a patient experienced pain in at least 11 of these 18 “tender points”, they were diagnosed with this condition.

However, since this first attempt, the scientific community agreed that the pain caused by fibromyalgia changes in location and intensity constantly. So, basing a diagnosis on a set of static points was not an efficient strategy. To increase accuracy, the American College of Rheumatology upgraded the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia in 2010.

Today, diagnosing fibromyalgia involves a physical examination, blood tests, and a review of the patient’s symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe a thyroid function assessment, checks for celiac diseases, tests to determine nutritional deficiencies, and a Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test to determine whether you may be at risk of this autoimmune disease.

Although these new diagnostic criteria help, most cases of fibromyalgia are diagnosed through exclusion.

Conventional Treatment Options For Fibromyalgia

Currently, there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia. Most lines of treatment aim to reduce the symptoms of this condition and help people manage their pain to maintain a normal daily life.

If more research confirms the autoimmune nature of fibromyalgia, patients may start to take advantage of therapies to retrain and strengthen the immune system. However, for now, fibromyalgia is often treated through pharmacological therapies, alternative medicine practices, physical and occupational therapy, and stress management strategies. 

Let’s look at how these approaches work below.

Lifestyle Changes

Positive lifestyle changes can go a long way to help you manage your fibromyalgia pain. Some steps to take include:

• Education: A 2021 study shows that the more a patient is educated about fibromyalgia and treatment options, the better he or she can cope with the symptoms. Education can also help you keep up with innovations and research updates. 
• Improved sleep quality: The increased sensitivity to pain and distress caused by fibromyalgia cause sleep disruptions in over 95% of people with this condition. A lack of sleep translates into a decrease in pain threshold, increased daytime fatigue, higher levels of stress, and sustained inflammation. 
• Staying active: Regular physical activity can help you increase your muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. Aside from helping you build the foundations of overall health, regular exercise can help you remain independent in your daily life and trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. 

Medications

Pharmacological therapies are often the first line of treatment prescribed to patients with fibromyalgia. Common medications include:

• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a class of drugs prescribed to manage to ease pain and inflammation. These drugs are often available over-the-counter, and they may be effective in the short term to reduce pain during a flare-up.
• Anti-seizure drugs: Antiepileptics are a class of drugs that modulate the normal pain signaling between the nerves and the brain. This helps manage an overactive transmission of pain and reduces pain sensitivity in people with fibromyalgia. 
• Antidepressants and muscle relaxants: Antidepressants work by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in the spinal cord responsible for reducing pain signals. Antidepressants also help promote feelings of relaxation, induce sleep, and help with depression.

Although these medications may help in the short term, it is important to note that they come with severe side effects, including fatigue, mood swings, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, gastrointestinal ulcers, and addiction.

Physical And Occupational Therapies

Some physical and occupational therapies can provide relief from fibromyalgia pain and offer guidelines to remain independent in your daily life despite your diagnosis. Some of these therapies include:

• Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist will be able to help you adjust your lifestyle to reduce fibromyalgia pain while keeping up with your work and hobbies. 
• Physical therapy: Physical therapists will design exercise programs to boost your strength and flexibility. Recommended activities include yoga and aquatic exercises. 
• Massage and acupuncture: Massage therapy and acupuncture can relieve muscle tension, stimulate the circulation of blood and oxygen, and trigger the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins. The combination of these actions can relieve pain and promote a sense of well-being. 
• Stress-management techniques: Stress management techniques and mind-body exercises can relieve tension, boost your overall mental health, and increase your ability to cope with painful sensations. Some activities that may be beneficial for fibromyalgia pain include meditation, body scans, and biofeedback. A 2018 study also shows that breathing exercises “produced relevant benefits on pain threshold tolerance”. 

Although these therapies may help you improve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, it is important to note that your psychological health will impact your perception of pain and the progression of the disease. So, if you are experiencing fibromyalgia alongside depression or anxiety, a mental health professional should be your first port of call.

Neurofunctional Management Approach To Treat Fibromyalgia

Given that a lot is not yet understood about fibromyalgia, receiving such a diagnosis can thoroughly change your life. In most cases, having fibromyalgia means experiencing disabling pain, living a life reliant on medications, or giving up your favorite activities. And, the discovery of a definitive cure may seem like a distant dream.

Fortunately, taking medications daily or just surrendering to pain and discomfort are no longer the only prospects. Thanks to the whole-person, non-pharmaceutical approach pioneered by Neuragenex, you can regain control over your life, reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and start living pain-free.

Based on electroanalgesia, IV therapy, and lifestyle counseling, the custom Neurofunctional Pain Management programs designed at Neuragenex will help you magnify your quality of life and build the foundations of long-term health.

Here’s what to expect:

• Electroanalgesia: This is a pain management method that uses high-frequency pulses of electricity delivered through the skin to the area affected by pain. The electrical pulses interfere with the normal transfer of pain signals to the brain, thus leading to relief from pain. The massage-like sensations caused by the pulses of electrical current also stimulate the production of pain-killing endorphins and the circulation of healing blood, nutrients, and oxygen around the damaged tissues.
• IV therapy: Following comprehensive blood tests, custom IV therapy mixes are delivered to address any nutritional deficiency that may be aggravating your pain. In the case of fibromyalgia, IV therapy can also be used to replenish the levels of Vitamin D, reduce chronic inflammation, and provide long-lasting hydration. 
• Lifestyle counseling: A specialized lifestyle counselor at Neuragenex will guide you in the process of identifying and addressing those lifestyle factors that may be worsening your condition. For example, obesity, being overweight, leading a sedentary life, a lack of sleep, and high levels of stress can contribute to inflammation and intensify painful sensations.

As more research shows the connection between fibromyalgia and immune system dysfunction, Neurofunctional Pain Management can also help you strengthen your immune system to support long-term health and well-being.

A Safe And Effective Treatment Starts With An Accurate Diagnosis

While a lot is yet to be understood about fibromyalgia, there is no need to live a life reliant on pain medications or suffer the consequences of chronic inflammation. Thanks to the non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and non-chiropractic approach developed by Neuragenex, you can regain control over your life, manage your pain, and restore your health.