The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Some researchers think fibromyalgia starts with a problem in the nervous system. This changes how the brain and nerves process pain signals, making people more sensitive to pain, cold, and other sensations. Others believe fibromyalgia begins with a disorder of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism and respond to stress.

Scientists believe that both hereditary and environmental factors influence a person’s risk for developing fibromyalgia, but no one has identified why some people get fibromyalgia and others don’t.

Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia

It’s important to note that while science is good at finding correlations, or apparent relationships, between factors and disease, correlation does not prove that the factor causes the disease. Many risk factors for fibromyalgia have been identified and are being studied, but none have been pinpointed as the cause of fibromyalgia.

Hereditary Factors

Fibromyalgia does not appear to be directly inherited from parents in any clear genetic pattern. However, people with a family member who has fibromyalgia do have a higher risk for developing the disease themselves. In one small study, blood relatives of someone diagnosed with fibromyalgia had a 26 percent chance of developing the condition. Research to better understand hereditary predisposition for fibromyalgia is ongoing.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women are more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is more common among people diagnosed with an autoimmune condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or spondylitis. The genes that predispose someone to autoimmunity may also pave the way for fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 45, but it’s sometimes diagnosed in children and older adults.

Environmental Factors

Researchers have identified a wide array of environmental factors linked to the development of fibromyalgia.

Studies have investigated specific viruses for links with fibromyalgia. Some scientists believe that one or more infections such as hepatitis C, Lyme disease, and HIV may cause genetic changes in some people that lead to fibromyalgia.

There are often links between psychological trauma and fibromyalgia. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for the development of fibromyalgia symptoms. Depression and fibromyalgia are closely linked. Some people experience their first symptoms of fibromyalgia after an emotionally traumatic event such as divorce, an abusive relationship, or the death of a loved one. Automobile crashes and surgery, which can cause physical as well as emotional trauma, are other common triggers. There is evidence that a history of childhood abuse may increase the risk for developing fibromyalgia, but more research is needed to confirm this link.

Fibromyalgia is commonly said to cause problems with sleep. However, some researchers theorize that sleep disturbances actually cause the fibromyalgia symptoms of pain and fatigue to develop.

Smoking cigarettes may increase the likelihood of developing fibromyalgia and worsen chronic pain. Having a higher body weight is also associated with having fibromyalgia.

Can Fibromyalgia Be Prevented?

Since we do not yet know what causes some people to develop fibromyalgia, there is no way to avoid getting the disease. Some risk factors, including genetic predisposition, are beyond anyone’s control.

If you’re concerned about a high risk of developing fibromyalgia, focus on reducing it by changing the factors within your control. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, avoiding cigarettes, and finding effective ways to cope with stress may help reduce your risk.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyFibroTeam, the social network for people with fibromyalgia and their loved ones, more than 288,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with fibromyalgia.

Have you had any of these factors associated with fibromyalgia? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.