The Link Between Fibromyalgia And Your Neurotransmitters

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that we are learning more and more about each year.

That being said, there’s still a lot of things we don’t know about it.

The most current research seems to indicate that there is a link between fibromyalgia and your neurotransmitters.

That is a promising direction because your neurotransmitters can be affected by working with a naturopathic doctor.

If you’re looking for a fibromyalgia clinic in Toronto contact me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND.

But first, let’s talk more about fibromyalgia, neurotransmitters, and the connection they have.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain throughout your body.

At this time, the exact cause is unknown.

But, it has been linked to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which changes the way your central nervous system processes pain messages.

Genetics and traumatic events are also thought to play a role in the potential development of fibromyalgia.

Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

In addition to pain throughout your body, if you have fibromyalgia you may also experience:

• Extreme tiredness
• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Difficulty sleeping or achieving optimal sleep
• Muscle stiffness
• Headaches
• Living with irritable bowel syndrome like symptoms
• Problems with mental processes such as memory or concentration

At the time of writing, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia.

So when it comes to naturopathic services for treatment of fibromyalgia, the focus is to ease your symptoms.

What Is A Neurotransmitter?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers your body uses to send messages between nerve cells.

They’re mostly found in your brain and in your nervous system.

Some common neurotransmitters you may have heard of include:

• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
• Oxytocin
• Histamine
• Adrenaline

Neurotransmitters Linked With Fibromyalgia

As mentioned above, fibromyalgia is linked to abnormal levels of particular chemicals in the brain.

The three main brain chemicals that fibromyalgia is linked to are:

• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Norepinephrine

Let’s explore each in more detail below.

1. Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by your nerve cells.

It’s mostly found in your digestive system.

Among other things, serotonin is linked with:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Wound healing
• Bone health

There is a growing body of research which links people with fibromyalgia with low levels of serotonin or low serotonin activity.

Studies have shown that supplementing serotonin improved symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even somatic pains in a number of patients with fibromyalgia.

2. Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced in your brain

It plays a role in how you feel pleasure, think, plan, focus, and find things interesting.

It’s also linked with:

• Digestion
• Blood flow
• Kidney function
• Pancreas function
• Sleep
• Gross & fine motor control

Studies have shown that fibromyalgia patients have an abnormal dopamine response to pain.

This could be a critical link between fibromyalgia and the symptoms of pain and discomfort that you may experience.

This link is a promising option to explore.

3. Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is the last main brain chemical that is linked to fibromyalgia.

It is a chemical in your body that acts primarily as a neurotransmitter within your nervous system.

It plays a key role for a variety of vital body functions including:

• Blood flow to muscles
• Contraction of muscles
• Heart rate and blood pressure
• Fight or flight response to threats
• Inflammation
• Memory
• Alertness
• Mood
• Arousal or interest

This list is by no means exhaustive.

Studies have found that fibromyalgia patients have norepinephrine-evoked pain.

This supports the hypothesis that fibromyalgia may be a sympathetically maintained pain syndrome.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance As A Treatment For Fibromyalgia?

As it stands, there’s still so much we don’t know about fibromyalgia.

Researchers continue to study this disorder to get a better understanding of how we can make those with it feel better.

However, neurotransmitter imbalance is an interesting direction.

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, Today

As you can see, fibromyalgia is a complex condition.

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mitigating the typical symptoms associated with it.

If you want to address your neurotransmitters, or any other general health concerns, book an appointment today with me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND.

Both fibromyalgia and neurotransmitter imbalances are more common health issues than you might think, and they can be frustrating and difficult to live with.

But there is hope.

Contact me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, today, and let’s get to the bottom of your symptoms and build a treatment plan to address them.