The American College of Rheumatology described fibromyalgia as “a common neurologic health problem that causes widespread pain and tenderness”¹. While it’s considered a chronic illness, it is not categorized as an autoimmune disease or type of inflammation. The exact cause of the condition remains to be a mystery, however research suggests that the nervous system is involved in its development.
Symptoms that accompany fibromyalgia include:
- widespread pain or tenderness within muscles and tissues
- cognitive issues
- migraines
- bowel issues
- muscle spasms
- sleep problems
- sensitivity to light
- depression
- tiredness and fatigue
Interestingly, another condition that shares many of these symptoms is adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue happens when one experiences an overabundance of chronic stress, causing a burnout of the adrenal glands. These glands are meant to release anti-stress hormones such as cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline to enhance the senses and put the body on high alert. An overproduction of these hormones can eventually cause a hormonal imbalance which throws off energy levels throughout the system. This results in low energy levels, weakness, cognitive problems, body aches, and reliance on caffeinated drinks and sugar.
While these two conditions impact different systems in the body (with fibromyalgia being a dysfunction of the nervous system and adrenal fatigue being a dysfunction of the endocrine system), many have wondered if these diseases somehow relate to each other. Based on some research, it seems that there are a few common correlations between those with fibromyalgia simultaneously suffering from adrenal fatigue. Additionally, some patients misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia actually have a form of adrenal insufficiency and vice versa.
The question is, how do these different illnesses relate to each other?
Which condition came first?
How are they similar?
The Similarities
While these two conditions both have symptoms in common, they also share some additional similarities. For instance, both of them have questions surrounding their true existence as official diseases. One misconception surrounding fibromyalgia is that it’s not a real condition since its cause seems to appear under mysterious circumstances. Furthermore, it’s not categorized as an autoimmune disease nor is it related to any infection or inflammation in the body. What’s even more frustrating is that it can’t be detected through any bloodwork, X-rays, or other testing methods, which further causes doubt to its existence. To this day, doctors still have not solved the real origin of the disease, and this had led to many thinking that their symptoms are “in their head” or an underlying root cause of other issues. Regardless of what some may think, fibromyalgia is recognized as a chronic disease by the medical community.
Meanwhile, adrenal fatigue is not recognized as an official condition whatsoever by traditional medicine due to a lack of definitive proof that chronic stress can lead to a depletion of cortisol production. Even though people inquire on their existence, these two conditions also share a significant factor that plays a role in both developments: stressful triggers.
Their Relationship
Many people in the workforce may claim that their performance in their jobs improves while they’re under pressure. That’s because the adrenaline and cortisol hormones released throughout their body enhances their abilities. While some may enjoy these brief “superpowers” that they gain by purposely placing themselves under stressful situations, this can have drastic health consequences. Our bodies react to stress in multiple ways, however much of it stems from the adrenal glands that are inducing the “fight or flight” response. Those who are exposed to chronic stress within their daily lives are at high risk of depleting their anti-stress hormones which eventually leads to adrenal fatigue. Subsequently, studies show that emotional stress has an effect on one’s perception of pain because of the drop in cortisol, human growth hormones (HGH) and dopamine. As a result, this makes them more vulnerable to fibromyalgia symptoms². This is possibly the reason why those with adrenal fatigue feel frequent body aches while people with fibromyalgia experience fatigue. Additionally, this could also be the reason why these conditions are often confused with each other.
Which One Came First?
According to a blog by Dr. Michael Lam, people with fibromyalgia are also found to have adrenal fatigue³ and many wonder if the stress from adrenal fatigue precipitated the development of fibromyalgia or vice versa. Some theories suggest that fibromyalgia is a result of “stress-induced disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis 4” (which is the key system that controls the adrenal glands and the production of stress hormones.) In addition, those with fibromyalgia often show depleted levels of cortisol, which could indicate adrenal fatigue. However, since adrenal fatigue is unnoticeable in its early stages, it’s likely that people will experience symptoms of fibromyalgia first with fatigue as an apparent symptom. For this reason, many believe that adrenal fatigue develops as a result of fibromyalgia. Although, most studies suggests that fibromyalgia forms due to decreased hormone production which causes eventual body pain. Still, both conditions are undetectable in their early stages, making it difficult to determine precisely which condition came first.
Discuss Your Symptoms With A LifeWorks Practitioner
Both of these illnesses can appear different from patient-to-patient, therefore it’s essential for those to discuss their symptoms with a LifeWorks practitioner. This will help them create the right treatment program for the individual to alleviate all symptoms and increase their quality of life. Treatments can range from detoxification, intravenous therapies, supplement regimens, peptides, hydrocortisone, hormone therapy, and/or dietary changes.
If you or someone that you know are currently suffering from adrenal fatigue or fibromyalgia, please call to schedule an appointment with a LifeWorks practitioner at 727-466-6789. To learn more about these conditions and their treatments, visit our website at www.lifeworkswellnesscenter.com.
Helpful Energy & Fatigue Resources
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment - a page dedicated to treating chronic fatigue.
- Energy & Fatigue Testimonials - patient success stories overcoming chronic fatigue.
