Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a non-inflammatory rheumatologic disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, depression, cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbance. Research suggests that autonomic dysfunction may account for some of the symptomatology of fibromyalgia.

It is unclear exactly the cause of fibromyalgia, however it is generally agreed upon in the literature that it is a disorder of central pain processing. 

There are been multiple investigations and trials focusing on the autonomic dysfunction of fibromyalgia which also encompasses the links with pain, sleep disturbances, generalised anxiety, panic disorder and chronic fatigue and preliminary evidence supports the theory that the autonomic dysfunction with an increased sympathetic arousal (fight/flight) with a decreased parasympathetic (rest/digest) activity resulting in a dulled response to stressors and poor modulation. 

This poor modulation and blunted autonomic response can be measured in the heart rate variability (HRV) of a patient with fibromyalgia. 

HRV is the time interval between each beat of the heart. It is an important physiological marker as the heart rate is affected by mental and emotional states as well as physiological processes such as respiration, changes in blood pressure, blood flow, thermoregulation, the brain’s central commands, thoughts and metabolic activity. 

All of these things influence the autonomic nervous system which is the final common pathway for HRV.

The studies looking at the relationship between HRV and fibromyalgia have determined that integrative approaches that involve biofeedback and relaxation techniques as well as education may be helpful as a treatment for fibromyalgia. 

At More Pathways we have all the tools necessary for measuring HRV and working in clinic with biofeedback. We hope we can help.