There are many different theories as to the cause(s) of Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndromes. Mainly because there are no physical examination tests or laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis the cause has remained elusive. Some of the precipitating factors which have been proposed are; infections, car accidents, presence of Lupus or hypothyroidism, Arnold-Chiari Malformation, toxic exposures and periods of extreme stress.

Some of the other schools of thought are that Fibromyalgia is caused by a number of factors compounding upon each other.

One factor that runs consistent throughout the literature is the effects of the Autonomic Nervous System. Think "automatic" when you try to relate to this system. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) handles all of the automatic functions of the body. This system regulates hormones, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, bowel and bladder tone. The ANS works closely with the regulation of the neurotransmitters such as Substance P (involved with increased pain perception), Endorphins (generally shown to be decreased in Fibromyalgia patients, this substance is important in the reducing the body's interpretation of pain), Seratonin (Higher levels in the brain elevates mood, Fibromyalgia patients have lower levels in the brain and higher levels in the body - this causes inflammation and pain).There are two portions of the Autonomic nervous system; the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic. The Sympathetic portion is involved in the "Fight or Flight" mechanism which basically puts the body in battle mode. This speeds the heart rate, increases blood to the muscles and increases levels of neurotransmitters involved in these actions. The Parasympathetic is the slower mechanism involved in activities such as digestion and sleep. Most Fibromyalgia patients are "stuck" in the Sympathetic mode in the ON position. This causes disturbances in the sleep patterns (which has also shown to decrease production of adrenalin and other neurotransmitters) thus causing fatigue. Being stuck in the Sympathetic mode also disrupts digestion and assimilation of proper nutrients ( again causing fatigue). This vicious cycle of fatigue and inability to sleep causing disruption of normal nerotransmitter production is at the core of this Syndrome.

HERE IS A LINK TO SUPPORT THIS THEORY (CLICK)

If there was a method for restoring normal balance to these two systems there should be a reduction in the symptoms. Chiropractic Cranial has been shown to balance out these two parts of the nervous system (proven with Heart Rate Variability). The practitioner does not cure any symptoms, he only puts the body in better position to heal itself.