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Both fibromyalgia and neuropathy are two different conditions, though they share similar symptoms. Both can cause widespread pain, fatigue, and sensory disturbances like numbness and tingling. However, the underlying causes of these disorders may be different. If you’re wondering, “Can fibromyalgia cause neuropathy?” you’re in the right place.
ANF Therapy®️ is the newest treatment for fibromyalgia. It uses frequency-charged devices, aiming to correct dysfunctions in your body and activate your body’s own natural healing process. Moreover, it is a drug and chemical-free therapy that is designed to target the root cause of disease rather than only treating symptoms.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic neurological disease that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive issues. Approximately 4 million people in the U.S. deal with this condition. It is primarily caused by disturbances in pain processing signals in the brain, which leads to increased sensitivity to pain.
Some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Pain throughout the body
- Tender points that are sensitive to touch
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Cognitive problems, such as fibrofog
- Numbness and tingling in lower extremities
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy involves damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system (the system of nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord). It can affect sensory nerves, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves. It is associated with conditions like diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and injuries. Some of the symptoms of neuropathy are:
- Tingling or numbness
- Burning sensation
- Weakness
- Pain
- Coordination problems
How are fibromyalgia and neuropathy related?
Fibromyalgia is mainly a disorder of pain processing, while neuropathy involves direct damage to nerves. However, the pain experienced in both conditions can feel similar and may be part of the reason why some people with fibromyalgia experience symptoms like tingling or numbness, which are typical of neuropathy.
Moreover, fibromyalgia patients often experience increased sensitivity to pain, a phenomenon known as allodynia. This may make them more susceptible to the discomforts of neuropathy, even if they don’t have the underlying nerve damage usually seen in neuropathic conditions.
Here are some overlapping symptoms both fibromyalgia and neuropathy exhibit:
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Sleep disturbances
- Cognitive issues (fibro fog)
- Allodynia (sensitivity to touch)
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
Can fibromyalgia cause neuropathy?
While fibromyalgia is not directly known to cause neuropathy, some people with fibromyalgia may experience neuropathy-like symptoms. Researchers believe there could be a connection between the two conditions, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. In some cases, fibromyalgia might contribute to or increase nerve-related symptoms without directly causing nerve damage.
What does Research Say?
Some studies suggest that chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia may alter how the nervous system functions. These changes may lead to an increased perception of pain and sensitivity to stimuli that would normally be non-painful. This increased sensitivity might mimic neuropathic pain, even if the nerves themselves aren’t damaged.
Recent research indicates a complex connection between fibromyalgia and small fiber neuropathy (SFN). According to the study, approximately 40% of fibromyalgia patients meet the diagnostic criteria for small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) and have objective pathological or physiological evidence of SFPN. However, the remaining 60% do not exhibit signs of neuropathy, suggesting that not all fibromyalgia patients experience this complication.
Another study found that about 50% of fibromyalgia patients showed damage to their small unmyelinated nerve fibers. Moreover, research revealed that approximately 41% of skin biopsies from fibromyalgia patients were diagnostic for small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN).
In one study, 57.3% of fibromyalgia patients scored high on the Neuropathic Pain Symptoms Inventory, indicating a high level of neuropathic pain. Additionally, reduction in nerve fibers has been observed in fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy individuals. This supports the possibility of neuropathic involvement in fibromyalgia. Some studies suggest that fibromyalgia may involve autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which is commonly associated with small fibre neuropathy.
Although these findings suggest a strong link between fibromyalgia and neuropathy, the exact nature of the relationship remains unclear. It is still uncertain whether fibromyalgia directly causes neuropathy or if neuropathy exists as a co-occurring condition in some fibromyalgia patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the nature of the connection between these two conditions and determine the best approach for treatment.
Start your journey with ANF Therapy®️:
ANF Therapy®️ is the newest treatment for managing fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or related symptoms. If you’re suffering from fibromyalgia, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at Find ANF Clinic to start your treatment with ANF Therapy®️ today!
If you’re a healthcare practitioner and want to enhance your clinical skills with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Therapy®️ and ANF Clinical education program by visiting www.anfacademy.com.
About ANF Therapy®️
ANF Therapy®️ uses circular ANF Devices, which are applied directly on the skin after palpation and assessment by a trained ANF Therapist following the ANF Therapy®️ Method, Patented Model no. U202030252, ES1259974.
The ANF Therapy®️ purpose is the alleviation of injury and pain within minutes.
Our aim is that the patient experiences a reduction of pain and swelling, an increase in range of motion, and an improvement in quality of life related to health. Non-transdermal, non-invasive device, NO needles or chemicals are used.
Do you need help with your health issues? Have you been experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia?
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