Chronic Pain: Overlapping Conditions

Overlapping conditions often occur with fibromyalgia.  Please see the listings below for more information about each condition. Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system (CNS) illness, which includes the brain and spinal cord.  Nerve cell endings, or receptors, are at the front end of pain sensation.  A stimulus at this part of the nociceptor unleashes a cascade of neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit information within the nervous system) in the spine.  Each neurotransmitter has a purpose.  For example, substance P relays the pain message to nerves leading to the spinal cord and brain.  These neurotransmitters may also stimulate nerves leading back to the site of the injury.  This response prompts cells in the injured area to release chemicals that not only trigger an immune response, but also influence the intensity and duration of the pain.  With chronic pain, the CNS becomes over-sensitized and does not process information appropriately.