Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by muscular pain, headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, morning stiffness and mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Scientists at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, report that fibromyalgia, which has been diagnosed in children, adolescents and adults of both sexes, affects about 4 percent of the U.S. population. Low vitamin D levels may contribute to musculoskeletal pain in some individuals who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Causes
The underlying physiologic abnormality that causes fibromyalgia has not been identified. Inflammation does not play a prominent role in this condition. Since fibromyalgia runs in families, inheritance may be a factor. Some scientists believe that hypersensitivity of pain centers in your central nervous system or imbalances in signaling between your hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenals could account for fibromyalgia symptoms.
Osteomalacia
A study published in the December 2003 issue of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" demonstrated that a significant number of people with persistent, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain -- some of whom are diagnosed with fibromyalgia -- have low vitamin D levels. However, due to their vitamin D deficiency, many of these individuals suffer from osteomalacia, or "softening of the bones," rather than fibromyalgia. Osteomalacia is known to cause chronic musculoskeletal pain, and correction of vitamin D deficiency usually leads to a resolution of symptoms over several weeks to months.
Vitamin D Receptors
Nearly every tissue in your body contains receptors that are stimulated by vitamin D. Although the functions of vitamin D receptors in most tissues have not been clearly defined, it is clear that vitamin D performs as a hormone in your body and that it affects multiple organ systems. Some investigators have even theorized that vitamin D plays a role in regulating your pain response. However, a June 2009 editorial in "The Israel Medical Association Journal" contends that there is no substantial evidence to support vitamin D's role in pain perception and specifically mentions the lack of a clear association between fibromyalgia and vitamin D.
Considerations
A September 2008 review in "Rheumatology" reported that vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is relatively common among the general population, leading some scientists to postulate that "hypovitaminosis D" is a driving force behind the rising incidence of these illnesses. While no solid link has been established between fibromyalgia and vitamin D, there is certainly a subpopulation of people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but who are actually vitamin D deficient and suffering from osteomalacia. Ask your doctor whether vitamin D supplementation is appropriate for you.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Fibromyalgia; S. Chakrabarty, R. Zoorob; July 2007
- "Mayo Clinic Proceedings"; Prevalence of Severe Hypovitaminosis D in Patients with Persistent, Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain; G.A. Plotnikoff, J.M. Quigley;
- "The Israel Medical Association Journal"; The Diverse World of Vitamin D: Does It Also Modulate Pain Sensation?; Y. Arnson, et al.; June 2009
- "Rheumatology (Oxford)"; Hypovitaminosis D among Rheumatology Outpatients in Clinical Practice; M. Mouyis, et al.; September 2008
