Fibromyalgia: when the world around is too much

What is fibromyalgia? 

The definition of fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness characterized by widespread pain, persistent fatigue, sleep disorders and cognitive difficulties. It mainly affects women and is still poorly understood. Long thought to be psychological in origin, it is now recognized as a neurophysiological disorder involving the central nervous system.

The main symptoms: pain, fatigue, cognitive disorders

As well as chronic pain, patients often complain of intense fatigue, concentration and memory problems (the famous ‘fibro-fog’), digestive problems and sleep disturbances.

Central nervous system disorder? New hypotheses.

Recent research suggests that fibromyalgia may result from an alteration in the brain's processing of painful and sensory signals, which would explain the increased sensitivity to various stimuli.

Hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia: poorly understood symptoms 

What is hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli? 

Sensory hypersensitivity is an over-reaction to stimuli that are tolerated by most people: bright light, moderate noise, light smell. The brain interprets this information as aggressive, causing discomfort or even pain.

Why are patients with fibromyalgia highly sensitive to stimuli? 

In people with fibromyalgia, the sensory tolerance threshold is lowered. This could be linked to altered regulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, or to hypersensitivity of the central nervous system.

A link with dysfunction in the processing of sensory stimuli 

Neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain of a fibromyalgia sufferer reacts more intensely to even mild auditory or visual stimuli. This dysfunction may partly explain the hypersensitivity.

Light, sound, smell: when your five senses become the source of suffering 

Light sensitivity 

Bright light, whether natural or artificial, can cause migraines, eye strain or a feeling of sensory aggression. Some patients wear tinted glasses to filter the light and reduce discomfort.

Hyperacusis and intolerance to noise 

Everyday noises, however insignificant (the sound of a hoover, people's conversations, slamming doors),can become unbearable. This auditory hypersensitivity can lead to a patient's isolation and cause anxiety.

Hypersensitivity to smell 

Perfumes, household products, deodorants or cooking smells can cause nausea, dizziness or headaches. This is sometimes referred to as multiple chemical sensitivity.

Emotional hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia 

Difficulty managing intense emotions 

Patients may experience their emotions in an amplified way. Joy, anger, fear or sadness take on unusual, embarrassing or even painful dimensions.

Stress and emotions as pain triggers 

Stress, conflicts or intense emotional charge can trigger or aggravate pain attacks. The brain, already hypersensitive, reacts to these emotional stimuli as if they were physical.

The impact of social relations on everyday life 

Misunderstanding from people close to a patient, and emotional hypersensitivity can sometimes lead to a patient's withdrawal from their usual everyday life, and cause anxiety or depression. It becomes essential to listen to oneself and one's needs.

How to better manage hyperpersensitivity symptoms when you have fibromyalgia? 

Adjust your sensory environment (light, noise, smell) 

Creating a calm, subdued, odor-neutral environment can help reduce sensory aggression. Technical aids (earplugs, filtering glasses) can also be helpful.

Take care of your mental and emotional health 

Better management of emotions, through relaxation, mindfulness or therapy, can have a positive effect on overall hypersensitivity.

Other tips: CBT, meditation, sensory therapies… 

Certain behavioral and cognitive therapies (CBT), meditation and sensory and motor therapies can help train the brain to tolerate stimuli. Support from healthcare professionals from different fields is often beneficial.

Conclusion

Sensory and emotional hyperpsensitivity is an integral part of everyday life for many people with fibromyalgia. Understanding it better, welcoming it and incorporating it into the disease management is an essential step towards improving quality of life.