• Inflammation is the one condition that is classically blamed for the intense pain associated with fibromyalgia. Cytokines are proteins that serve as messengers between cells. Cytokines regulate various inflammatory responses and in some cases, like fibromyalgia, it is believed that certain cytokines are overproduced. This leads to increased pain signals, achiness and fatigue.

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is often observed in patients with fibromyalgia. The mitochondria are the power house of cells, specifically, muscle cells. In the mitochondria, glucose is converted to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used by the muscles for energy. In many patients with fibromyalgia, the mitochondria of many cells in the body have been shown to be impaired.