Beyond the Fog: Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility & the Neurodivergent Journey – Finding Clarity When Pain Speaks Many Languages

Let's talk about something many in our hypermobile and neurodivergent circles know intimately, often whispering in hushed tones of shared fatigue and persistent ache: Fibromyalgia.

It’s a word that carries weight – sometimes relief (finally, a name!), sometimes confusion, and often, a heavy cloak of misunderstanding. Today, we gently pull back that cloak, exploring what fibromyalgia is, its surprising connections to our worlds of bendy joints and unique neuro-wiring, and the crucial question: Could this diagnosis be pointing towards something else?

Fibromyalgia: The Body's Amplified Alarm System

Imagine your nervous system, specifically the part processing pain, has its volume knob cranked way up. Sounds that should be whispers (like normal pressure or touch) become roars. That’s the essence of fibromyalgia (FM). It's a central sensitization syndrome – meaning the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals.

• What it Feels Like: Widespread muscle pain and tenderness ("tender points" were once key, now it's more about widespread pain), profound fatigue that sleep doesn't fix ("unrefreshing sleep"), brain fog ("fibro fog"), headaches, digestive issues, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or temperature.

  
  

• The Mystery of "Why": Pinpointing a single cause is elusive. It's likely a perfect storm: genetic predisposition, infections, significant physical or emotional stress (trauma), and disruptions in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine) that regulate pain, sleep, and mood. It’s your body stuck in a persistent state of "high alert."

The Unexpected Neighbors: FM, Hypermobility (EDS/HSD), and Neurodivergence

Here’s where it gets deeply relevant for our ParaMotion family. Research and lived experience are revealing profound overlaps:

1. FM & Hypermobility/EDS: Studies consistently show a significantly higher prevalence of FM in people with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and hypermobile EDS (hEDS). Estimates suggest 40-70% of people with hEDS/HSD also meet the criteria for FM. Why?

   • Constant Micro-Stress: Unstable joints and lax connective tissue mean muscles work overtime just to hold you upright and stable. This relentless, low-grade strain is a potent trigger for central sensitization and chronic pain pathways.

   • Proprioceptive Confusion: Hypermobility often involves faulty proprioception (sense of body position). This constant neurological "static" can contribute to pain signaling errors and central nervous system dysregulation.

   • Shared Pathways? There may be underlying genetic or physiological factors affecting both connective tissue integrity and pain processing.

     
     
     
     

2. FM & Neurodivergence (ND): Similarly, ADHD, Autism, and other forms of neurodivergence appear more frequently alongside FM. The reasons are complex and intertwined:

   • Sensory Processing Differences: Many ND individuals experience sensory overload. Living in a world that constantly overwhelms can prime the nervous system for hypersensitivity, including pain amplification.

   • Chronic Stress: Navigating a world not designed for neurodivergent brains is inherently stressful. Chronic stress is a major driver of central sensitization and HPA axis dysfunction (the body's stress response system), both implicated in FM.

   • Executive Function Strain: The constant effort required for focus, regulation, and social navigation in ND individuals can be profoundly exhausting, mirroring and potentially worsening FM fatigue.

     
     

3. Co-occurring Conditions: Many also navigate Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) – where the body’s immune 'sentries' overreact to everyday triggers (scents, stress, even foods). This can mirror FM pain and fatigue, creating a perfect storm with hypermobility or neurodivergence. For those with EDS, fragile tissue may ‘leak’ inflammatory chemicals deeper; for neurodivergent folks, sensory overwhelm can ignite the fire. It’s all connected: nerves, immune whispers, and the courage it takes to hold it all. Dysautonomia (like POTS) and gastrointestinal issues (like IBS) are also common in EDS/HSD,  ND populations and FM, creating overlapping symptom profiles.

   
   

The Crucial Crossroads: When "Fibromyalgia" Might Be a Signpost, Not the Destination

This high co-occurrence rate leads us to a vital, sensitive point: Fibromyalgia can sometimes be a misdiagnosis, or an incomplete picture, for people with underlying hypermobility/EDS or complex neurodivergent presentations.

Why does this happen?

1. Symptom Overload: Both EDS/HSD and complex neurodivergence and their comorbidities can cause widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog – the hallmarks of FM. A busy clinician might see this pattern and apply the FM label without digging deeper into joint history or neurotype.

2. EDS Awareness Gap: hEDS, the most common type, is still under-recognized by many healthcare providers. Its diagnosis relies heavily on clinical history and examination (no simple blood test!), which takes time and expertise.

3. Neurodivergence Masking: Many adults, especially women, navigate the world undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Their chronic pain and fatigue might be initially attributed solely to FM, missing the underlying neurodivergent context impacting their nervous system.

If You Have a Fibromyalgia Diagnosis: Questions to Explore (With Your Doctor)

This isn't about dismissing FM – it's a very real and debilitating condition. It is about ensuring you have the most accurate understanding of your body and nervous system to guide effective management. Consider exploring these avenues:

1. Joint History Deep Dive: Did you sprain ankles easily as a kid? Can you do party tricks (bend thumbs backwards, hyperextend elbows)? Do your joints subluxate (partially dislocate) or feel unstable? Do you have unusually soft, stretchy, or fragile skin? Any family history of similar issues? This points towards HSD/hEDS.

2. Neurodivergent Reflection: Have you always felt "different" in how you process sensory information, social interactions, or focus? Do you experience intense interests, need strict routines, or struggle with executive function (planning, organization, working memory) in ways that significantly impact daily life? This suggests exploring neurodivergence.

3. Beyond Pain & Fatigue: Do you experience:

   • Dizziness or fainting on standing (POTS/dysautonomia)?

   • Significant digestive issues like IBS?

   • Easy bruising or poor wound healing?

   • Dental crowding or high palate?

   • Autonomic symptoms (temperature dysregulation, bladder issues)?

   • These are common in EDS/HSD and often co-occur with complex neurodivergence.

Finding Your Path Forward

Whether fibromyalgia stands alone or co-exists with hypermobility, EDS, or neurodivergence, the management protocols are the same. Understanding the why behind your symptoms – the intricate dance between your connective tissue, your nervous system, and your unique neurotype – is the first step towards personalized, effective management.

At ParaMotion, we understand this complexity. Our approach to movement therapy is rooted in neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and hypermobility-aware principles. We focus on:

• Gentle Proprioception: Retraining your joint sense for better stability and reduced muscular strain.

• Nervous System Regulation: Using breath and mindful movement to soothe that amplified "alarm system."

• Strength with Safety: Building supportive strength without pushing unstable joints.

• Sensory-Integrated Practice: Creating movement experiences that respect your sensory needs.

• Pacing & Energy Management: Honouring your unique rhythm in a world that often demands too much.

The journey through chronic pain and fatigue, especially when layered with hypermobility and neurodivergence, can feel isolating and foggy. But you are not alone. By seeking clarity, asking the deeper questions, and finding movement that respects your whole being. Looking for the right help and guidance is crucial for progress and at the same time finding a community that can support you along your journey.