Fibromyalgia: An Invisible Disability

By Dr. Janet McKenzie, ND

What is fibromyalgia?
Researchers and other experts in health care have described it as:

• a "rheumatic" musculo-skeletal condition;
• a condition of the nervous system related to abnormal pain perception;
• an auto-immune disorder;
• an aspect of post-traumatic stress disorder;
• physical symptoms of depression.

As a naturopathic doctor and someone who has fibromyalgia, my opinion is that it is most likely a neurological condition with a genetic predisposition that comes into full expression when triggered by another illness or a traumatizing event.