Research has described some people suffering with fibromyalgia as having decreased blood flow to certain areas of the brain which help adapt pain signals sent from the spinal cord to the brain. The theory that some people with fibromyalgia have very high intensity pain messages sent to the brain, along with a lack in pain inhibition, is supported by the research indicating abnormal levels of serotonin, and decreased brain blood flow.

So what exactly is pain serotonin?

Serotonin is a chemical substance that is located in the brain and a neurotransmitter that has an effect on the amount of pain that a person can withstand. Serotonin normally reduces the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain.

Serotonin level, this can have an effect on your pain threshold too. Because serotonin helps keep ‘pain gates’ closed, a lack of it can make you feel more pain

Serotonin blocks the perception of pain in the brain. It is dispatched to the area of the spinal cord where substance P is being released, helping to counteract it. This goes beyond mood. It’s a physical suppressing of the pain signal.

Serotonin also increases the flexibility of veins, arteries and capillaries. The more flexible they are, the less likely they are to generate pain.

What makes serotonin pain particularly relevant to those suffering with fibromyalgia syndrome?

Serotonin has also been found to play an important key role in sleep regulation. There are recent medical studies which show abnormal low levels of this hormone in people suffering with fibromyalgia. This would explain why people suffering with fibro have such trouble getting a good nights sleep. Regardless of which is accurate, both sleep and serotonin have a positive impact on pain.

Serotonin levels are also naturally lower in women versus men, possibly making them more susceptible to developing fibromyalgia, or more susceptible to the chronic pain symptoms experienced by the majority of individuals who have this medical disorder.

The beneficial impact of serotonin could possibly help back pain or pain in the neck or other extremities, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia pain, or neuropathic pain (nerve pain).

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