What is nociception ?

Nociception is the word used to describe how the pain messages travels through the body. During the process of nociception, an injury signals a nerve cell connected to both the site of injury and the spinal chord and causes the production of substance P. In healthy individuals, nociceptive signals are normally countered by antinociceptive substances neurotransmitters like serotonin and natural brain opiates. In fibromyalgia patients, however, who normally have lower levels of serotonin, pain signals may remain long after the injury has healed.

Return to: Fibromyalgia Definitions or view one of the following: Are there different types of fibromyalgia ? What conditions share symptoms of Fibromyalgia ? What is the standard dose or dosage used to treat fibromyalgia ? What can I do to avoid a flare-up of fibromyalgia symptoms ? How can cognitive-behavioral therapy help treat fibromyalgia symptoms ? Can a physical injury cause fibromyalgia ? How does fibromyalgia contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ? Who should I contact if I am being discriminated against at my job due to fibromyalgia? What is temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) ? What fibromyalgia symptoms may develop as a result of irregular sleep patterns ? How does fibromyalgia affect the central nervous system (CNS) ?