Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain, which can affect various regions of the body simultaneously. Among the most commonly affected areas are the shoulders, arms and the collarbone region. This distribution of pain is not random and is related to specific mechanisms involved in the physiopathology of fibromyalgia.
One of the main explanations is in central awareness. In fibromyalgia, the central nervous system amplifies pain signals, making the body more sensitive to mechanical, postural stimulus and even to the weight of the limbs. The shoulder and scapular waist area is highly requested in everyday life, participating in almost every arm movement. This functional overload, associated with neurological hypersensitivity, favors the onset of persistent pain in these areas.
The shoulders, arms and collarbones concentrate large amounts of muscles, tendons and fascias that remain in constant activity, even when in partial rest. In people with fibromyalgia, these tissues may present increased basal muscle tension. This ongoing tension contributes to deep pain, heaviness, stiffness and discomfort radiating in the arms or neck.
Another significant factor is the presence of painful points in the palpation, historically associated with fibromyalgia. Many of these points are located in the cervical region, on the shoulders and near the collarbones. Although the concept of tender points is no longer used in isolation for diagnosis, these areas continue to be recognized as regions of the highest sensitivity for much patients.
Pain in arms may occur from radiation. Changes in pain processing make it difficult for the brain to accurately locate the source of the painful stimulus. Thus, the pain can start in the shoulders or neck and spread through the arms, forearms and even hands, without corresponding to the typical trajectory of an injured nerve. This feature differentiates fibromyalgia pain from classic neuropathic pain.
The clavicle region is also sensitive due to its proximity to important nerve and muscle structures. In fibromyalgia, light stimulus such as bag weight, bra straps, or your posture can trigger pain in the area. Deep skin hypersensitivity makes common pressures perceived as painful.
Posture and muscle fatigue play an extra role. Chronic pain and fatigue lead many people with fibromyalgia to adopt compensatory postures, such as raised shoulders or projected forward. Over time, this increases tension in the cervical and scapular waist muscles, aggravating pain in the shoulders, arms and clavicular region.
In addition, emotional stress, often associated with fibromyalgia, contributes to involuntary muscle contraction, especially in the shoulders and neck region. This sustained tension pattern intensifies local pain and favors more intense seizures in these areas.
Synthesis, the pain in the shoulders, arms and clavicle in fibromyalgia results from a combination of central sensitivity, persistent muscle tension, regional hypersensitivity, functional overload, and postural changes. These pains are part of the overall picture of fibromyalgia and reflect the complex interaction between the nervous system, muscles, and daily routine, even in the absence of visible structural injuries.
