I've always understood fibro to be another immune system disorder. Like lupus (which attacks the body's organs without "reason"), fibro sends pain signals that are not in response to an actual injury. That makes sense when you take into account that stress makes fibro worse - your body is already in an elevated state of anxious response to stressful stimuli. It's almost like the fibro is along for the ride. I noticed that once I left my stressful marriage and job, my fibro is MUCH improved. It's not gone, but now the triggers seem to be more weather-related. So the "why" of fibromyalgia is that your body is on a hair trigger in its response to any kind of threat, whether a bad marriage or a bad boss or something else. I think it makes sense that so many of us feel better once we are able to embrace quiet and stress reduction. Obviously, I am speaking from my personal experience and I'm sure there are many who continue to suffer even with stress reduction. Hugs and support and wishes for relief.