Much beloved performer Lady Gaga announced to the world in 2017 that she is one of many who suffer from fibromyalgia. Her brave admission has helped many who experience daily undiagnosed chronic pain.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a difficult-to-diagnose medical condition characterized by daily chronic pain and fatigue. Those who suffer from this debilitating condition report many different symptoms.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia are wide-reaching and can be different for each sufferer. Here’s a list of the more common ones.
Chronic Pain
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain. This can be a pain in the muscles all over the body or more localized pain when pressure is applied to a muscle. Researchers believe this can be caused by changes in how the nervous system processes pain signals.
Sensitivity to Light and Sound
Higher sensitivity to light and sound is another common symptom. This can be accompanied by headaches or migraines.
Depression and Anxiety
Chronic pain from fibromyalgia often leads to an increase in depression and anxiety. Difficulty thinking and concentration issues are also common.
Unexplained Fatigue and Foggy Brain
Those suffering from fibromyalgia report overall tiredness no matter how much sleep they get. Along with feelings of fatigue, another common complaint is confusion and difficulty focusing.
Consult With a Health Care Professional
If you feel that you could be suffering from fibromyalgia, talk to your primary care physician. This difficult-to-diagnose condition can be debilitating. Its cause is unknown but can be effectively treated and managed.
