In 1993, May 12 was established as World Fibromyalgia Day, in addition to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome. This day was established in order to inform and raise public awareness about these syndromes and to show the reality and needs of those affected and their families.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized fibromyalgia as a disease in 1992. This pathology is classified as a clinical syndrome of unknown origin, its main characteristic is a general chronic pain in the locomotor system. This ailment leads to a progressive loss of quality of life for all those affected.
The young population is the main group of people affected by this disease. However, fibromyalgia can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, headaches and depression. Speaking in figures, fibromyalgia affects 2-3% of the population, this figure increases exponentially in women with 3-6%.
The date chosen for the celebration of the world day – May 12 – commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910), a woman considered one of the pioneers of modern nursing.
Complaint from the associations
The patients’ associations denounce that today there are still doctors who are unaware of the fibromyalgia disease, and therefore its diagnosis by a professional is complicated. In the same way these associations claim that this pathology should be recognized as a disability, even though it does not cause a progressive degeneration.
Lady Gaga and Fibromyalgia
Lady Gaga’s temporary withdrawal from the stage coincided with the publication of herself on Twitter confirming that she suffers from Fibromyalgia. The artist had no problem in uncovering the disease that many people suffer from around the world, and is so difficult to diagnose even for the best professionals.
In our documentary the #chronicillness #chronicpain I deal w/ is #Fibromyalgia I wish to help raise awareness & connect people who have it.
– Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) September 12, 2017.
In addition to admitting the disease she suffers from she announced a documentary in which she will tell her experience and it will be broadcasted on Netflix: “in our #ChronicDisease and #ChronicPain documentary I talk about #Fibromyalgia. I hope to help raise awareness about it and connect with people who suffer from it.
Having a frustrating day with chronic pain, but I find myself feeling so blessed to have such strong intelligent female doctors. I think about Joanne too and her strength and the day gets a little easier. Plus I got @wanaynay by my side. “Hey Girl, we can make it easy if we lift each other.” ?
A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Nov 17, 2016 at 1:49 PST
On the other hand, she also made public a photo on Instagram in which the artist could be seen suffering from the disease. “Going through a frustrating day with chronic pain, but I feel so blessed to have such strong and smart women doctors,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
In turn in Lady Gaga’s daily struggle with fibromyalgia she also gives some tips that have helped her. She commented on Twitter that applying ice for the pain was not a good idea, however, combining cold and heat helped her to relieve the pain.
Thought ice helped #Fibromyalgia. I was wrong & making it worse. Warm/Heat is better. Electric Heated Blanket, Infrared Sauna, Epsom Baths.
– Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) September 12, 2017
Recommended treatments.
Fibromyalgia has no cure, therefore treatments are focused on improving the quality of life of sufferers and controlling symptoms as much as possible to thus, minimize them. The treatment varies according to the type of patient, as well as the way the disease manifests itself. On the other hand, doctors have different preferences when it comes to recommending or diagnosing one treatment or another. There are several types of treatments such as: Medications, Physical Rehabilitation, Massage, Myofascial Relief, Craniosacral Therapy, Flexyx Neurotherapeutic Systems, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Stretching Exercises, Aerobic Exercises, Ancillary Therapies, Posture Training, Occupational Therapy, Relaxation Therapy, Nutrition, Acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.