Lady Gaga and life with fibromyalgia
The one thing that can really irritate Lady Gaga is people not believing that the pain from her fibromyalgia is real.
“People need to be more compassionate,” she told Vogue in an interview.
With a hit movie and soundtrack for “A Star Is Born” and the recent première of a two-year Las Vegas show, it is hard to imagine that less than 18 months ago, Lady Gaga stepped away from a tour over the chronic pain disorder.
The star attributes her illness to both physical and emotional issues including post-traumatic stress from a sexual assault at age 19 and breaking her hip in 2013.
Fibromyalgia has existed for centuries, according to the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association. But, it has often been misunderstood.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association.
An estimated 3 to 6 per cent of the world’s population suffer from the condition. While it can affect any age or race, about 75 to 90 per cent of those with fibromyalgia are women, MedPageToday reported.
The disease is considered a rheumatic condition, which, like arthritis, can impair the joints and/or soft tissues, and cause chronic pain and fatigue. But unlike arthritis, it does not cause damage or lead to inflammation.
What are the symptoms?
Most fibromyalgia patients report pain and fatigue as the primary symptoms. Others include: Concentration or memory problems, often called the “fibro Lady Gaga has in the past been sidelined by fibromyalgia.
fog.”
Sleep disturbances. Morning stiffness, impaired co-ordination. Headaches or migraines. Irritable bowel or bladder symptoms, painful menstrual periods.
Sensitivity to temperatures, loud noises, or bright lights.
Numbness or tingling of extremities, restless leg syndrome, Raynaud’s syndrome. Anxiety, depression.
Skin sensitivities and rashes, and dry eyes and mouth.
What causes the disease?
There is no single known cause of the disease, although there may be a genetic component. Researchers believe fibromyalgia may be the result of an injury, emotional distress or viruses that change the way the brain perceives pain. Those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and spinal arthritis may be more likely to have the condition, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What treatments are there?
A multispecialty approach may be needed to treat the condition, including medications, exercise, massage, movement therapies such as Pilates, chiropractic treatments, dietary changes, and acupuncture.
Lady Gaga has used warm heat, an electric heated blanket, infrared sauna and Epsom baths to help her fibromyalgia.