Do you share Gaga’s pain?
SINGER Lady Gaga has recently had to postpone the European part of her tour due to pain caused by her fibromyalgia.
The 31-year-old star shared an Instagram message thanking people for meditating and praying with her and pledging to raise awareness and expand research into the medical condition, once she has recovered.
Today, World Arthritis Day focuses on fibromyalgia with a Don’t Delay, Connect Today campaign to highlight the benefits of early diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia remains undiagnosed in up to three out of four people, and diagnosis time averages five years. As well as pain all over the body, other symptoms can include extreme tired- ness, stiffness in muscles, joint swelling, insomnia, anxiety, headaches and memory and concentration problems.
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), including fibromyalgia, affect a quarter of all people in Europe and are the biggest cause of sick leave and premature retirement worldwide.
Others include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
Family history, smoking, excessive weight, sedentary lifestyles and injuries can be triggers. However, in some case the causes are unknown.
If you have concerns, it’s important to speak to your doctor, as medication and lifestyle changes can help you to manage symptoms.