Recently, a dear friend of mine told me that they had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It wasn’t a great surprise to me because for years they had been talking about living with constant pain. For them, getting the “diagnosis” has really helped them take control of their situation, learn more about their illness, and discover treatment options.

Chances are you’ve heard of fibromyalgia, but in case you haven’t, it is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals (Mayo Clinic, 2017).

As we talked about the diagnosis, they shared with me that they encountered many people who seem to think its all make-believe and fibromyalgia isn’t real. My friend’s own father told them they needed to toughen up and that it was all in their head. That made me sad to hear and unfortunately, many people seem to feel this way about fibromyalgia.

But let me tell you this, fibromyalgia is very real and it deeply impacts millions of Americans. In fact, the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA) indicates that the illness affects up to 4 percent of the world’s population, and anywhere from 5 million to 10 million Americans. It is much more common among women, who account for 80 percent of patients.

It was only recently that fibromyalgia has begun to be understood and accepted. In the 1980s, several key research studies confirmed that fibromyalgia was a real medical condition. In the 1990s and 2000s, guidelines to diagnose and treatment options were made available to those suffering from the illness.

Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes fibromyalgia, but your genetics, infections, and/or trauma (physical or emotional) may be contributing factors. While the causes may not be clear, we do have many treatments and modalities that help those living with fibromyalgia.

There are a host of medications that can reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia; these include pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. Those suffering from fibromyalgia may also benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speaking with counselors and support groups.

Just the other day, I read an article on WebMD that reported the pop star Lady Gaga has long suffered from fibromyalgia and she was postponing her European tour related to the illness. She has come out publicly to inspire conversation on the topic and let people know the importance of supporting those who suffer from this illness.

We need more people to come out publicly and address the need for understanding, compassion, and acceptance. I’m hopeful that in the coming years, more research and dialogue will remove the stigma associated with having fibromyalgia.

Here at WVMC, we care for many community members who suffer from fibromyalgia and we will always do everything we can to help them. If you suspect that you may be suffering from the illness, please don’t hesitate to come see us. We offer a variety of treatment options and are always here to answer any questions that you might have.

Cheers.