Introduction
If you’ve been feeling exhausted, achy, and overwhelmed lately, you may be experiencing the signs of fibromyalgia. This chronic condition affects millions of people, including celebrities like Lady Gaga. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the surprising signs of fibromyalgia that you may be experiencing, as well as how to get help if you think you may have it.
Surprising Signs You Have Fibromyalgia Like Lady Gaga — Eat This Not That
Lady Gaga recently revealed that she has been living with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. While the singer is not alone in her diagnosis, many people may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition. Here are some surprising signs that you may have fibromyalgia, just like Lady Gaga.
1. Unexplained Pain
One of the most common signs of fibromyalgia is unexplained pain. This pain can be felt in the muscles, joints, and tendons, and can range from mild to severe. It is often described as a burning, stabbing, or aching sensation. It can also be accompanied by stiffness and tenderness.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of fibromyalgia. People with this condition often feel tired and exhausted, even after getting a full night’s sleep. This fatigue can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities.
3. Cognitive Difficulties
Cognitive difficulties, also known as “fibro fog,” are another symptom of fibromyalgia. People with this condition may have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions. They may also experience confusion and difficulty finding the right words.
4. Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are another common symptom of fibromyalgia. People with this condition may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also experience restless leg syndrome, which can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest.
5. Sensitivity to Light and Sound
People with fibromyalgia may also be sensitive to light and sound. They may find that bright lights or loud noises are uncomfortable or even painful. This can make it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks.
6. Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are also common in people with fibromyalgia. These feelings can be caused by the pain and fatigue associated with the condition, as well as the cognitive difficulties and sleep problems.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms. So don’t be afraid to speak up and get the help you need.
In 2017, Lady Gaga revealed she has fibromyalgia–a condition that causes severe widespread pain and can greatly affect daily life. The Oscar winner has been forced to cancel tour dates as a result and detailed the chronic pain she suffers from in her Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot 2. She Tweeted “In our documentary the #chronicillness #chronicpain I deal w/ is #Fibromyalgia I wish to help raise awareness & connect people who have it.” Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies tells us, “Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can vary widely from person to person; however, some common signs may indicate that you have fibromyalgia.” Read below to find out what to know about fibromyalgia according to Dr. Mitchell—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Mitchell shares, “When I went to medical school, I do not remember my professors talking about fibromyalgia, albeit, this was almost 20 years ago. Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by widespread chronic pain and heightened pain response to pressure. Common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbance, and memory problems. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, treatments can help lessen the symptoms. A better understanding of the condition has led to improved diagnosis and treatment in recent years, but there is still much to learn about this complex condition. People with fibromyalgia often face many challenges, but they can live entire and satisfying lives with the proper support and management strategy.”
According to Dr. Mitchell, “Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, several factors may contribute to the development of the disease. These include genetic factors, physical or emotional trauma, and certain infections. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia runs in families, so there is likely a genetic component to the condition. People who have experienced physical or emotional trauma are also at increased risk for developing fibromyalgia. This may be because trauma can lead to changes in the nervous system that make a person more sensitive to pain. In addition, some infections have been linked to the development of fibromyalgia. For example, people who have had Lyme disease or viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus are more likely to develop fibromyalgia. One theory suggests that fibromyalgia results from changes in the way that pain is processed by the brain. For example, in people with fibromyalgia, it is thought that pain signals are amplified, leading to increased pain sensations. Another theory suggests that fibromyalgia may be caused by an abnormal reaction to physical or emotional stress. This theory is supported by the fact that many people with fibromyalgia report experiencing a triggering event, such as an infection, injury, or trauma.”
“Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can cause various symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties,” says Dr. Mitchell. “The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be associated with changes in the way the nervous system processes pain signals. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, treatment can help to improve symptoms and manage pain. However, the condition can still significantly impact overall health and well-being. For instance, fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, leading to other health problems. The condition can also cause anxiety and depression, further affecting the quality of life. In addition, fibromyalgia can make it difficult to stay physically active, leading to weight gain and an increased risk of other chronic conditions such as heart disease. As such, it is essential to seek treatment for fibromyalgia to maintain overall health and well-being.”
Dr. Mitchell explains, “Stress is a well-known trigger for fibromyalgia flares. When you’re under stress, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This triggers a release of hormones like cortisol, leading to pain and other symptoms. Stress can also make it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep, making your pain worse. In addition, stress can interfere with your ability to function at work or school and cause problems in your relationships. If you’re dealing with chronic stress, it’s essential to find ways to manage it. If you don’t, you may find that your fibromyalgia symptoms get worse. There are several different ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy coping mechanisms. Talk to your doctor about what might work best for you.”
Dr. Mitchell says, “When people think of chronic pain, they often think of arthritis or injuries that never seem to heal. However, chronic pain can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue. In addition to chronic pain, fibromyalgia can also cause sleep, memory, and mood problems. While the exact causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in the way the nervous system processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia is often difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test; doctors rely on a combination of symptoms and exclusion of other conditions.”
Dr. Mitchell explains, “One of the most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia is sensitivity to sound and light. This symptom is often one of the first indicators that something is wrong, as it can be very intrusive and disruptive to everyday life. For many people, even the sound of a loud door slamming can cause pain, leading to a feeling of constant vigilance and anxiety. In addition to causing physical pain, this sensitivity can also lead to problems with concentration and sleep, and fatigue. While the exact cause of this symptom is unknown, it is thought to be linked to how Fibromyalgia affects the nervous system. In particular, it is believed that oversensitive nerves may be responsible for amplifying sensations, making them more painful than they would otherwise be. Whatever the cause, this symptom can profoundly impact those who suffer from it, making it vital to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.”
Dr. Mitchell says, “When most people think of fibromyalgia, they think of widespread pain and fatigue. However, many people with fibromyalgia also experience what is known as “brain fog.” This symptom can include a range of problems, from difficulty concentrating and remembering things to brain fog caused by several factors, including sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. In some cases, brain fog may also be a side effect of certain medications. Regardless of the cause, brain fog can be a frustrating and debilitating symptom.”
“Most people are familiar with the feeling of fatigue,” Dr. Mitchell states. “It’s that sense of being tired, even after a good night’s sleep. For some people, fatigue is simply a response to a busy lifestyle or an early morning wake-up call. But for others, fatigue can be a sign of something more serious, like fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in the way the brain and nervous system process pain signals. For example, people with fibromyalgia often have other symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, memory problems, and mood swings. Fatigue is one of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms, and it can be one of the most debilitating. People with fibromyalgia may find it challenging to get through the day due to fatigue. They may have trouble concentrating on tasks and feel too tired to exercise or even socialize.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.