Lady Gaga has shared an insight into her life with a ‘hidden’ condition that leads to ‘intense pain,’ which has seen the superstar cancel some of her shows. After years of silently enduring fibromyalgia, with only her nearest and dearest, she eventually chose to speak publicly about her struggles a few years back.
In an interview with Vogue, Lady Gaga said: “I get so irritated with people who don’t believe fibromyalgia is real. For me, and I think for many others, it’s really a cyclone of anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and panic disorder, all of which sends the nervous system into overdrive, and then you have nerve pain as a result.
“People need to be more compassionate. Chronic pain is no joke. And it’s every day waking up not knowing how you’re going to feel.”
READ MORE: Try the Liverpool Echo Premium app and get the first month free
READ MORE: Win a £100 Aldi voucher to help with those shopping essentials
The performer has also been seen receiving treatment for the condition during the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two. During the documentary, Lady Gaga gets injections, massages and cold compressions.
She also bemoans the lack of help sufferers get if they don’t have money. This has led the singer to commit funding for more research into the condition.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and tenderness in areas of the body, often referred to as tender points or trigger points. This condition can often cause severe pain, affecting daily activities. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental and mental factors.
Although there’s currently no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms and make the condition easier to live with, the NHS says. Treatment tends to be a combination of: lifestyle changes, such as exercise programmes and relaxation techniques.
Fibromyalgia symptoms:
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary greatly from person to person but commonly include:
- Chronic pain throughout the body, often described as a constant dull ache
- Fatigue, even after sleeping for long periods or waking up feeling tired
- Cognitive difficulties, sometimes known as “fibro fog,” which can impair concentration, focus and memory
- Sleep disturbances and restless legs
- Emotional and psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety
Your stress levels, changes in the weather and how physically active you are all impact the severity of symptoms. It might sound counterproductive, but exercising has been shown to lessen the severity of fibromyalgia pain.
Staying active is combined with medicine and talking therapy when doctors are looking to treat the condition. If you think you might have fibromyalgia, you’re encouraged to get an appointment with your GP.
Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
