On Monday, many lady gaga fans were disappointed to hear that the pop sensation will be postponing the European leg of her Joanne World Tour because of health issues. "Lady Gaga is suffering from severe physical pain that has impacted her ability to perform," reads the statement published on promoter Live Nation's website.
Recently, the pop star took to Twitter to reveal that she suffers from a debilitating disorder called Fibromyalgia.
Gaga is hoping that her forthcoming Netflix documentary, Gaga: Five Foot Two, which talks about her struggles with fibromyalgia will raise awareness about the Chronic Illness.
In our documentary the #chronicillness #chronicpain I deal w/ is #Fibromyalgia I wish to help raise awareness & connect people who have it.
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) September 12, 2017
"I wish to help raise awareness and connect people who have it. We can all share what helps/hurts," she tweeted.
While the singer first spoke about living with chronic pain back in 2013, this is the first time she has opened up about the cause.
What is fibromyalgia?
The term “fibromyalgia” is derived from Latin prefix “fibro”, which refers to fibrous tissue, while “algos” is the Greek word for pain. Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain.
Other symptoms include fatigue, dull abdominal pain, migraine, trouble sleeping, anxiety and bowel and bladder issues.
Patients suffering from FMS also experience "fibro fog" or cognitive difficulties. Fibro fog affects mental processes like the ability to concentrate or learn anything new. It can also impair speech making your words sound muddled.
Difficult to diagnose
Doctors and medical experts still don't know what causes fibromyalgia. However, it’s thought to be “related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) processes pain messages carried around the body,” explains NHS.
According to Healthline, the condition is most likely triggered by factors like prior illnesses or infection, genetic mutations, physical or emotional trauma or excessive stress.
The debilitating disorder affects an estimated 3-6% of the world population, says The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, U.S (NFMCPA).
According to NHS, fibromyalgia affects around seven times as many women as men. While it is most prevalent in women, FMS also occurs in men and children of all ethnic groups, notes NFMCPA.
There’s no cure for the chronic condition yet, but adopting certain lifestyle changes, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy and proper medication can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
