"Some days are way worse. Some days aren't. But you know what I can do? I can go! Well, my hands work! My arms work."

"My legs work, even though they are sore."

"My back works! My brain works; my heart works!"

"I'm taking breaths. My lungs work! 

"You can (just) be grateful for what you can do."  – Lady Gaga

These are the inspiring words of Lady Gaga, a patient and proud advocate for people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia (FM), according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is an autoimmune disease. It is also a chronic pain disorder that negatively affects the lives of patients. According to reports, two to six percent of the population suffers from this disease. Fibromyalgia primarily afflicts women between the ages of 30 to 50 years old.

The pop star has always been open about her battle against the chronic illness. Lady Gaga, along with other celebrities like Morgan Freeman and Sinead O’Connor, has fibromyalgia. Since they face similar situations as anyone with chronic pain disorder, patients can learn a thing or two from them. We will share those in this article.

Warning Signs of Fibromyalgia (FM)

Fibromyalgia belongs to a category of disorders of widespread chronic pain that severely affect the ligaments, muscles, and tendons. However, it does not show any visible and identifiable abnormalities in the areas it affects. 

An accurate diagnosis must come from a professional who can assess and identify the symptoms. Here are some of the leading symptoms:

• Pain deep in the muscles
• Fatigue, primarily upon waking up
• Tingling in arms and legs
• Problems with concentration and keeping attention
• Headaches
• Depression and anxiety
• Feeling tired most of the time

Understanding Fibromyalgia Pain

At least one in ten people experience some troublesome and long-term (chronic) pain. But not all of those individuals have fibromyalgia.

Those with fibromyalgia suffer from widespread chronic pain, including achiness and stiffness, musculoskeletal pains, and soft tissue tenderness in various regions across their bodies.

This type of disease affects other systems like the brain. It has a substantial impact on a person’s ability to remember things well and concentrate. People with fibromyalgia often refer to this as the “fibro fog.” It can affect their sleep patterns, emotions, and many other aspects of their everyday living.

A person with fibromyalgia feels a heightened sense of pain. Meaning a small pinprick of a needle for others can mean a shocking and electrifying experience for those with fibromyalgia. Also, any non-painful experience can bring various levels of pain and discomfort to FM patients.

What Causes Fibromyalgia in People? 

Research shows that genes may be responsible for up to 50% of an individual’s susceptibility to this condition. Also, the latest research also indicates the body’s immune system is involved too.

The medical community is still trying to learn what exactly causes fibromyalgia. However, genetics, the environment, hormonal, and neural (brain and central nervous system) factors are all believed and discovered to play a significant role in the onset of fibromyalgia. 

An online survey comprising 596 people with fibromyalgia discovered a few common causes reported by participants. Close to two-thirds of the participants could relate and recalls the start of their symptoms were due to specific incidents or events. Some said a physical injury or period of sickness. Others reported it involved surgery, or a stressful life event, or a head or neck trauma or injury. 

Many of those surveyed reported that they suffered negativity and stigma whenever they tried to explain and authenticate their symptoms to their families, professionals, and their communities

There is Always Hope for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Hope is eternal. The sooner you realize and believe there is hope, the sooner healing will come to you. Researchers are regularly conducting clinical studies to study and conquer fibromyalgia. They are finding ways to defy chronic pain, helping people deal with the disease, and reduce their symptoms in the best ways possible. 

Through exceptional people with defiance and fighting spirit to fight against overwhelming odds, anything is possible. Many people have fibromyalgia. It includes Lady Gaga and other celebrities who are raising awareness about this terrifying and painful disease. Their message is clear and loud: You are not alone. Fibromyalgia is manageable; we can conquer this disease. We can deal with fibromyalgia pain and get relief the natural way.

Dealing with Fibromyalgia

There are various ways you can deal with your fibromyalgia symptoms. Here are some helpful tips these celebrities want to impart to people:

• Know your personal limits – Know yourself and learn new ways to grow stronger.
• Work and plan everything around your limits – Manage your time and energy.
• Get enough sleep at night – To conquer chronic fatigue.
• Manage your stress – To reduce pain and avoid stressors that can trigger fibromyalgia flare-ups
• Know what triggers your pain – So you can prevent and minimize pain
• Learn relaxation techniques – Reduce stress and sleep better
• Keep on doing what you love doing – To feel energized and become active
• Get a new hobby that gives you much joy – To find happiness and relieve stress
• Join a support group that cares for people fiercely – To connect with people who understand and get professional help

These handy steps, combined with upper cervical chiropractic, can help patients manage their fibromyalgia. 

Fibromyalgia Hope and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care

There is a crucial link between a misalignment in the upper cervical spine's bones and the increase in symptoms of fibromyalgia. It has to do with the pressure and stress that the brainstem has to endure when a misalignment exists in the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) vertebra. It can lead to improper signals sent to the brain. For example, the brainstem may inform the brain that there is pain when there really is none. As a result, fibromyalgia develops.

Upper cervical chiropractors use a gentle method with their patients to help the neck bones to realign correctly. This procedure will not inflict more pain. It will encourage the bones to move into place without the need to pop or crack the neck or spine. Once corrected, patients may improve their symptoms.  

Here's proof that upper cervical care works. There was a clinical study that involved a 32-year-old patient with chronic fibromyalgia. She suffered from extreme fatigue, severe pain, and also depression. After two years of suffering from these symptoms, she decided to undergo chiropractic care. She had a subluxation (misalignment) of the atlas (C1) vertebra. After getting upper cervical chiropractic care, she shared a complete resolution of her FM symptoms.

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