Way back in 2013, Lady Gaga revealed that she had been battling with chronic invisible pain for some time, and was trying to find ways to deal with it.
Since then, the singer has spoken out about the illness, discussed the remedies that have helped her, and why self-care is extremely important when dealing with chronic pain. However, while it was branded as “invisible pain” at the time, Gaga has revealed that she suffers from fibromyalgia.
According to Mayo Clinic, “Fibromyalgia 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.”
In the new documentary surrounding the star, Gaga: Five Foot Two, Gaga reveals everything about her life, including the illness that she struggles with. While doing press for the documentary she often talked about her struggles with chronic pain, but never mentioned her diagnosis by name. Since then, Gaga has taken to Twitter to clear things up, and hopes that by naming her illness, she will be able to encourage a discussion around fibromyalgia.
According to Mayo Clinic, “Fibromyalgia 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.”
There is currently no cure to the disorder, only symptom management.
Gaga has been posting on Instagram recently, explaining the remedies she uses to help her deal with fibromyalgia. She credits an infrared sauna sessions followed by an ice bath as one thing that she does:
“I was so overwhelmed by the empathy, confessions & personal stories of chronic pain in response to my previous post I thought what the hell. Maybe I should just share some of my personal remedies I’ve acquired over the past five years. Everyone’s body and condition is different U should consult w ure Dr. but what the heck here we go!
“When my body goes into a spasm one thing I find really helps is infrared sauna. I’ve invested in one. They come in a large box form as well as a low coffin-like form and even some like electric blankets! You can also look around your community for a infrared sauna parlor or homeopathic center that has one.
“I combine this treatment with marley silver emergency blankets (seen in the photo) that trap in the heat and are very cheap, reusable and effective for detox as well as weight loss! In order to not overheat my system and cause more inflammation i follow this with either a VERY cold bath, ice bath (if u can stand it, it’s worth it) or the most environmentally savvy way is to keep many reusable cold packs in the freezer (or frozen peas’ n carrots’!) and pack them around the body in all areas of pain.
“Hope this helps some of you, it helps me to keep doing my passion, job and the things I love even on days when I feel like I can’t get out of bed. Love you and thank you for all your positive messages.”
Fair play to Lady G for discussing chronic pain; something which is not regularly discussed, but affects a lot of people. By opening up about the condition, Gaga has created a discussion and dialogue surrounding something which is usually overlooked
Reference;http://dozebuzz.com/lady-gaga-reveals-suffering-chronic-illness-years/