7 Myths About Fibromyalgia You Should Stop Believing

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Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle and soft tissue pain, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems. Although millions of people worldwide live with this diagnosis, fibromyalgia is still surrounded by myths and misconceptions. This condition is often misinterpreted, even by doctors, not to mention the family and friends of patients. In this article, we have gathered seven of the most common myths about fibromyalgia to help you better understand what the condition is and how to cope with it.

1. Fibromyalgia is not a real condition.

This is perhaps the most pervasive and damaging myth. For a long time, fibromyalgia was considered a "fictitious" condition or a symptom associated with mental health problems. However, fibromyalgia was recognized as a real condition by the World Health Organization as early as 1992. Modern research shows that people with this disease have a dysfunctional central nervous system, which causes pain signals to be amplified and perceived more intensely than in healthy people.

2. It's simply fatigue or overexertion.

Fibromyalgia is not the usual fatigue after a day at work. We're talking about chronic fatigue that doesn't go away even after a good rest. People with fibromyalgia may wake up in the morning feeling as if their body hasn't slept at all. This is due to a disruption of the deep sleep phase and constant tension in the nervous system. The fatigue can be so severe that everyday activities, such as going to the store or cleaning the house, become impossible.

3. Fibromyalgia is a disease that affects older women

Although fibromyalgia is more commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 60, the condition can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. There are cases of fibromyalgia being diagnosed in teenagers and even men, although the percentage is much lower. This bias leads to fibromyalgia being frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in men.

4. Fibromyalgia is a form of depression

Indeed, the symptoms of fibromyalgia and depression can overlap, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and low mood. However, these are different conditions. Depression is a mental illness, while fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder. Indeed, people with fibromyalgia can develop depression due to constant pain and social isolation, but fibromyalgia itself is not "just depression." These conditions require different treatment methods.

5. Fibromyalgia can be cured through exercise

Physical activity can indeed help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, especially when practiced regularly and at a low intensity, such as yoga, swimming, or walking. However, this doesn’t mean that exercise can completely cure a person of the condition. Some people experience increased pain after exercise if the activity is too intense. Therefore, it is essential to approach physical activity carefully and consider the individual characteristics of the body.

6. Fibromyalgia is a "fashionable" diagnosis

Some skeptics believe that fibromyalgia is diagnosed too frequently and without sufficient evidence. In fact, this disease is diagnosed by exclusion, after other possible causes of pain and fatigue have been ruled out. Patients often have to undergo several years of examinations before receiving a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, the claim that it is a "fashionable" disease trivializes the suffering of millions of people and prevents timely treatment.

7. You just have to accept it

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease, but that does not mean it cannot be treated. There are many methods to improve the quality of life: medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, massage, acupuncture, proper nutrition, improved sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy. The most important thing is to find an individualized treatment approach and consult with a professional. You can search for "physical therapist near me” to find an experienced and qualified specialist in your area.

The bottom line

Fibromyalgia is not a myth, nor is it a "female weakness." It is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and care. Common myths not only prevent people from getting the right help but also increase feelings of guilt and loneliness. The more we know about fibromyalgia, the better we can help those affected.