Chronic Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Management

Cognitive Symptoms in Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Impact on Mental Functioning

Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the hallmark of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain, many individuals also experience significant cognitive symptoms. These cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog,” can interfere with daily activities, work, and social interactions. This article explores the various cognitive symptoms in fibromyalgia, their underlying causes, and strategies for managing these challenges to improve quality of life. What Are Cognitive Symptoms in…

by Dr Alex Robber•10/02/202508/23/2025•0

Respiratory Symptoms in Fibromyalgia: Understanding and Managing the Breathlessness Connection

Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that predominantly affects the musculoskeletal system, causing widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness. However, fibromyalgia’s impact extends beyond the muscles and joints, often influencing various bodily systems, including the respiratory system. While respiratory symptoms are not always the most talked about in fibromyalgia, they can significantly affect quality of life. Breathlessness, chest tightness, and altered breathing patterns are some of the issues that individuals with fibromyalgia may experience. Understanding these…

by Dr Alex Robber•10/01/202508/23/2025•0

Lady Gaga: Battling Fibromyalgia While Performing

Introduction Lady Gaga, one of the most influential pop stars of her generation, has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals, electrifying performances, and fearless artistry. However, behind the glitz and glamour, she has faced a challenging battle with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder that affects millions worldwide. In this article, we explore Lady Gaga’s fibromyalgia diagnosis, the struggles she has faced while performing, and the treatments she has used to manage her symptoms. Lady Gaga’s…

by Dr Alex Robber•09/29/202508/23/2025•0

The Power of Celebrity Advocacy for Invisible Illness: Changing Perceptions in 2025

Invisible illnesses—conditions that significantly impair daily life but show no outward signs—affect millions of people across the globe. These include fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, and many others. Yet, despite their prevalence and severity, they remain among the most misunderstood medical conditions. The challenges of living with invisible illnesses go beyond physical symptoms; they involve emotional strain, social stigma, and systemic neglect. In recent years, one of the most impactful shifts in…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0

Public Figures Pushing for Fibromyalgia Research Funding: A 2025 Advocacy Update

Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances, affects millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, research funding has historically been limited, leading to gaps in understanding and treatment. In recent years, public figures have stepped forward to advocate for increased research funding, bringing much-needed attention to this often misunderstood illness. The Role of Celebrity Advocacy Celebrities sharing their personal experiences with fibromyalgia have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and advocating…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0

Living with Multiple Diagnoses: FM, EDS, MCAS, and Lyme – A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Overlapping Chronic Conditions

Managing one chronic illness is challenging enough. But for many individuals, the reality includes multiple diagnoses that interact in complex, unpredictable, and often debilitating ways. Among the most common co-occurring conditions are fibromyalgia (FM), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and chronic Lyme disease. Each of these disorders comes with its own symptoms, treatment strategies, and frustrations, but when they overlap, patients often feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, and under-supported. In 2025, more patients and…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0

Can Fibromyalgia Lead to Other Chronic Conditions? Exploring the Long-Term Health Impact

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is most commonly associated with widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. While it is not considered life-threatening, growing research suggests that fibromyalgia may be more than a standalone syndrome. Patients often ask, can fibromyalgia lead to other chronic conditions? The answer, grounded in emerging science and clinical observation, points to a concerning yet manageable possibility. Understanding how fibromyalgia interacts with and…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0

Talking to Your Employer About Chronic Pain: A Practical Guide for Workplace Communication

Chronic pain affects millions of people and can significantly impact productivity, attendance, and overall workplace satisfaction. For individuals living with long-term pain from conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or back disorders, balancing health and work responsibilities requires more than medication and resilience—it also demands honest, strategic communication with employers. Discussing chronic pain at work is not easy. It involves sensitive topics, possible stigma, and concerns about how your disclosure might affect your job security or future…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0

Using Social Media for Advocacy: A Fibromyalgia Perspective on Raising Awareness and Building Community

Living with fibromyalgia often means coping with constant pain, fatigue, and cognitive challenges. But beyond the physical symptoms lies an even more frustrating reality—lack of awareness, misunderstanding, and social stigma. In this landscape, social media has emerged as a vital tool for fibromyalgia advocacy. It empowers individuals to speak up, educate, and create connections that challenge the status quo. For many, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter have become more than places for casual…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0

How to Track Your Symptoms and Flares Like a Pro: A Smart Strategy for Managing Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis means dealing with symptoms that can change daily, sometimes even hourly. Pain levels fluctuate, fatigue intensifies, brain fog can appear without warning, and emotional well-being is often affected. These variations make it difficult to identify what triggers flare-ups and what truly helps. That’s where symptom tracking comes in—a proactive and powerful tool that helps you take control of your health. Learning…

by chronicillness•09/28/202509/28/2025•0