For many individuals, the term “disability” evokes images of an easily observable impairment that greatly limits a person’s daily activities. Few people think about the so-called “invisible disabilities” that greatly affect the lives of millions of people around the world (How Do You Define). These conditions can be just as debilitating but are often overlooked because the individual affected does not look physically ill and may not make use of traditional resources for the disabled, such as wheelchairs. One such invisible condition is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome, is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders and irregular sleep patterns (Favero et al. 1). According to the CDC, this condition affects about 2% of the adult American population, an estimated 4 million people (Fibromyalgia Arthritis). Fibromyalgia can be found in people of all ages and races around the world but is more likely to affect women and often begins in middle age (Wolfe et al. 6-9). Since the symptoms of this illness can wax and wane, a lot of the effort that is given towards fibromyalgia research focused on getting the public and medical community to acknowledge it as a legitimate condition.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but there are several theories on its origins and how to treat it. Although the consensus is that this condition is a musculoskeletal issue that occurs as a result of genetic and environmental factors, new research has begun to suggest that it may be brought on by a sudden trauma or caused by an immune or central nervous system disturbance (Fibromyalgia Community). Accounts of illnesses that hold similarity to fibromyalgia have been recorded by physicians for centuries, but the term was coined in Rheumatologist Dr. Don L. Goldenberg’s 1987 paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that summarized his writings on the symptoms of fibromyalgia he found in his patients, laboratory findings and treatments (Williamson 17). There is no definitive test that can be given to diagnose a person with fibromyalgia, so doctors rely on various methods to rule out potential diseases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends that physicians check for tender points on all four quadrants of their patients’ body that last for at least 3 months while simultaneously looking for widespread pain that is accompanied by sleep and cognitive problems (Fibromyalgia Community). Physicians make use of blood work, X-Rays and the patients' medical history to rule out other illnesses, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (Fibromyalgia).
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that has a range of symptoms that include sleep and memory problems, numbness, tingling, migraines, fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome (Williamson 11-12). Because patients with this illness deal with these debilitating symptoms every day, a person’s mental and social health is at risk. In addition to constant pain that can affect activity levels, fibromyalgia patients show a high prevalence of mood and sleep disorders that make it difficult for them to make and maintain social and work relationships (Gelonch et al. 8-11). People with Juvenile Fibromyalgia have been shown to have difficulty being active participants in their environment, which often leads to rejection and isolation from their peers that may affect their psychological development (Kashikar-Zuck et al. 476-480). As a result of this, it is crucial for patients to have a strong support system so that they can maintain a good quality of life.
Since there is no definite cause for fibromyalgia, there has been no cure. Individuals with this syndrome, therefore, use a combination of drugs and strict lifestyle decision to manage their symptoms. Several prescription medications such as Duloxetine, Milnacipran, and Lyrica have been introduced to handle fibromyalgia by targeting the neurotransmitters of the body to treat nerve pain (Fibromyalgia Community). Alternative therapies such as massages, cannabis use, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can also be used as treatment (Fibromyalgia). Regular exercise and a healthy diet consisting of mostly plants may help to prevent this illness by reducing unnecessary stress and maintaining a healthy immune system.
I also hope to bring attention to those struggling with unseen mental and physical illnesses. As a person born with a chronic condition, I often struggled with feeling isolated and misunderstood by others. Many individuals, including friends and medical professionals, would dismiss my condition as purely psychological. When someone did sympathize with me, I often found that they too were dealing with a chronic illness but were too intimidated to admit it because of the social stigma behind the word “disabled”. At the University of Redlands, I would like to bring awareness about “invisible disabilities” and help others take the necessary steps to become a fully functional and happy adult like I did.