Let's talk about fibromalgia: we discover that invisible veil that still hides it

May 12 was the international day of fibromyalgia, and we take this opportunity to clarify this disease and to give the right visibility that this pathology deserves, promoting greater awareness between all of us.

This is because fibromyalgia belongs to that group of diseases that have remained invisible for too long.

Invisible because it is not correctly recognized by the national health system and, on the contrary, there are many doctors who do not know it or even deny their existence.

As a result, even on a social and medical level, patients are often neither believed nor helped.

They are abandoned by health and state, which should guarantee the well -being of all*.

This is not possible, however, without knowing what fibromyalgia actually is and on what points it is important to intervene from health.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pathology of the central nervous system that manifests itself, above all, through the onset of widespread muscle and joint pains, often accompanied by irritable colon syndrome, tiredness, anxiety and depression, difficulty in concentrating, sleep and sexual disorders .

This disease affects about 2-4% of the population (in Italy there are 2 million people affected) and mainly affects women, with a prevalence that varies between 70-90% of the total cases. 

It is then associated with other disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome or attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (ADHD).

The cause of fibromyalgia is not yet completely known, but it is thought that there is an interaction between different genetic, environmental and psychological factors, with an interest mainly on a nervous level at the base.

It is believed, in fact, that it is a manifestation of a neurological disorder that involves the perception of pain in the brain level, which means that normally non -painful stimuli are interpreted as pain.

Widespread pain is often accompanied by trigger points, called tender points, or more pressure sensitivity points, but these are not always present.

In addition, some risk factors, such as stress, physical inactivity and some sleep disorders, may increase the probability of developing this pathology. 

Fibromyalgia, as, unfortunately, other pathologies, does not have a specific and definitive cure, but there are different therapeutic strategies to improve the symptoms and quality of life of and patients.

Among these are drug therapy, with painkillers, antidepressants, anti -epileptic and myorilaxants, and non -pharmacological therapy, with targeted physical exercises, physiotherapy, employment therapy and psychological support, the latter above all to manage more effectively tiredness and improve sleep .

In addition, healthy lifestyles can reduce the impact of fibromyalgia: avoiding, for example, foods and drinks that can irritate the intestine, exercising in a constant and moderate way (light physical exercises, such as swimming or walking) to improve the Posture, mobility, muscle tone and muscle rigidity. By inserting, within the days, relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, there was a general improvement in the health and mood of people with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia, however, is not just a series of symptoms: the impact that causes the lives of individual people does not limit itself to this.

It is important, in fact, to emphasize that fibromyalgia is not an imaginary or psychological disease, indeed, it is often underestimated or denied by doctors, as the latter, since the symptoms not visible or easily measurable through laboratory tests, attach pains Refined as fruits of imagination, thus speaking of mental pathologies, especially in the event that the patient is a woman.

The symptomatology of this pathology, being unclear and recognizable, can then be easily confused with other pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

For this reason, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia can take a long time and many medical visits, with consequent frustration for those who are sliced*.

It is, therefore, a real pathology that can cause serious limitations in daily life, making it difficult for many things that those who are not sliced* take them for granted in their lives.

The raising awareness of public opinion and health professionals is, therefore, fundamental to guarantee first of all to and patients with this disease, in secundis an early diagnosis and adequate treatment of fibromyalgia.

Not so much to talk about the disease itself, as of the treatment reserved for all people who suffer from all those invisible pathologies that do not fall into the Lea, that is, the essential levels of assistance.

And for this type of pathologies, the state does not offer any exemption, becoming total borne by individual affected people.

It is not even considered an invalidating disease, although it is all right, and for this reason sufficient search is not carried out to develop a therapy or pharmaceutical companies invest enough to develop an ad hoc drug for fibromyalgia.

The benefits of the therapies, in fact, often are minor compared to what is hypothesized and communicated to the patients and the costs remain very high, ending, however, all borne by the sick person and not of the state.

And these are not therapies that everyone can afford: how many people must continue to suffer because they do not have the opportunity to cure themselves due to a little careful state?

Like all women with vulvodynia and/or other disabling diseases, people with fibromyalgia are for the state in all respects of the Serie B patients.

The state must recognize this disease as soon as possible as an invalidating and guarantee the possibility of taking care and being able to stop suffering.

It is therefore important to speak of fibromyalgia, because it is a pathology that affects a large number of people all over the world and that has a significant impact on their quality of life.

In addition, fibromyalgia is a pathology still little understood and very underestimated, due to the lack of knowledge between the population and stigma that surrounds the ailments that are not easily diagnosed or visible externally.

There are many people who feel, in fact, stigmatized, isolated and not understood, and, often, encounter difficulties in finding the right medical and social support in relationships with others. 

Knowing the disease therefore means being able to live a dignified life, not to suffer it, not feel guilty if you feel indisposed. It helps to understand it better and makes access to resources easier to manage it, making it possible to diagnose early and more effective treatment.

This is why it is so important that fibromyalgia will actively become part of the public and political debate and a correct awareness and education has been made.

Talking about fibromyalgia, in fact, helps to raise public awareness and overcome stereotypes and false myths about the disease, highlighting its complexity and different facets that characterize it. 

In addition, it can help to break the prejudices related to all types of invisible chronic disorders, promoting greater understanding and solidarity, better adapting the surrounding world to make it more inclusive for all. 

In this way, you can help improve the quality of life of patients and their ability to manage pathology successfully.

By sensitizing people on fibromyalgia, it can also be helped to promote research on disease, increase interest and training on this by public and private health, leading to a greater understanding of the causes and mechanisms underlying the disease and favoring it Development of new targeted and effective treatments and therapies for people who suffer from it.    

Although tables for the recognition of the disease in some regions have been active for several years, the past time without any solution has lasted too long for those suffering from this pathology.

And it cannot continue like this.

Lorenzo Ciol