{"id":4697,"date":"2021-05-31T18:20:15","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T15:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kinneretdl.co.il\/?page_id=4697"},"modified":"2023-03-16T23:23:00","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T21:23:00","slug":"chronic-pain-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kinneretdl.co.il\/en\/chronic-pain-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Pain Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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It’s Not Just in Your Head: Therapy to Help Cope With Fibromyalgia<\/h2>

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, exhaustion, digestive problems, disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue, muscle stiffness, impaired memory and concentration, and more. It affects 2-5% of the population. Most of those who suffer from it are women, who make up 80-95% of all reported cases.<\/p>

It usually takes a long time to arrive at a fibromyalgia diagnosis, and until the diagnosis is reached, those suffering from it constantly face people doubting their pain and assuming it is psychosomatic. Because there are no tests to unequivocally identify the syndrome, fibromyalgia is still diagnosed on the basis of self-reported symptoms, and medical treatment focuses solely on trying to alleviate these symptoms.<\/p>

The reasons for the onset of fibromyalgia are still unclear. Studies suggest that genetic factors increase the risk of developing the condition, as well as infections, hormonal changes, and physical or mental trauma. Many of those suffering from the syndrome report traumatic life events, such as physical or sexual abuse during childhood, which were repressed and did not receive recognition or proper treatment.<\/p>

Living with an Invisible Disease: Life after the Onset of Fibromyalgia<\/h2>

Fibromyalgia severely affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it, and it is accompanied by psychological symptoms in addition to the physical ones. Unlike diseases and syndromes that manifest externally, fibromyalgia is not visible; this makes it difficult to mediate between the internal struggle and the surrounding environment, which sees only a healthy-looking person.<\/p>

As a result, people suffering from fibromyalgia are forced to push back on claims such as \u201cit’s all in your head\u201d, and contend with doubt on the part of both their surroundings and the medical system. This only intensifies the frustration and feelings of loneliness.<\/p>

Living with the syndrome involves difficulty in daily functioning: moving from place to place, housekeeping, child care, building and maintaining a career, and maintaining relationships of every kind. This often leads to feelings of guilt, loneliness, depression, and anxiety, and can harm relationships, family, and social life.<\/p>

My patients compare life with fibromyalgia to a nonstop roller coaster ride. There is no knowing what to expect, it’s impossible to make plans, and there is no continuity or stability. <\/p>

\u201cI Lost Confidence in My Doctors and Myself \u2013 I Thought I Was Losing My Mind\u201d<\/h2>

Women I have treated have told me about their agonizing journey until the diagnosis was confirmed. Even after the diagnosis, as the knowledge that they were suffering from a chronic illness began to sink in, my patients had mixed feelings: on one hand, release and a sense of relief that the \u201cburden of proof\u201d had been removed; on the other, a sense of loss and profound grief about the \u201cverdict\u201d.<\/p>

S., 42, said: \u201cFor years I have been living my life with pain all over my body, fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. I just don’t feel well. I was sent to do test after test and they all ended the same way \u2013 with no findings to explain what was wrong. I saw doctors who dismissed me by diagnosing a mental condition and referring me to a psychiatrist. So many didn\u2019t believe I had a real physical problem. I would panic and scream, \u2018why can’t you tell me what I have?\u2019 Before I received the diagnosis, I lost confidence in my doctors and myself. I thought I was losing my mind.\u201d<\/p>

Even after the diagnosis is received and a name is put to the feelings experienced for years \u2013 life with the pain continues. Fibromyalgia sufferers now must seek the right path for them and treat the condition to allow relief from the physical and mental pain that accompanies it.<\/p>

Why Treat a Physical Problem With Therapy? Fibromyalgia and Psychotherapy<\/h2>

Therapy for those suffering from fibromyalgia will provide a toolkit to complement medical treatment. In psychotherapy aimed at coping with the syndrome we will learn, among other things:<\/p>