Pain in fibromyalgia: perception among women

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread and persistent musculoskeletal pain, significantly affecting the quality of life of women living with this disorder. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of pain among women diagnosed with fibromyalgia, investigating the physical, emotional, and social challenges they face, as well as the coping strategies they employ. The research adopts a qualitative approach, exploring how patients manage the disease and its impacts on their quality of life, relationships, and daily activities. The results indicate that the chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia significantly limits participants' routines, affecting domestic responsibilities, sexual health, self-care practices, work performance, leisure activities, and overall lifestyle. Frustration and feelings of isolation arise from the difficulty of performing simple tasks. The chronic and invisible nature of the pain contributes to a lack of understanding from family members and healthcare professionals, worsening emotional impact and intensifying social stigma. The study concludes that multidisciplinary interventions addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of fibromyalgia are necessary to improve patients' quality of life.