Why is the butterfly a symbol of Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition which causes pain all over the body. Along with widespread pain those with the condition can also experience one or more of the following symptoms – extreme tiredness, increase in sensitivity to pain, difficulty sleeping, muscle stiffness, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and problems with memory and concentration, known as Fibro-fog.
It is not known what causes Fibromyalgia, but it is thought to be related to abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain and a change in the way that the Central Nervous System processes pain messages around the body via the spinal cord, brain, and nerves.
It is suggested that if your parents have the condition you may also develop it due to inheriting certain genes. A lot of cases appear to be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event such as giving birth, injury or infection, having an operation or the breakdown of a relationship or the death of a loved one to name a few.
The symptoms are like several other, more well-known conditions which mean those affected by it can often be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Fibromyalgia is known as an invisible illness. This is because it doesn’t affect the organs in the body, can’t be revealed with x-rays, blood tests and isn’t life-threatening. To other people, those affected by the condition appear to look normal as the symptoms don’t show themselves in a visual way. For those living day to day with chronic pain though, it can cause them discomfort and can be very debilitating.
The symbol most associated with Fibromyalgia is the butterfly. This was adopted as although a butterfly is light and weightless it could still cause pain if it landed on someone with the condition due to their heightened sensitivity to pain and pressure.
Previously the purple awareness ribbon was used to represent Fibromyalgia so often organisations will use a purple butterfly -- amalgamating the symbol and colour associated with the condition.
Another reason the butterfly symbol may be used is that on MRI scans the brain can appear to be the shape of a butterfly with outstretched wings.
Do you know of any other symbols which represented Fibromyalgia? Or have a special tattoo of one of these? If so leave us a comment below.
6 Responses
Rosetta Wheeler
I have my fibro ribbon outlined in purple with the butterfly in the middle with the inscription {All I want Is a cure}.
I also have a scroll with 3 butterflies.
Alexa Jordan
This was an excellent explanation. I have been reading research about hyperbaric chamber therapy and fibromyalgia (https://www.aaltohyperbaric.com/fibromyalgia-treatment/) and wondered the symbolism of the butterfly.
Allison
I recently got a tattoo of the purple ribbon wid a purple butterfly attached…to show i deal with chronic pain almost every single day.but I stay strong as I can be.also have osteoarthritis spreading throughout my joints..but I most keep going..
Amy
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the age of 33 but I have been dealing with the pain for years. I have had a spine injury and I have pinched nerves also. It started out as hip pain and pinched nerve went to ER and they said arthritis. It got so bad that I had to call 911 cuz I couldn’t walk, get out of bed, use the restroom on my own, couldn’t shower on my own, I ended up having to use a walker to walk. If my sister hadn’t of been here to help me I honestly don’t know what I would have done. I went to my doctor and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and pinched nerves. I am now trying to get on social security because I still haven’t found anything to make the pain tolerable. I pray for everyone who is having these problems.
Debbie Coker
Got tiny butterfly tattoo when I was 33. Have always loved them. Diagnosed with Fibro about 10 yrs later. After reading this, I now want to have my tattoo updated to purple😎. Yes, I was my own advocate in getting diagnosed after many specialist missed it. Some days I forget I have it, and others, I’m painfully aware. My 23 yr old daughter was recently diagnosed and is changing her diet to avoid medication. Praying I can do the same😎
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Julia hull
February 21, 2022
Diagnosed with fibro when I was 35, have gradually got and meds have increased along the years. Still able to be independent, just about but can’t see that being the case within the next 10 years. Hateful thing to live with especially when docs hardly recognise it ❤️