Fibromialgia e dor: um estudo de caso sobre mal-estar no trabalho e adoecimento

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic syndrome that affects about 2% of the Brazilian population, with 90% of female patients. The main symptoms are chronic widespread pain, depression, despondency and deep fatigue, causing social and emotional difficulties in everyday life. Objective: This study aimed to understand and interpret meanings that women with fibromyalgia attach to bodily therapeutic practices held in the Extension Project: Multidisciplinary Treatment for Patients with Fibromyalgia, at Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ). All women were diagnosed in public and private outpatient clinics and then voluntarily enrolled in the free treatment. Our main study hypothesis seeks to relate the illness of these women with the social work regime, which increases the suffering and therefore causes the somatization of the generated malaise. Methods: This is a socio-anthropological study with ethnographic field in which bodily practices were weekly observed in the years 2009-2010. Photographs were also taken and in-depth interviews with all women who regularly participated in the bodily practices. Similarly, interviews were conducted by Internet and telephone with women diagnosed with fibromyalgia in several Brazilian cities. Results: It was possible to understand that being in a place where they can relate to others with the same signs and symptoms and who share similar situations of suffering contributes to building a group identity based on care and hospitality. So they collectively build values of body care and health. Conclusion: Frequent participation in care improves the quality of life and vitality of women with fibromyalgia, contributing to the promotion of health not only in their physical and organic dimension, but in their socio-affective totality.