Musicians suffering from chronic pain: you are not alone

Yesterday, the International Menopause Society (IMS) observed the International Menopause Day 2026. Their aim with this is to spread awareness and share information about different topics related to menopause. This year, they talked about chronic pain at midlife.

The NHS defines chronic pain as pain that lasts more than 12 weeks, or beyond the natural process of healing, which means that it persists even if your tissues and organs seem alright, and your tests come back normal. Chronic pain can be its own diagnosis or a symptom of something else. In both cases, there are things you can do on your own to improve your situation of cope better, and treatments that you can take with the guidance of your doctor.

Click here to see the resources that the IMS put together about chronic pain in midlife.

Living with chronic pain is very challenging, especially in stages of life like menopause, which increases the symptoms. However, it doesn't necessarily means that you must give up on music. In fact, there are many successful musicians who deal with severe chronic pain. Céline Dion, for example, has just come back to the stage after years of struggling with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscular rigidity. Lady Gaga dealt with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, for a very long time. Selena Gómez got diagnosed with lupus around 2013, and her case became so serious that she needed a kidney transplant. Missy Elliott has Graves' disease. The list goes on.

For those who don't have as many resources and medical support, technology can offer an alternative to pursue a career in music. Such is the case of Ironmouse, a singer who lives with common variable immunodeficiency. She started using a virtual avatar to perform online while being bedridden due to complications of her condition. Like that, she didn't have to choose between her recovery and her music prospects. Electronic instruments and music software are alternatives for people who lose mobility or strength due to chronic pain, too.

A massively important factor when dealing with chronic pain is community. This can come from fans, but also from fellow musicians. A few members of Time For My Music have experienced chronic pain. With the support of the group, they have come up with strategies to deal with their conditions and keep doing music in their own way. They have also found motivation and encouragement for those days when their health is really against them. For those in perimenopausal and menopausal age, the group has been a place to share information and find solace.

Millicent is an advocate for menopausal musicians. She has written extensively about the subject. You can find her resources on her website.

No matter how unique you case is, you are not alone. Get informed, reach out, and you will find a way to keep doing music. We are here to help!