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Fibromyalgia Overview
Fibromyalgia, sometimes abbreviated to FMS, is a chronic pain condition associated with increased pain perception. Researchers are not sure what the exact biological cause of fibromyalgia is, but they have theorized that the condition may cause painful sensations by amplifying the way the brain processes pain.
Fibromyalgia can be a contentious issue in disability insurance claims, however, because while it can be significantly debilitating the symptoms are largely self-reported.
FMS Symptoms
The most notable side effects of fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue. Pain is often described as a dull ache and is widespread, meaning it occurs on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist.
Fatigue is also common with fibromyalgia. Because sleep is disrupted by pain symptoms, patients can find themselves fatigued despite spending a long time in bed. Additionally, fibromyalgia may be associated with sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea.
Another notable symptom of fibromyalgia is cognitive difficulties common referred to as the “fibro fog”. Patients report being unable to focus for a long period of time, fleeting attention, and difficulties concentrating on tasks.
Fibromyalgia Causes
Doctors are unsure what the exact cause of fibromyalgia is, but they have theorized that symptoms may begin after a triggering event such as a physical trauma, infection, surgery, or psychological stress and trauma. However, this is not a uniform rule. In some cases, fibromyalgia may develop gradually or may occur due to a family history of the condition.
Anyone can get fibromyalgia, but women are twice as likely to develop the condition than men. Other at risk groups include middle aged individuals, people with a family history, and people with certain autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
Unfortunately, there is not a known cure of fibromyalgia. Instead, doctors focus on pain and symptom management.
Some medications, both prescription and over the counter versions, may help manage fibromyalgia pain. Physical exercise and muscle strengthening may also be recommended to help maintain general health and avoid complications.
For pregnant women, there may be risks attached to medications for fibromyalgia treatment, especially with gabapentin.
Fibromyalgia can be hard on a patient’s mental health, so management of anxiety and depression is usually included in treatment plans. This may take the form of medications, stress management techniques, and individual talk therapy.
FMS Complications
People with fibromyalgia may experience other conditions as a result of the pain syndrome. These may include tension headaches, TMJ disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression.
Having fibromyalgia may also increase the risk of developing other rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Fibromyalgia Insurance Lawsuits
In some cases, fibromyalgia symptoms may be so severe that they interfere with an individual’s ability to work. These individuals may decide to pursue disability insurance to supplement the income they’ve lost due to being unable to work.
Although some patients are able to get fibromyalgia disability insurance, insurance companies like Unum may fight patients when they attempt to get benefits. Because fibromyalgia is such a complex illness with no confirmation test, and symptoms are mostly self-reported, insurers may try to exclude the condition from coverage. If this is the case, patients may be able to enlist the help of a qualified disability insurance attorney so that they can recover the compensation they are owed.
One thought on What Is Fibromyalgia?
I have fibromyligia and was diagnosed in 2015. I was treated in Maine for 4yrs until I moved to VA in 2019. Now I’ve been told that Drs give that diagnosed because they can’t figure out whats wrong with me. I was in server pain and went to the er. The dr was so rude and scold me. Told me that a er isn’t a place for getting a diagnoses. And wouldn’t help me with pain. I told take pain meds and don’t want to. And never had any kind of drug abuse. I keep getting passed from dr to dr. And no dr will help me manage my health. Also. I have a budging disc, pinched nerve, one of my vertebra is protruding. I have degenerative disc disease, arthritis multiple buldging disc in my spine. Yet they say my pain is mental health. I have ptsd, anxiety. I just want some someone to help me figure what I need to do to manage my pain.