Social Security Lawyer

Fibromyalgia

Most people have experienced feelings of full-body muscle aches and fatigue a day or two after a strenuous workout, hard physical labor, or other type of vigorous activity. Now imagine having those feelings of exhaustion and extensive pain throughout your entire body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, every day of your life. There are an estimated 12 million Americans, the majority of whom are women, who have this painful condition called Fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is related to arthritis but has its own set of potentially debilitating symptoms. In addition to the widespread pain and aches, a person suffering from Fibromyalgia may also experience:

• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep problems, such as insomnia, sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
• Pain, tightness, spasms or cramps
• Tender points in the head, shoulders, neck, chest, hips and knees
• Severe headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities
• Irritable bowel or bladder
• Incontinence
• Sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or tastes
• Stiffness
• Concentration difficulties
• Painful menstrual cramps

Causes

There are different theories as to the cause of Fibromyalgia. Some scientists believe that people with Fibromyalgia have brains and central nervous systems that are more sensitive to signals of pain. Other causes of this condition have been linked to:

• Genetics
• Physical injury
• Physical or emotional trauma
• Muscle abnormalities
• Disease or infections
• Low serotonin levels in the brain

Treatment

There is no cure at this time for Fibromyalgia. Treatment options can help the victims of this condition learn to manage their pain and help improve their sleep patterns. Effective treatment can include any combination of:

• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Counseling
• Exercise
• Healthy eating habits
• Stress reduction techniques
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic manipulations
• Massage therapy
• Support groups
• Biofeedback

Fibromyalgia can have a devastating effect on a person's quality of life. People who are unable to control the pain of this condition using one or a combination of treatment options will ultimately be unable to function in a work environment.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, are unable to provide an income for yourself or your family and need to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, please contact Kalfus & Nachman, Virginia social security lawyers. Our knowledgeable team will traverse the legal maze on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.