Fibromyalgia and Disability
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that causes those affected by it to experience chronic pain throughout the body as well as alodynia, an extreme sensitivity to pressure. Between 2-4% of Americans are estimated to suffer from fibromyalgia, with women experiencing it at significantly higher rates than men. While treatments exist to help manage symptoms arising from fibromyalgia, no cure currently exists for this unfortunate condition.
An individual who suffers from fibromyalgia may have difficulties functioning in a work environment, and therefore some fibromyalgia sufferers are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Unfortunately, the lack of any objective medical test for diagnosing fibromyalgia can mean that affected individuals may have difficulties obtaining the benefits they deserve.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is often identified by the presence of chronic, widespread pain lasting more than three months. Other common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Painful reactions or extreme sensitivity to physical pressure
- Tingling sensations on the skin
- Prolonged muscle spasms
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cognitive dysfunction, including difficulty concentrating and problems with memory
Unfortunately, the lack of a clear medical consensus surrounding the causes and diagnosis of fibromyalgia means that this can be a controversial diagnosis. However, regardless of the medical diagnosis, those afflicted with fibromyalgia may find that their condition significantly impairs their ability to function on a daily basis.
Contact Us
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or think you are affected by it, you may be eligible to receive compensation in the form of Social Security disability benefits. Contact the Philadelphia Social Security disability lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 215-238-1130 to learn more about whether you may qualify.