Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, trouble sleeping, and for many comes with the difficulty of doing normal activities. Fibromyalgia may also be worsened by certain workplace conditions and activities. If this is the case, you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. 

The American Medical Association identified fibromyalgia as a physical illness and source of disability in 1987. Symptoms include full-body pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, cognitive complications, and headaches. While fibromyalgia can affect anyone, those middle-aged and up are at a greater risk. The CDC reports, the disease also disproportionately affects women with an occurrence of nearly double the rate of men. Repetitive motions can aggravate the pain and make daily workplace tasks more difficult. 

Doctors believe fibromyalgia may be caused by injury or environment, specifically stressful experiences. Because there is no known cure, accepted treatments primarily focus on pain relief rather than eradication. While there is no definitive diagnostic test, doctors typically rely on patient history, physicals, X-rays, and blood work.

Since the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, the chronic pain condition cannot be directly traced back on-the-job contributing factors. This means injured workers must instead prove their pre-existing condition was worsened by workplace tasks. It is very important to have a good doctor and attorney to help you navigate this technicality.

If you believe you have fibromyalgia that was caused or aggravated and worsened by a workplace injury or workplace conditions, Poirier Law Firm can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, appeal a claim, or arrange for you to see a doctor that understands fibromyalgia and the toll it takes on you and your loved ones. We have experience working with this type of claim and want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.