For people in West Virginia struggling with fibromyalgia, the consequences and symptoms can be severe and disabling. The disorder can cause muscular and skeletal pain throughout the body and is often accompanied by other symptoms, including memory problems, sleep issues, fatigue and mood changes. While fibromyalgia is still poorly understood in many ways, researchers believe that the condition amplifies pain because it changes the way the brain processes signals associated with pain.
The disorder often has an onset after trauma of some kind, including physical injury, surgery, infection or major psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms accumulate over time and there is no clear triggering occasion. The condition is more common among women than men and is associated with other disorders, including depression, irritable bowel syndrome and tension headaches. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia; although, medications could mitigate symptoms in some cases.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can include ongoing pain throughout the body, often described as a constant dull ache. The pain generally occurs on both sides of the body, above and below the waist. In addition, people with this disorder wake up tired despite sleeping for long hours. People may also experience cognitive difficulties, including a lack of focus, attention and concentration. The disorder can severely impact one’s ability to work. In fact, fibromyalgia sufferers may be so disabled that they can no longer work at all.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that can help to cover basic needs for people who can’t work due to medical conditions. People must meet work history requirements to apply for SSDI and show that they are disabled. However, the process can be confusing, and many applicants are denied at the first level of review. A disability lawyer could help a client apply for SSDI and appeal a denial of benefits.