It’s not all in your head. Fibromyalgia is a very real and debilitating condition that affects more than 4 million people in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain and can also experience muscle stiffness, sleep disturbances and fatigue, depression and anxiety, and headaches. Additionally, gender may play a role in the type of person most commonly affected by fibromyalgia.
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the condition prevents you from working, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Get in touch with POAG Disability Law for a free consultation or assistance applying for benefits.
Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Certain conditions are more prevalent in certain groups, and many people wonder whether fibromyalgia affects more men or women. Scientific studies and data reveal that this particular condition is more common in women than men in a proportion of 9:1.
The impact of fibromyalgia can be difficult to handle no matter who you are. While it’s widely known in the medical community that fibromyalgia and chronic pain affects more women than men, gender stereotypes and stigma around pain thresholds and pain management may cause some men with diagnosable fibromyalgia to suffer in silence, thus skewing these numbers.
In fact, an article published by the Mayo Clinic showed that the discrepancy between the number of people reporting fibromyalgia symptoms and the number of people diagnosed with the condition was greatest among men. Additionally, other risk factors for fibromyalgia include:
- Stressful or traumatic events
- Repetitive injuries
- Illnesses, such as viral infections
- Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Family history
- Obesity
The Importance of a Diagnosis
We know how difficult it can be to experience chronic pain, but know that you don’t have to suffer without help. While fibromyalgia is not curable, there are effective treatments to help you manage symptoms. Plus, disability insurance exists so that you don’t have to choose between going to work in pain and not getting the paycheck you need to support yourself and your family.
If you are experiencing chronic pain that prevents you from working, we urge you to seek medical treatment right away. You may be entitled to disability benefits, but in order to qualify, you must:
- Have a doctor diagnose you with the condition using lab tests or x-rays.
- Show the condition causes you severe impairment.
- Show that the symptoms you experience interfere with work-related activities.
Unfortunately, disability claims involving fibromyalgia claims are commonly unfairly denied. If you are not approved, you may be able to file an appeal with the help of a disability attorney by your side.
Helping You Pursue SSD Benefits
Fibromyalgia can have a detrimental effect on your social, work, and home life. Please know that you may qualify for SSD benefits if you are in a position where this condition prevents you from getting back to work or performing your job duties.
At Poag Disability Law, our Evansville disability lawyers are committed to helping real people obtain the benefits necessary to get the care and financial support they need. For assistance pursuing your rightful benefits, get in touch with our legal team today!
