Fibromyalgia is a tricky disease. It can cause a variety of symptoms from chronic pain and fatigue to joint stiffness and brain fog. While some people may have mild symptoms, others can be severely affected. Patients may also have good days and bad days. Although many people with fibromyalgia can continue to work full or part time, others may find it difficult or even impossible to continue to perform their jobs.
One of the symptoms that can make work challenging has to do with fibromyalgia’s impact on the brain, particularly where memory is concerned. In studies, both short and long-term memory failure has been reported by those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Research shows that fibromyalgia sufferers do show signs of cognitive functioning problems when tested compared to non-sufferers. During testing, fibromyalgia patients tend to have more difficulty remembering a series of words than others, and in general, perform poorly on other memory skills compared to non-sufferers. In fact, researchers are discovering that fibromyalgia patients tend to test at age levels some twenty years more than their actual age. These issues with memory can put workers at particular risk on the job.
Although it’s still unknown what causes these cognitive problems, some experts suggest that it’s due to poor sleep quality caused by chronic pain. While working with chronic pain is an issue all its own, the cognitive abilities of an individual are often essential to performing a job safely and effectively. In addition, workers who are in constant pain and lacking sleep may be more susceptible to making errors that put others at risk, as well as putting the patient in harm’s way. Being distracted and unable to remember important information can certainly be a hazard in the workplace for the worker as well as their fellow employees.
If fibromyalgia is making work unsafe or impossible, you may qualify for disability benefits such as Social Security Disability or Long Term Disability (if you have a policy!). Fibromyalgia as a disability requires a formal diagnosis, which is also necessary for proper treatment. Whether you’re on the job or not, it’s important to work carefully with your doctor in order to manage chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Getting proper rest and reducing stress can also reduce the symptoms that accompany this condition.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia and would like to learn more about whether you may qualify for disability benefits, contact our experienced legal team by calling toll free at 888-799-3918 or by using the online contact form on our website for a free consultation.