May 12 marked National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) started National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day several years ago to raise awareness about the disorder.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes pain and fatigue among people. Many people with the disorder suffer from “tender points” on their body, specifically in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Morning stiffness
- Headaches
- Painful menstrual periods
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Problems with thinking and memory
According to NIAMS, scientists estimate that fibromyalgia affects 5 million Americans 18 or older. NIAMS also reports that between 80 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. However, men and children also can have the disorder.
As we noted in a blog post this January, to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia from a doctor, a patient must have experienced at least three months of chronic pain. If you experience fibromyalgia symptoms and document your diagnosis, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). A person with fibromyalgia may have to show that he or she regularly requires doctor visits and he or she may have to provide the SSA with documentation.
For more information about fibromyalgia awareness, you can visit the NFA’s website by clicking here.
If you have questions about disability benefits and you have fibromyalgia, do not hesitate to contact our Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers for a free evaluation of your case. You may also reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers
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