Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
For years, most physicians dismissed chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as an all-in-the-head problem. And most victims of CFS suffered the indignity of being told that they were hypochondriacs, and that they merely imagined their three main symptoms: (1) disabling fatigue; (2) persistent muscle and joint pain; and (3) severe problems of brain fog, irritability and depression.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are two disorders that share a number of symptoms and are thus commonly confused with one another. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain. Many people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome also report pain as one of their symptoms. Similarly, patients who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia often list fatigue as a common symptom.
Fibromyalgia Research
Up until the 1980s, fibromyalgia was largely disregarded and misdiagnosed. But today, roughly eight million Americans have been diagnosed with the condition. This number continues to grow as health care providers become better educated as to the illness and its symptoms. Today, there is a plethora of research conducted on the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods for fibromyalgia. Take a look at some of the highlights of the latest research.
Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability
More than one million people will file for benefits from the Social Security Administration this year. The bad news is, 60% who apply for benefits will be denied. The good news is, help is available to improve your odds of getting benefits, should you or a loved one become disabled. All working Americans contribute 7.65 percent from every paycheck to FICA tax. Some of that payment goes toward disability insurance coverage by the Social Security Administration. However, bureaucratic problems plaguing SSA’s Disability Insurance program prevent fair and speedy distribution of benefits to people who are eligible.
The Importance of Fibromyalgia Research
The research mission of NIAMS is broad and diverse. Progress in one area of the Institute provides important clues for research in other areas. Similarly, progress in areas supported by other NIH institutes can and does provide valuable information for disciplines. Studies on the neuroendocrine system, pain and sleep disorders, and rheumatic and autoimmune diseases all may lead to a better understanding of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and Disability
Fibromyalgia is an arthritis related condition that affects millions of Americans each year. It causes chronic pain and fatigue as well as depression, headaches, vertigo, and decreased cognitive functioning. The symptoms of fibromyalgia adversely affect the quality of life for its sufferers, and negatively impacts their ability to be competitively employed. A recent study in the US found that approximately twenty-five percent of patients who suffer from fibromyalgia are receiving disability payments.
Research on Fibromyalgia
Support of fundamental research is extremely important in fibromyalgia as well as in many disorders characterized by pain and sleep abnormalities, and many disciplines of medical research contribute to the knowledge base in understanding these symptoms. Discoveries can come from research funded in a variety of areas. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports pain research at different levels–from the gene, molecule, cell, and organ to the human organism itself.
