Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is a life-altering condition that can impact your ability to work, complete daily tasks, and enjoy the quality of life you once knew. Fibromyalgia can be one of the most challenging illnesses to diagnose. It is also a complex condition to understand because it is often confused for chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune disorders. Currently, doctors use several lab tests, imaging tests, and questionnaires to determine a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. If you’re living with chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia, there’s important information to know.

What Are the Causes of Fibromyalgia?

Medical professionals haven’t pinned down the precise causes of fibromyalgia. However, this condition can likely be triggered by many different factors ranging from environmental causes to heredity. In some cases, fibromyalgia may be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event. It’s believed that severe injuries, viral infections, and underlying medical conditions can all trigger fibromyalgia. Current research points to the idea that fibromyalgia is tied to some type of dysfunction within the nervous system. Contact a fibromyalgia lawyer today if you’re living with the devastating symptoms of fibromyalgia that are making it difficult to live your life.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Fibromyalgia?

The biggest risk factor for receiving a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is age. While children and adults of all ages are thought to be affected by fibromyalgia, the risk for developing this condition increases with age. Most people are diagnosed with fibromyalgia during middle age. Some other risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

• Gender – women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia compared to men.
• Stressful life events or accidents.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Repetitive stress injuries in knees, joints, and other parts of the body.
• Obesity.
• A family history of fibromyalgia.
• A severe illness or infection.
• A history of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• A history of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

While these risk factors have been shown to contribute to fibromyalgia, no one factor has been singled out as the primary cause of this condition. Not having any risk factors for fibromyalgia doesn’t mean that a person cannot receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. In many cases, fibromyalgia can be effectively managed with the right medical treatment involving lifestyle changes, prescription medications, physical therapy, stress management, good sleep management, and behavioural therapies. If you’re seeking compensation for an accident that has triggered your fibromyalgia, contact Davie & Associates to work with a law office specializing in fibromyalgia cases.

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Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia symptoms typically develop gradually over time. The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread chronic pain. This pain typically presents as a chronic dull ache that does not go away with time. The pain is concentrated above and below the waist on both sides of the body. In addition, many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from fatigue. They may feel tired upon waking up in the morning even when they have had a full night of uninterrupted street. Cognitive difficulty is another one of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms. A person with this condition may feel that they are living with persistent brain fog that makes it difficult to focus, follow directions, and concentrate on mental tasks. Other common symptoms that often accompany widespread pain and fatigue include:

• Depression and anxiety.
• Headaches.
• Sleep problems.
• Memory or concentration issues (“fibro fog”).
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities.
• Stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues.

It’s not necessary to experience every potential symptom of fibromyalgia in order to receive a diagnosis. While pain levels may vary, most people with this condition find the pain that they experience to be debilitating. Pain levels can also vary by day.

Davie & Associates Can Help You Navigate Through a Fibromyalgia Injury Case in Alberta or British Columbia

Davie & Associates understands that your quality of life has been greatly compromised due to your fibromyalgia diagnosis. Our law firm also knows that getting access to the care you need to live your life with fibromyalgia is essential. That’s why we’ll work hard to help you seek compensation for an injury that has triggered your fibromyalgia symptoms. We approach every case with compassion, care, and attention to detail because we know that your experience is unique. Our offices in Red Deer,  Edmonton and Penticton make it easy to get the legal support you deserve as you fight for your quality of life to be restored. Don’t hesitate to reach out today to speak with a personal injury lawyer specializing in fibromyalgia cases in Alberta and British Columbia. Contact us today.

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