Nearly 10 million people in the United States are dealing with the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has identified a number of symptoms related to this illness, yet medical researchers have yet to pinpoint exactly why it occurs.
For quite some time, researchers have been looking for a biological basis for fibromyalgia, and they may have made a recent breakthrough on this front. According to a new study, people suffering from fibromyalgia tend to have a unique “pathology involving blood vessels” and nerve endings in the skin. Finding a biological or physiological cause for fibromyalgia could prove to be critical in developing better treatments.
When a person with a serious medical condition is unable to work and he or she applies for Social Security disability benefits, specific medical documentation is required. Although it’s possible to detail the severity of a person’s symptoms and receive SSD coverage, it can be a tricky process without assistance. On the other hand, progress in medical research could provide better ways to diagnose fibromyalgia, which could bolster disability claims.
Without a clear understanding of fibromyalgia, patients can suffer more. In some cases, people are essentially told that their pain isn’t real and is “all in the head.” For a person experiencing chronic pain, having concerns quickly dismissed can be emotionally damaging. However, finding a clear physical basis for the illness may allow these individuals to breathe easier.
As the medical community sorts through the results of this study and pursues additional research, it may be important to determine what options for care and support exist in the meantime.
Source: Yahoo News, “Researchers Find Possible Biological Basis for Fibromyalgia,” Vonda J. Sines, June 19, 2013
