Is fibromyalgia a disability?

The short answer to this question is yes. After all, fibromyalgia can cause daily pain and fatigue, but many people continue to work anyway. However, other fibromyalgia sufferers find that they aren’t able to continue working. 

For the up to 12 million Americans who have fibromyalgia, it’s fortunate that this condition can be claimed as a disability. This is helpful information for sufferers whose symptoms make it too hard to work. Doctors and physical therapists can help you figure out what is needed in order to claim fibromyalgia as a disability. 

You’ll need these four things to claim your fibromyalgia as a disability

There are many steps that you’ll need to take to officially claim that your fibromyalgia is a disability. Four of these steps are: 

1. Providing documentation of chronic pain — You will need to provide medical records and other official documentation of chronic pain. Chronic pain occurs when you’ve been experiencing pain for at least six months. People with a lot of documentation are more likely to be successful in their disability claim. 

2. Ruling out other conditions — Part of your disability claim process will include having tests to rule out conditions other than fibromyalgia. Such tests can include X-rays and lab tests. Some of the conditions that will have to be ruled out include lupus, hypothyroidism and multiple sclerosis. 

3. Getting a diagnosis from a rheumatologist — These specialists are experts at diagnosing issues with the joints, bones and muscles. For instance, rheumatologists can diagnose conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Their input can also greatly improve your chances of getting disability. 

4. Having a residual functional capacity assessment (RFCA) — An RFCA will be developed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This assessment will be designed for you specifically. It will be used to determine what level of work you are able to perform. If your RFCA rules out all jobs, then you’ll be found to be disabled. 

Is fibromyalgia forcing you to claim disability? Get help from Armor PT!

If your fibromyalgia is classified as a disability, you should consider seeking help from our team at Armor Physical Therapy. We offer free screenings that can help us learn the extent of your symptoms. Additionally, our physical therapists can build you an individualized therapy plan that can do the following: 

• Help reduce fibromyalgia pain and dysfunction.
• Assist you in returning to work. 
• Help improve your ability to be independent and perform normal daily tasks. 

Are your fibromyalgia symptoms keeping you at home? That’s OK! Our team offers services that bring the therapy to you, such as our virtual therapy and at-home care services. 

Contact us today for more information about the treatment options we offer for fibromyalgia or to schedule an initial appointment.