Whilst the precise cause of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia remains unknown it is frequently triggered by a stressful or traumatic event such as a physical injury (eg a whiplash injury or a fall).

However, it can also develop from a viral infection or surgery or from psychological stressors such as stress in the workplace, a bereavement or the breakdown of a relationship. Confusingly, in some cases the condition can develop without any obvious triggering event.

Studies suggest that women are seven times more likely to develop the condition than men and that the predominant age for developing the condition is between 30 and 50 years of age. However, there are examples of children developing fibromyalgia.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. Time and time again during this process you proved you understood what I was going through and really kept me going. It’ll be strange now not speaking to you regularly. You are so reassuring and always filled me with confidence that we’d succeed. And we did! Thank you again.” MB (£235,000 received), July 2018

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Despite its cause remaining uncertain, it is now widely accepted that Fibromyalgia is one of a number of conditions which result from central sensitisation. More information on this can be found via this link. With this in mind, we have noticed that many of our clients with Fibromyalgia are also suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Entirely genuine

Fortunately, unlike in the past, Fibromyalgia is now accepted by most doctors as genuine. Research has shown that the onset of Fibromyalgia is associated with chemical, electrical, physical and functional changes in the brain. In other words, objective signs have been recognised. A number of factors are thought to be involved, including genetics.

Psychological history

Psychological issues are accepted as an important factor in all conditions involving central sensitisation and there is a clear overlap with psychiatric ‘somatisation disorders’. In particular there is an association with depression, anxiety and adverse early life events.

Whilst there is a wide spectrum, doctors believe that in a ‘typical’ case there will be a history of early life stressors (bereavement, bullying, mental, physical or sexual abuse); onset of depression or anxiety during adolescence (when it appears that the brain is becoming hard-wired) and during adolescence and early adult life, the sufferer repeatedly reports unexplained medical symptoms that become intrusive.

Frequency

The frequency of occurrence of these conditions depends on the definition but are remarkably high, with studies on the general population suggesting that up to 10% of people may suffer from them. However, the great majority of those people have mild symptoms and don’t ever seek medical help.

“My doctor diagnosed Fibromyalgia after my road accident but my last solicitors really didn’t take me seriously. I eventually contacted BLB and Bruce Dyer looked after me. Bruce really understands Fibromyalgia and got the top specialists on board. It was a fight but we won. I will always recommend Bruce and BLB.” AK (£375,000 recovered), June 2018

Blog

Keep up to date with the latest developments relating to Fibromyalgia and chronic pain more generally through our topical and regularly updated Blog.

Contact

If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or suspect that you may be suffering from it following an accident or injury, of if your current solicitor is letting you down with their lack of understanding of your condition, why not speak in complete confidence to one of our specialist Fibromyalgia Solicitors? It won’t cost you anything and you really do have everything to gain. Call us on 01225 462871 or complete the contact form at the foot of this page.