Fibromyalgia is generally described as musculoskeletal pain with accompanying fatigue, mood alteration, and tiredness. The following article discusses the common symptoms of fibromyalgia, how it can be caused by a motor vehicle accident, and what types of treatment are available.
Fibromyalgia is a serious medical condition
Main symptoms of fibromyalgia
Medical professionals often tell individuals suffering from fibromyalgia that their symptoms will disappear shortly after their traumatic experience. Unfortunately, this is all too often a failure to recognize the condition itself and often delays a patient’s treatment. The symptoms of fibromyalgia often appear immediately following an auto accident. An accident can also be the trigger that begins a gradual onset of fibromyalgia symptoms over a period of time. Some of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia are as follows:
- Tender Points: These are painful areas found in the soft tissues of the shoulders, chest, hips, shins, elbows, knees, neck, and back. There is usually a focal point of tenderness and the pain spreads out from that point.
- Deep Aches
- Shooting Pain
- Burning Pain
- Joint Pain
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Headaches
- Decreased Ability to Exercise
- General Fatigue
- Problems Sleeping
- Mood Alteration
If you are experiencing any of the fibromyalgia symptoms listed above, you should consult with your medical provider immediately. If diagnosed with fibromyalgia, your medical provider will often treat the condition with physical therapy, specific types of exercise geared towards the affected area, relaxation techniques, and various stress relieving activities. Medication is often used initially to decrease the extreme pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Financial ruin to victims suffering from fibromyalgia
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as a result of an accident that you believe was caused by another person’s negligence, it is important you do not accept any settlement until you have fully recovered. Insurance companies often pressure individuals to settle early on to escape paying for the full course of fibromyalgia treatment. This can cause financial ruin to victims suffering from fibromyalgia. It is important to do your research and be familiar with your legal rights and options.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.